Special guests in our BSF classes; Oct 14-15, 2013

What an honor and a delight!  After spending three amazing days at the BSF Leaders Retreat in Singapore, we had the special privilege of having several staff members from BSF headquarters and the BSF Board of Directors visit the Bangkok classes.

Our distinguished guests included Susie Rowan (Executive Director of BSF) and her husband Roger Rowan, Melinda Burnette (Director of Training), Anthony Tan (Board of Directors) and his wife Shirley Tan, and Susanne Sloan (Board of Directors) and her husband Sam Sloan.

Their visit to each of the three Bangkok BSF classes was an enormous encouragement to leaders and class members alike. Susie took the opportunity to speak briefly to each of the classes…and our class members loved it!

Gary & Claudia Walthall

GA’s serving in Bangkok, Thailand

Susie Rowan (BSF exec Director) speaking to the Evening Men's class in Bangkok 

Susie Rowan sitting in a one of the men's discussion group

BSF Leaders Retreat in Singapore; 11-13 Oct, 2013

 There’s just nothing like attending a BSF Leaders Retreat!  They only come around every 3 years. The last one we attended was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  

On October 11-13, forty-one leaders from the three Bangkok classes attended the Asia BSF Leaders Retreat in Singapore. Many of our leaders were attending their first BSF Retreat. I think all of us would agree that being in the presence of the 2,800+ BSF leaders from the Asian classes was a powerful and overwhelming experience!

The teaching and the training were powerful and life-changing. The singing was worshipful and spirit-led. The food and the fellowship were warm and filling! Bonds were developed, lives were changed and precious memories were made. To God be the glory…great things He has done!

We hope you will enjoy seeing a couple of pictures from the retreat.  Thank you so much for your continued interest in the work God is doing in Bangkok, Thailand.

God is Good….All the time!

Gary & Claudia Walthall

Claudia's Leaders (above) dressed in Traditional Thai dress

Gary's leaders (above)

Gary & Claudia 

Thankful for the "small things"

Our Evening Men class in Bangkok has always had a struggling School Program. But, this year, it has been exceptionally difficult to get the students to come to class. While in previous years our numbers were small, this year the “new norm” unfortunately has been zero students for several weeks with an intermingling of 1 to 2 students. We continue to pray that the Lord will convince men in our class to bring their students.

However, last Monday night (21 Oct), we were excited to have three students come! For us, it was a real victory.  Praise be to God!  One of the students was a young girl who was attending BSF for the first time. I can only imagine that she was fearful of being the only student, or at least that she might be the only girl. However, by God’s grace and plan, there was another girl (14 year old) who also came. Praise God for his perfect timing and provision!

In addition to the three students, God also reminded me of His faithfulness to bless the work done in and thru our School Program. Two young men who recently graduated from our School Program, are now attending our adult class! Both of them understand the importance of continuing their Bible study in the men’s class.  As an extra bonus…one of the young men is a gifted piano player and he plays the piano for us as well. What a blessing!

Sometimes I get caught up in the numbers, but God gently reminds me of the greatness and wonder of how He works… even in the small things.

Just thought you might want to know.

Blessings from Bangkok, Thailand

Gary

P.S.

Please continue to pray with us for the success and growth in our School Program.

New Life

New life of any kind should be celebrated, because all life is from God.  But, I am especially excited because this new life is in a 40 year old Thai man who has been in the BSF Bangkok Men’s class for about 2 years.

After lecture tonight (21 Oct), this Thai class member shared with me that he had been baptized last weekend while in Hong Kong! He said that since coming to BSF, he had come to know Christ through the study of God’s word.

He was enthusiastic as he told me about his baptism and was genuinely appreciative of  BSF where God had brought him to faith. Because he is the only Christian in his family, he was pleased to share such good news with me and others at BSF.  

One of the greatest joys of teaching God’s Word is in seeing God change lives. This is just one example of how God is working in Bangkok.

Praise God for the fruit of new life from the study of His Word! 

Thank you for your continued prayer support.

