Dear Partners and Friends,
Praise the Lord! We are finally relieved after the restrictions imposed by the Thai government, related to the Corona Virus pandemic crisis since March 18, were officially lifted on July 1. We did our worship church services, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and other church activities online during the lockdown mandate. Thank God! Even in times of crisis like this, our worship for the Lord is never hindered. It even brought us closer to God and to our family.
The first worship service at Don Muang Church, Bangkok
While observing all mandated precautionary measures to avoid infection from COVID 19, our first worship service at Don Muang church was held on July 5, and our first IPHC/ACA meeting of pastors and leaders was held on July 10 in Bangkok. The Thai group met in the morning, while the international group met in the afternoon. It was a great meeting!
The first IPHC/ACA meeting in Bangkok with the Thai group
Group photo of the international pastors and leaders (mostly Filipinos) after the meeting
Five new churches are now in the process of joining our group in addition to the current 81 churches, as reported by Dr. Wallapa Wisawasukmongchol. One of the highlights of the meeting was about the Thailand Theological Seminary Main Multi-Purpose Building project. This building will be used for school classes, conferences, conventions, special events, and other related school activities. It can hold up to 500 people. The Lord led me to challenge the pastors to invest in this project. I even cited that 1,000.00 Baht ($31.00) can buy several bags of cement.
TTS Main Multi-Purpose Building design
The Lord touched everyone’s hearts, and they responded positively. One of them was a Nigerian pastor who gave 20,000.00 Baht ($670.00). Sunday, after that meeting, our church in Don Muang was also challenged and led to give 50,000.00 Baht ($1,670.00). Hallelujah! It is, indeed, His project! It’s a win-win investment. Would you please join us and also invest by sending your donation to IPHC WMM Project Account Number 74520? Thanks to IPHC-WMM Global Outreach Offering for granting us $50,000.00 for this project through Project Antioch Grant in 2020. We truly extend our sincere thanks to all supporters of this GO Ministry. We still need to raise about $100,000.00 to complete the project.
The Ground Breaking Ceremony of the TTS Main Multi-Purpose Building on June 30 in Petchabun was a success. We were honored and blessed to have with us the governor, the vice governor, and the director of the Department of Social Development and Welfare of the Petchabun province. These highly respected officials are Buddhists, and yet they appreciated and supported the Bible School. Afterward, we found out that it was reported in the local news on Thai TV. God is good!
Albert & Dr. Wallapa with the Governor, Vice Governor, and Director of Social Welfare of Petchabun during the Ground Breaking Ceremony
Group photo with the Governor of Petchabun
The Lord gave us the opportunity to host a 12 years old boy, James Suwanchit, for two months during the lockdown. He was abandoned by his mom and dad. His dad has another woman, and likewise, the mother has another man. He ended up staying with his mother's single aunt, who happened to be a member of our church. She asked us to help this boy, and we did. We have been supporting him to meet his basic needs, such as food, clothing, and school expenses for about two years now. He became a Christian and is growing in the Lord. We were so touched to see him lead the kids’ presentation by reciting verses during our church anniversary. We enjoyed our time with him and became closer to each other. He returned to her aunt on June 22 for the reopening of the school.
Albert & Jiep with James
Thank you for your continued prayers and unwavering support.
May the Lord richly and abundantly bless you all.
Your Co-laborers in Christ,
Brother Albert and Sister Jiep Gonzales
