A Day of Orientation

The day began officially at 8am, we gathered together to join in prayer for the nation of Thailand and for our team. On our knees, we asked that God would allow the gospel to bear much fruit in Thailand and we asked that God would grant to us a unity of spirit and mind.

We opened the Bible and worked our way through the first chapter of Mark's gospel. We explored why Jesus, who was perfect in every way needed to be baptized. Answering that question helped us to understand more of the fullness of the gospel. Namely, that the gospel is not only the fact that Jesus died for our sins but he also lived for us - fulfilling everything that God requires us to do. He is our substitute not only in his death but also in his life.

Breakfast was eaten the hotel. It was a delicious spread of both Thai and western items. Everyone ate their fill and was sufficiently satisfied!

Rob Moore met us at the hotel after breakfast and we headed to the Centre. Some rode with him, others took the "Song-Taw" - a covered pick up truck - which is the taxi service in Chiang Mai.

At the Centre, we were oriented to both Thai culture and to the ministry of The Centre. It was encouraging to hear of how influential the ministry of the Centre is in the lives of the students in Chiang Mai.

After a traditional Thai lunch, we headed to Doi Suthop. This is one of the holiest sites for Thai Buddhists. It is believed that remains of the original Buddha are found here. To get to the temple, we had to snake our way up a side of a mountain and then climb a 450 - 500 step incline. While observing the Buddhist practices, our team joined in prayer for Chiang Mai and Thailand, asking that God would glorify Jesus in this nation and that He would tear down all strongholds that prevent the Thai people from confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord.

We returned to the Centre after a couple of hours at Doi Suthop and debriefed. From the Centre we walked back to our hotel, stopping in a market for a traditional meal of Pad Thai - fried noodles.

It is 9:00pm as I write this. The students are busily finalizing their lessons for upcoming ministry. Our students will be teaching through some of Jesus' parables. We trust that God's word will not return to Him void. Please pray to this end with us.

All the members of the team are well - tired but well.