Gary

Chiangmai trip & Class update

NOVEMBER. was a great month for us. As part of the training of our STL‘s (Substitute teaching leaders) we schedule them to teach a few weeks during the year.  And so, Claudia & I had our STL’s take over our classes for the week of  12/13 November. They led the leaders meeting and did the teaching as well.  In meantime, Claudia & I went to Chiangmai for a little rest & relaxation. It was our first time to visit Chiangmai, which is a northern city in Thailanad - about an hour flight from Bangkok. Generally when we have  some free time we usually opt to go south to the beach, but we finally broke out of our rut or normal routine.

The best day we had in Chiangmai was traveling about an hour north of Chiangmai by car to Maetaman Elephant reserve.  We started the day floating down the swift current of the river on a rather flimsy  bamboo raft (our feet did get a little wet). Then on to an elephant show with elephants doing tricks and actually painting on canvases like artists. If that was not enough, we rode on an ox driven cart to a small village and then hitched a ride back on an elephant. But, before we returned to the main camp, the elephant we were riding on took a cool & leisurely stroll in the river itself.  That was awesome! Oh, and there was lunch time in between all that fun. It was a great day.  I am posting a picture of Claudia & I on the elephant and our bamboo rafting trip.

meandering down the river on a bamboo raft

An elephant strolling in the river with her baby

our first night in Chiangmai we went to an outdoor Dinner & Cultural dance 

(they did the all the dancing, not us!)

Back to business...

However, it’s not all play and no work.  We are so pleased with what God is doing in our BSF classes here in Bangkok.

The Bangkok Day Women’s class, it is a vibrant group of almost 100 registered women. Although life in Bangkok can be unpredictable, the average weekly attendance of 60-70 women is remarkably consistent. God continues to draw women from all parts of the world to attend this class…giving it an international flare. God proves His faithfulness every week as He helps prayerful, committed class members overcome language issues, cultural differences, age and denominational diversity as we study the Word of God together.

God has recently answered our prayers for a new Children’s Supervisor and one new Children’s Leader. Please pray with us that God will provide three additional children’s leaders and an Assistant Children’s Supervisor… enabling us to reopen our Preschool Program in January 2013.

As to the evening men’s class, God has been bringing more new men our way.  In just the month of November, we have added 10 new men!  We continue to pray the Lord will add to our numbers so that we can grow the class for a long term future. Currently, the men’s class has about 60+ men registered class members. Please help us pray that God will continue to draw new men to us & for 1 more Group leader. Also, we must also give praise to God who has recently brought us 2 new leaders; a new group leader and a new Assistant Class Administrator.

What can I say, but God is good to us to grant us the blessing to live in this beautiful land of Thailand and also to give us the privilege of serving & teaching his word to the men and women of Bangkok. God is good indeed!

BSF Men's Luncheon

The BSF men's class is well underway in the study of Genesis. We are already in week 14 of 32 total weeks.  Genesis is definitely my favorite study that BSF offers. 

The men's class has 3 discussion groups & we have about 40 men attending each week. However, in an effort to boost our numbers we decided to host a luncheon for our class members to bring a friend. The event was Nov. 24 (Saturday) at the Sheraton Grande Hotel. One of our class members (who has been truly transformed since coming to BSF over 2 1/2 years ago) graciously proposed & generously sponsored the whole luncheon at his expense. I love how God provides and uses special people like this class member to do His work.

 

We had almost 20 class members bring 20 new men to our luncheon.  The response was better than we had expected. Praise God!  Now, that they've had the free lunch, the hard part will be to get them to actually come to class on Monday night.  We are praying that all of these men will come & SEE what Bible study is like with BSF.

Just thought you'd want to know what's happening in Bangkok. God is Good...All the time!

Genesis 15:1 ".... I am your shield, your very great reward"

Happy Chinese (Lunar) News Years!

Happy Chinese (Lunar) new year!
In this part of the world, Chinese news year is a big deal. While, in Thailand, it is not a national holiday, the holiday is still celebrated with great fan fare. Since moving to Thailand, I am amazed at the Chinese influence in, not only Thailand, but in all of Southeast Asia. Whether they are from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand or other nearby countries, most will say they have Chinese ancestry. And, even if you are not part Chinese, most will celebrate the festive Chinese New Year. Apparently, this is the year of the dragon which one of the 12 yearly symbols.

 We just wanted to share with you some pictures from Monday (23 January) as we celebrated the Chinese New Year with some of our dear friends (most of whom are BSF'ers).

