Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a number of months since I have written, so an update is overdue. We are still living in Florida and still looking to return to Thailand, but have not yet made it back.

Visiting Churches, Family, and Friends in California

This past autumn, we visited several churches, both those with whom we’ve had long-term relationships and some who are brand new to us. I traveled to Seattle one weekend, and as a family we visited a church near Fort Meyers, FL and then drove from Florida to California where we spent a busy few weeks visiting four churches and meeting with many supporters, friends, and Sun’s side of the family.

Catching up with relatives and enjoying Cambodian food during our trip to Southern California this past autumn.

Dear Family and Friends,

I want to thank all of you for standing with us as we seek to return to Thailand. The past year and a half has seen many changes of plans for all of us as well as the frustration and uncertainty of not knowing what next week or next month may bring. We are still aiming to return to Thailand but the question of “when?” is up in the air. End of this year? Later? Nevertheless, there are positive developments to report amid ongoing question marks.

Advising Thai D.Min Students

I am in touch with Bangkok Bible Seminary and they would like me to advise some Doctor of Ministry students on their research. This is something that I can start doing now, connecting with students via email and Zoom as they develop research proposals for their dissertations. I thought I would have to wait until we get back to Thailand before I could get involved again with Thai theological education. But lo and behold, I can do it now! This is a great opportunity to use my education and experience to help full-time Christian workers in Thailand in their efforts to get better equipped for ministry in Thai churches.

Dear Friends & Family,

Many people ask me about our progress in getting back to Thailand and I will talk about that in a moment.  But first, I want to talk about Thailand a bit to inform your prayers.

Thailand and COVID-19

Until recently, Thailand has escaped relatively unscathed with deaths at less than 100 and cases in the thousands. But just this past month, Thailand has had a surge with over 150,000 cases and over 1000 deaths reported by the end of May. Every province has somewhat different restrictions and many schools, churches, etc. have been pushed back to online only. Many people are very scared.  Although death by traffic accident is statistically MUCH more likely in Thailand, which has the second-highest per capita road fatality rate in the world, it is not driving that people are afraid of in Thailand, but Covid. And because people are in fear, we need to pray for them. Regardless of why people are afraid or whether their fear is justified, the reality is that people are afraid and they need the hope of the Gospel. God never promised us safety in this life although we all pray for it and are often blessed with safety in various forms. There are real dangers in this world, whether it be infectious disease or traffic accidents, and we need to hang on to the hope that God is in control and that He is watching over us, to protect us for His glory and our sanctification and joy in Him. We will all surely die some day, but only at the time of God’s choosing.