June 2005 my feet touched the ground of Thailand for the first time. I was introduced to Mr. Prasert Tipparat (better known as Mr. P) and his wife Mrs. Pannee Tipparat (better known as Mrs. P). At that stage, Mr. P was the principal of Rong-Or school in Chiang Mai (the Northern part of Thailand) and Mrs. P a teacher at Talook school. They are both retired now.
This wonderful man and his wife open up their house for the teams that come and go each year. They ‘take care of the team’ (as they would call it) while walking the extra mile to make sure you are happy and fine. Don’t think he will let you walk anywhere; he is always ready with his van to take you everywhere. He is willing to show the city Chiang Mai to every team. Driving kilometers up a mountain, taking you on elephant rides, showing you the markets and spending time in museums.
Above all this, HE is our open door into schools in Chaing Mai. Teams have ministered at about five schools for the past 11 years, teaching them English, teaching them Jesus and spreading the gospel to youngsters who doesn’t know what it is to be truly loved. He is the one who will say we should teach the kids songs about Jesus. He is the one who will gather people we should pray for. Opening up doors that will never be shut again. Making sure that Gods word will not return void.
This man is the ‘perfect’ example of being a good Christian. The only thing that is missing, is the decision he and his wife still have to make for Christ. They are captured in Buddhism. Knowing who Jesus is, but not saved yet. They keep on doing their Buddhist rituals, bowing before a golden statue, praying to a lifeless idol and wearing bands around their wrists to receive good luck. They believe everyone is going to heaven – they will go to Buddha and I will go to Jesus. Deceived by the enemy.
About a year ago Mrs. P was diagnosed with cancer. They were coming to visit in South-Africa for the first time in March this year, but due to her weakness, they couldn’t come. God has placed urgency in my heart that I should go back to them in April (this month). I will be flying out on the evening of 19 April till 3 May 2011. It will be my fifth time visiting them and I will take a team in June as well. To the human mind it sounds crazy (even to my own mind it sounds crazy), but I am going in obedience and is willing to do whatever God ask of me. I never knew they will grow in my heart that much. I think about them almost every day. They are my ‘Thai parents’ and I love them as my own. I know God loves them even more than I do and I cannot except that they will not live for eternity in God’s Kingdom. Please keep on praying with me for their souls. Pray for my traveling, for wisdom, strength and boldness. Pray that they will be born again, leaving the old live behind and choosing God as their savior, the ONLY living God! Please pray with me for finances as well. God is always honored for the way He provides! I am also looking forward to meet the Northbound team there as well.
Thank you!
Sai rung/Ades (My Thai names)