The above picture is of the ladies that attended the Chinese luncheon at the Shangrala Hotel in Bangkok (from left to left to right)

Doreen (BKK Day Women's class Class Admin), Jessica (not in BSF but is our landlord and good friend), Candi (BKK Day Women's class Substitute TL, Claudia (BKK Day Women TL), Charlene (Dehli, India Evening Women's class serving as Assistant Class Admin) & Dorothy (BKK Evening women's class member)

And, here are the men that attended the Chinese luncheon (from left to right)

Mark (BKK Evening men's class Class Admin), Lay Tee (not currently in BSF, but is our landlord and just so fun to be around), Gary (BKK Evening Men's class TL), Mike (use to be by STL in BKK, but is now in Dehli, India serving as Substitute TL) & Howard (BKK EM STL & host for our luncheon)

We are thankful the Lord has brought us to Thailand & we are enjoying serving the Lord here!
thank you for your interest & your prayers

Gary & Claudia Walthall
Serving in Bangkok, Thailand with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)

Bangkok Evening men class; Good news, Bad news

Good news: I wanted to show 2 pictures of our discussion groups right before the Christmas break. One group is rather large with 17 men going over their daily questions. Each group is led by a discussion group leader which facilitates the group discussion. I just love this picture because it shows men who are interested enough to pull away from their busy lives and come on Monday night to study God's word.


Bad news: Each discussion group should not have more than 15 men in each group so that the discussion can be more meaningful and manageable. This night, I had to combine 2 different groups into one because I lack enough group leaders to lead.

Prayer request: bottom line...I need at least 1 more group leader (possibly 2). Pray with me that God will prepare the hearts of one on my class members to step up to the challenge of being a group leader.

Good news: we have a school program! Currently, we have level 5 open which includes students from 13-18 years of age. On opening day of our class for ACTS, we had 5 students come. Now, we are down to 2 students. However, both of these young men are Thai and one needs help with English. The good news is my children's leader is a Thai and can help translate. Both of the Thai students are very faithful in attending. I am so thankful for the 3 leaders we have in our school program. They are faithful and see the importance of their work in the school program.

Bad news: Back in November, my 2nd children's leader abruptly left so that I only have one children's leader. Our requirement is that we have 2 CL's per class. The the other bad news is we only have 2 students.

Prayer request: We NEED 1 more CL and we need more students. Pray the Lord will prepare the heart of another man to take on such an important role of teaching these students. Also, pray the men of the class will see the great value of bringing their school aged students to class with them on Monday nights. Also, pray for my current leaders to faithfully continue to serve and not be discouraged by such small numbers of students.

thank you for your interest in our class. We value your interest & prayers

Gary

a morning walk to the Park

A morning walk to the Park; Street vendors, exercise & lizards... (Jan 11)

One of the benefits of living where we do, there is a great nearby park; just about a 10 minute walk. Of course, ANY day in Thailand is going to be warm, but today was cooler than normal because it was cloudy. So, this morning (Wednesday) Claudia & I walked down to Lumpini Park (pronounced; "Loom-P-Nee") to walk & run. The Thai people, especially older Thai's, love to go the Park early and exercise before it gets too hot. Some will walk or run, but others like to do Tai Chi in groups (sometimes with fans, or swords; yes, I said swords!)



However, on our way to the Park, we walked through a small & crowded pathway of street "food vendors." This is a common occurrence around the city everyday. Either for breakfast, lunch or dinner, most Thai's pick up food to go or they'll eat at some small tables set up on the sidewalk. While this is a normal occurrence for the nationals, Claudia & I generally do not eat on street.




And, lastly, most times at the park it would be hard to miss the rather large lizards that occasionally come out of the water and rest on the bank. They appear to be harmless but they can get quite big (some up to 5-6') a just a little intimidating. Here's a pic of a small lizard near the water. No one seems bothered by them being around, so we just act like it's "normal" to have what appears to be man eating lizards hanging around (just kidding about 'man eating'). As for as we know... we can out run them!


Anyway, thought you might be interested in a few things that happened this morning.

Gary & Claudia Walthall
enjoying Thailand and what God has called us to do through BSF

Persecution

Persecution of Christians are generally something we only hear about happening in some far off distant land. However, over the past couple of months, several men have come to our men's class who are fleeing religious persecution in their own countries. We've had men from Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and VietNam who are here seeking asylum from persecution.

