Dear Partners and Friends,
We are thankful to God for His marvelous works that are happening in Thailand despite the many challenges we are facing to expand His kingdom. It is now very difficult to get a visa to stay in Thailand due to the new policies for foreign volunteer workers, including missionaries. The one-year “Non-O” visa being issued to volunteer workers in the past has changed to only three months; however, it is renewable. It is sad to know that some of the foundations have been closed. Your prayers are much appreciated.
Despite this difficult situation, the Lord is still in control. In our IPHC/ACA quarterly meeting on July 18, 2023, our National Director, Dr. Wallapa Wisawasukmongchol, reported that the number of churches had increased to 118 from 114 last January.
Opening of a new church in Phitsanulok.
As the ministry continuously bears much fruit, the Lord sent missionaries to Thailand. Jose and Eloisa Mendez from Mexico have been assigned to Mae Sai in the North of Thailand near the Myanmar border to help the ministry works under the supervision of Pastor Chi-Chang of Lighthouse Alliance Church, and Raeha Butler from Oklahoma was sent to Petchabun in the North Central of Thailand under the supervision of Pastor Nattaphol Laddawan of Trinity Alliance Church. Abigail Bishop will also be joining us soon from North Carolina. Thank you, Jesus! Local workers in the vineyard are also increasing, including the two, newly ordained ministers and seven ministers licensed from the Karen tribes. Hallelujah!
Albert with Jose Mendez and family.
Albert and Jiep with Raeha Butler at Trinity Church, Petchabun.
Karen Ministers Licensing and Ordination.
Praise the Lord! The completion of the lodging facilities project at Don Maung Church enhances the vision of the church to be a church-based training center. On June 4 and 5 there were about 50 delegates from Hope for the World Church under our umbrella who conducted “Encounter with Jesus” at Don Muang Church. The church also held a youth camp from June 24-25 with 15 attendees. Indeed, building facilities can impact the fruitfulness of the ministry. We have three new building projects: 1. The Hope Center building project in Petchabun is to help restore lives, families, and communities from drug and alcohol addictions, 2. The Motana Ratchaburi Church-based Training Center is for church growth and discipleship programs, and 3. Faith Garden Mission Outreach in Myanmar is for community development and ministry expansion. Your prayers and financial support for these projects are highly appreciated. God loves a cheerful giver!
Receiving the Lord Jesus Christ at Don Muang Church.
Our ministry outreach under the Hands of Hope Foundation is involved in community development by improving the quality of life of the people in coordination with the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW). People to People Ministries’ Child Sponsorship Program is one of them. The other is Teaching English Language for free. On June 16 and 23, our volunteers conducted an English camp as requested by the government school, “Dipangkorn Witthayaphat”, under the Royal Families’ project through DSDW. Thank God, we received an overwhelming appreciation from the school Director for the job well done and he is looking forward to more activities like this in the future. This is one of the tools we are using to be the salt and the light of the world.
Albert with the students from Dipangkorn Witthayaphat School.
We give all the glory, honor, and praise unto the Lord! Thank you for your faithfulness, prayers, and unwavering support for the expansion of His kingdom. We love and miss you all.
Your Co-laborers in Christ,
Brother Albert and Sister Jiep Gonzales
