Why I'm going to Thailand

Dear friends and family,

I’ve started this blog to share with you an amazing opportunity that has been presented to me. I have been invited to serve on a short term mission team to Thailand! While I have visited this country before as a tourist, this time I will be working with ZOE, an international Christian organization that rescues children who are at risk of being sold into prostitution slavery.

Nine out of ten children begging on the streets of Thailand are bought and sold for the sex trade. ZOE’s vision is to stop the human trafficking of children in our lifetime. It has been said that “evil prevails when good men do nothing”.

I am very excited about this opportunity to do something! We will be visiting children’s homes, rural mountain villages and the ZOE children in northern Thailand. Our top priority is to share the good news and love of Jesus with these children and those we come in contact with.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Trouble in Thailand

You may or may not have heard of the political troubles plaguing Thailand recently but there has been an increase in the violence surrounding the issues.  So far our plans to go have not changed as we will not be traveling through Bangkok at all.  Also, some of the missionaries that live in Chiang Mai have reported that things there are pretty much staus quo and the uprisings have had little impact on their daily lives.  Of course if things change and there is a real danger to our team we will cancel the trip.

Here is a quote from our team leader:
"We are confident at this time that the July trips planned will continue as scheduled but will continue to monitor the situation.  We trust that Almighty God is taking very good care of us as we do His work in Thailand.   Please continue to pray for the nation and people of Thailand that they will find a peaceful solution to this problem and that revival will take place in the hearts of the people." 

Here is an excerpt of the warning from the US State Dept:
"The Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of ongoing political demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.  Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, including gunfire near the U.S. Embassy, demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, U.S. citizens should defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand.  The Department of State has authorized the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from Bangkok.  This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 28, 2010, and is in response to updated information on increased violence and security concerns.  The Department of State recommends against travel to Bangkok and non-essential travel to Thailand at this time."

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