On Monday (Jan 9) we had 2 new men come from a nearby country. One of the men was a pastor, who had his church demolished & he was severely beaten with lasting injuries. His wife & children are currently under house arrest in an attempt to lure this man back to his country.

Before Christmas, we had another man come to our class from Pakistan who fled to Bangkok seeking asylum. He was a Muslim who converted to Christianity. At one point, he was also beaten/stoned to the point he lost one eye. His wife is currently back in Pakistan in hiding.

It is a sad reminder of how Satan, our defeated yet dangerous foe, is still trying to destroy God's church & his people. However, each of these men who have come to our class, still praise God and remain strong in their faith.

Will you pray with me for these persecuted men to continue with us and gain strength from studying God's word?

Thank you for your interest in our work in Thailand. Thought you'd want to know.

Gary

Prison visit

Monday morning at prison (Jan 9):
On most Monday mornings, I teach in one of the central prisons for drug offenses in Bangkok. However, for the past 3 months I have not been able to go because of the floods in Thailand & then, Claudia & I went back to the USA for Christmas break. However, I wanted to share with you a wonderful story about a young man I met today.

Upon arriving & as the men began gathering together, I was introduced to a young man from Singapore named Max. He has just been in prison since October and has not yet received his sentence. Max is a tall well spoken educated young man...probably about 30. Another prisoner introduced me to Max & said, "Max had been a Buddhist but NOW has received Christ."

I couldn't help but see & be moved by the smile on his face as he began telling me that God had been pursuing him. However, with God's previous attempts to reach him, he rejected God & Christ at each point. But, then...life changed suddenly for Max. He was arrested on drug charges & placed in prison. It was in this prison that others also began to share Christ with him. And, now the rest is history. I've never seen a man so happy to be in prison because it was where God finally caught up with him & got his attention.

When all the men, who had congregated to listen to a Bible lesson (about 80 men in all), I couldn't help but notice Max's reaction when the men began singing Amazing Grace. He began wiping the tears from his face. My thoughts were...how Amazing God is & how far God will go to reach a soul. He just needed to get Max to a place where he would listen.

Prison is an ugly place to be... but it can be a place where men will finally listen. It's too bad it has to come to that, but God will go to any length to reach a soul.

thank you for listening...
pray that many more men will come to know Christ... like Max

serving a Great GOD!
Gary

Trip to Phuket, Thailand

A few days at the beach in Southern Thailand; Phuket island

Our trip to BEIJING, CHINA (April 7-14)

In Thailand, during the 2nd & 3rd weeks of April, there is a national holiday; Songkran (or, water festival). April is the hottest time of the year so during this time it is common for people to travel. And, since this was a national holiday, our BSF classes were also closed during this time. So, we decided to go Beijing, China for a week. It was a wonderful and once in a life time trip.

During our weeks stay we visited Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, The Silk & Pearl market, the Great Wall (this was our favorite), the Temple of Heaven, The Olympic stadium (birds nest) & Aquatic center and the Summer Palace. Here are just a few of some pictures of our trip. For more pictures you can visit Claudia's facebook.









Beijing, China; April 7-14, 2010

BSF Men's Class; from Pilot to an Established Class

May, 2010

Greetings once again from the amazing land Thailand. To God be the glory! God is indeed working in Bangkok.

Who knew what God would do or had in mind when He called us to join His ongoing work in Bangkok? We arrived in August, 2008 with hopes, dreams and goals, but you never know exactly what God has in mind. However, we faithfully came to Thailand hoping for the best and only time will tell what God will unfold.

EVENING MEN’S CLASS:This was a TEST
After 17 months in Thailand, the men’s pilot class began in January, 2010. How amazing is God to draw these men from all over Bangkok to study his word. The men’s class has the feel of an international gathering of nations. The majority of the men in the class are Asian (Thai, Chinese, Singaporean, Japanese) along with Philippines, Africans and Westerners.

Conducting a series of short PILOT classes is away to gauge if there is enough interest to maintain an established class. This was a TEST for the men of Bangkok. Will the men embrace a disciplined study such as BSF? Will they persevere or just fall away? Will they overcome the obstacles in attending class or will they succumb to the many barriers that get in the way?

