New Life in Christ
by Albert & Jiep Gonzales
Dear partners and friends,
We are thankful to God for His faithfulness. We are getting closer to our return to Thailand. Any help to increase our support to meet our budget is very much appreciated. Please pray that we will be released back to the field soon. We are touched and thankful to you for the kindness, warmth of hospitality, and generosity that you have extended to us when we have visited you. Thank you for being a channel of His blessings.
The New Generation is Building Up
We were so amazed to see two churches using the theme and program, “Thailand Trek”, for their Vacation Bible School. They did not speak with each other about this; neither even knows the other. The North Pointe PHC in High Point, NC held their VBS July 15th-18th, while the Mossy Living Word PHC in Mossy, Scarbro, WV held theirs July 20th-24th. We had the chance to participate in both churches by teaching kids about Jesus, Thai culture, songs, and beliefs. We had a great time with them and lots of fun, too! Great numbers of kids participated. They enjoyed the programs, food, activities, and fellowship. We were encouraged and blessed to learn that the kids from both churches sang “God is so Good” in Thai language on their Sunday Worship Service. In addition to that, some of them wanted to go to Thailand and be missionaries! Is this a preparation of passing the baton to the next generation in the days ahead? Hallelujah! We cannot deny that we are getting older. We are seeing this also in our group in Thailand. More kids are coming to know Jesus and becoming active in the Church. Moreover, there are over 200 children from different ethnic groups within our group who are being sponsored through the People to People Child Sponsorship Program. Some of the youth who are no longer in the program due to their age are attending universities and colleges, and yet still are involved in their local churches. Please keep them in your prayers for protection, blessings, and to be useful for His glory.
We are rejoicing with our National Director, Dr. Wallapa Wisawasukmongchol, for receiving an award on August 24th from the Department of Ministry in Culture for her outstanding contribution to the community in her district in Bangkok in social and civil works. She is instrumental to the success of our foundation, “Hands of Hope Foundation”, (People To People Ministries) in helping children. This allowed her to be designated by the Thai government as the overall coordinator between the government and all foundations in Thailand. We thank God for her love and dedication in serving the Lord together with us.
The Mother’s Day celebration at Don Muang Church on August 9th was very emotional. The children knelt, gave flowers, and said kind words to their mothers. We have missed the celebration this year. In Thailand, Mother’s Day is one of the most important events to celebrate. This is also the birthday of the Queen of Thailand.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Photo Credit: Albert & Jiep Gonzales