Transformation in Bangkok

With a population of 65 million, less than 2% Christian, Thailand is known as the ‘Mecca’ of missions in East Asia.

Woody and Esther have been working on the campuses of Bangkok for many years, focusing in particular on one of the engineering universities. Here they hold an international English club and annual English camps to connect with the students who come from many countries. Students attend weekly meetings and listen as Woody presents a topical study. They divide into groups and share opinions in English in a cross-cultural setting. This is good preparation for the work force as English is often the language of the international companies. Relationships develop and deepen over time, and students ask Woody and Esther why they run the club, which opens the door for them to share about their faith. Many have become Christians; in fact almost half of the church that Woody and Esther have planted are engineers from this club!

Kan came to the first English camp some years ago – just to practice her English. She had a problem with a violent and abusive boyfriend and wanted to break with him, but he beat her and locked her in his apartment. She managed to escape and in the wee small hours Woody and Esther were woken by an insistent ringing of their door bell. There stood Kan – she knew if she went to family or friends, the boyfriend would track her down and beat her again. Here were trusted friends that she knew she would be safe with. It was during this time that Kan – a Buddhist – accepted Christ. Her family was very upset, and friends derided her for worshipping ‘a foreign God’. During a service one Sunday she cried as she shared that she wished every day was Sunday. Her old friends made fun of her and her family could not accept her new faith, but on Sundays she found herself loved by believers and enjoyed being with them and worshipping the God she had found. Now, years later, Kan is head of the church committee, works for an oil company, and has a master’s degree from the best college. Her family has watched as she prospered and wondered about Kan’s God – was He able to bless them too? Recently her mother had a stomach growth and asked Kan to pray for her. She had surgery which went well and now is very interested in Kan’s faith, “you’re God must be good”, she says. Kan is witnessing to other members’ of her family; an aunt is particularly keen to listen. Pray for Kan and others who now experience a living relationship with Christ as a result of the English classes at KMUT.

So how is the ministry of the tiny OM Thailand team sustained? Woody and Esther invest in and develop their leaders. They ask for commitment and loyalty and twice a year they take them on a leadership camp. This time together builds trust. Once they have committed to the vision, students run the International JOY Club (IJC).

If you would like to know more about the ministry of OM Thailand and how you can partner with them, please email Woody and Esther:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it