We give God the glory for allowing us to conduct all three of the 5 week pilot classes (Philippians, Ruth & Colossians). While the class started with 86 men in attendance for the 1st class and ended with 46 men in the 15th week, we have much to be encouraged about. We are reminded that this was a TEST for each man as to his commitment. However, some will fall away and while some will continue and grow deep roots. Even those who just came for a week or 2, perhaps the taste of God’s word will draw them back in the future. Success is never measured in numbers but in how God is changing the hearts and minds of one man at a time.
One of our discussion groups: During this time men share their answers to their weekly questions

Changed hearts & minds
As I reflect on the past 3 studies, I am reminded of how God has indeed changed the hearts of men who faithfully attended. I am reminded of the retired teacher from North America, who came to Thailand seeking an adventure & found Christ. Then, still searching and seeking for more, came to BSF for 15 weeks. His life is being transformed and is now enthusiastically telling others about BSF! He also commented that had he known what he knows now (through the Bible), it would have saved his marriage.

I think of the Philippine doctor, whose wife is a very enthusiastic class member of the BSF women's class, and how she persuaded (or should I say, "nagged & dragged") her husband to attend the first class despite his lack of Bible knowledge and reluctance. At the end of the first class night, he did not want to leave! He faithfully, joyfully & enthusiastically attended ALL 15 weeks!

I am reminded of the many Thais who struggle with English yet who persevered through the study. Or, I think of a man, who is currently going through personal marital troubles, faithfully came seeking answers to his troubles and trials.

And, I think of the Thai Buddhist, whose wife is a Christian, who attended the class. At first he indicated he was “just auditing the class” with detachment to his discussion group. Later, Mike Wellings, our Substitute teaching leader, showed him where and how he could use his Bible to find the answers to the questions. He then became more engaged in the discussion group. He faithfully attended all 3 pilot classes with very few absences. I pray God’s word will continue to open is eyes that he may see…all to the glory of the Lord.

These are just a few of many stories of God changing lives & hearts. And, so we give Praise to God!

Passing the TEST: NOW an established class
The men of Bangkok have passed the TEST & the city of Bangkok will have an established men’s class beginning September 13, 2010. Currently, we have 65 men registered for the Isaiah study plus 7 potential students for the school program. And so we give God the glory for all he has done.

I will send more later regarding the BSF women's day time prayer group. There is some exciting news coming!

Gary

Bangkok's First BSF class started tonight!

After much prayer and waiting, the time has finally arrived. We finally started the men's BSF class tonight. Praise God for his goodness and provision. We had a total of 79 men attend! Our class is on Monday nights at the Saphan Luang (Yellow Bridge) Chineese/Thai Church.
Here are a few pics of tonight's class.

BSF LEADERSHIP TEAM

Above is our BSF leadership team. Top row (from left to right); Montree (Thai), Paul (Thai), Harun (India), Ferdinand (Philippines), Wichai (Thai), John (Kenya), & Howard (Hong Kong)
Bottom row (left to right); Mark (Singapore), Thirayost (Thai), Hyou (Thai), Delbrin (Philippines), Paul (Kenya), Gary (USA), Mike (Canada). The one leader missing from the picture is Wiworn (Thai).

We've been training for 3 weeks with one more week to go. I just love these men and their willingness and faithfulness to serve. We'll take off December and then the class will begin 18 Jan for 5 weeks (through 15 Feb).

Currently, we have 95 men & 7 children registered. At the end of the 1st 5 week class (Philippians), we will continue with 2 more 5 week classes. (Ruth and Colossians). At the end of each 5 week class, the men have a chance to register for the next class.

God is good!

Gary

BSF October PRESENTATIONS : God is doing a new thing!

It's been a wild and busy October. We've been in Thailand for over a year preparing and praying for this moment. We've had prayer meetings & we've made as many connections as we could to tell men about BSF. Now, October has become the ONE month where it will be decided to say whether we're done or whether we are ready to move forward.

During October we've had 8 separate presentations and God has richly blessed us....beyond measure, beyond my own expectations. To date, we've registered 88 men & 6 children. All I can say is praise God! We had a goal of 75 men when we started. I must admit I thought it was unobtainable. But, God proved bigger and more able than my ability to dare to dream.

Not only has God given us these men, but he has richly blessed us with men who are willing to commit to leadership positions. Currently, I have 11 leaders with 2 more who are still considering it. That leaves me with 3 more leaders to obtain (16 in all) by Nov 16 (our first training date for leaders). I trust God will continue to provide for us by this date.

My prayer has been for God to not leave us short on men, or short on leaders or short on children to come for our children's program. God has not disappointed. God is good. I stand in awe and amazement in seeing HIM work.

So, what's next? We will be training the leaders for 4 weeks beginning Nov 16. Then, we're off for the month of December. Our 1st 5 week Pilot class date is now scheduled for 18 January (Monday night)- February 15. We are indeed excited to be moving toward the goal of having our 1st pilot class for men in Bangkok. To HIM be the Glory!

thank you for your interest in our ministry and for your prayers.

Gary
Isaiah 43:19 "See I am doing a new thing! Now is springs up; do you not perceive it?"

BSF update

Since we've been back to Thailand, we've continued our work with BSF. As of Tuesday night (Sept 8), the women's class met for their first lesson in the book of JOHN. Even though it rained last night (which snarls traffic and kept some ladies from coming) they had 25 women attend the Introduction class! That a tremendous turn out for 1st time ladies interested in joining the class. With the addition of the new women, they will be opening their 8th discussion group! God is good! Claudia was excited to finally meet the women in her discussion group. Claudia is one of the discussion group leaders.

Regarding the children's program, the women have one level open; (Senior level; ages 14-18) with 8 students.

As for the men, things are getting close to launch. Mike Wellings (my co-partner from Canada) and I will be traveling back to the USA (San Antonio, TX) Sept 19-25 for additional training. When we return, we will immediately begin registering men for the upcoming 5 week pilot class. We are excited to see how God will work. The month of October is already shaping up to be a busy month for us.

There is much to do before we actually start the class, but at least we are moving forward. Our goal is to register 75 men, find enough qualified leaders willing to commit, then train these leaders for 4 weeks prior to the class starting & also find a host church. No problem! Oh well, the Lord never promised things were going to be easy. In the meantime, we "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me (us). Phil 3:14

Finally, an update! Sorry for the delay

Sorry for such a long delay in updating the blog! A lot has happened and the more time I let pass the worse it became in trying to update. However, without trying to recount the past 4-5 months, let me just give you a brief summary with a few highlights.

CAITLIN GRADUATES from ISB June 10, 2009. She did such a marvelous job in her studies. Caitlin is my new HERO. For the past 2 years Caitlin has handled herself with diligence, perseverance and of course, with excellence...all without a single complaint. She definitely rose to the challenge of being in 2 different schools & in 2 different countries (Greece and Thailand) over the past 2 years to finish her high school career. Her experience in living overseas has and will continue to shape Caitlin in her world view. Who really knows the true impact her overseas experience will make on her future path in life. Only God knows.

Now, she has enrolled at Baylor University (Waco, Texas) and started school August 24. This is Caitlin (before her she got her hair cut) and her room mate Caroline in front of their dorm at Baylor .
Caitlin and Caroline in their dorm room.


BACK in the USA from June 12-Aug 24. What can I say but it was great to be back during our summer break. I must say we spent most of our time visiting family and friends. Living overseas you forget what NORMAL looks and feels like. It took all of about 10 seconds to feel normal again. It's really nice to be able drive and get around by car anytime your want.

While we were busy visiting Tara & Isaac in Dallas, moving Erica and Chase from Norman to Edmond in their new house and with a brief trip to California to see my mother and sister, we spent the majority of our time in Tulsa. We stayed out in Coweta with some new found friends Scott and Kim Burnett. We stayed in the BARN next to their BIG HOUSE. However, you need not pity us for being so mistreated as homeless missionaries. God was good and provided us wonderful Christian friends and wonderful accommodations.


Some summer pics; our 3 girls at a wedding & my 4 girls at the musical WICKED in Tulsa.


Our last night the USA; eating Mexican food at Haciendas in Dallas with Tara & Isaac, Erica & Chase & Claudia (I'm taking the pic).

NOW, we're back in Thailand as of August 25. I will write another blog to update you later on what's happening in Thailand.

Blessings!
Gary