Some Update of our life here in Kanthararom 22 September 2017

Time flies so fast.  A quick update in and around Frontida's schedule the last couple of weeks. 

We were blessed by a visit from Ingvar Fredriksson, Jomie (left front) and Art (left middle) to our house.  We had wonderful and much needed fellowship together with Praise and Worship, Prayer and encouragement.  It is much needed that missionaries need to support each other through actions like this. We are thankful for them to be an example for us and to teach us about "caring for one another".  Praise God for wonderful friends and family in Him.

I (Andre) had the privilege to share the Word of God at two churches the last couple of weeks.  One never knows if everyone sitting in church are followers of Christ or not which makes it very challenging to share the Word of God - especially in a country like Thailand.  But the Holy Spirit gives the message - we are just a microphone He uses.

This is Phoy (left) and Jeddy (right) - two sisters.  Phoy is a exchange student to Romania where she is studying to become a doctor.  She is in her 3rd year already and came to visit during their Varsity break.  Jeddy is now in grade 11 at a school in Sisaket.  Jeddy was an exchange student last year in America.  Both of them just crawled themselves into our hearts and we are so proud and honored to know them.  They are not just wonderful translators, but amassing children of God.   They love the Lord so much and it is wonderful to see how God is rising up the youth of Thailand for His Kingdom.  We are going to miss Phoy as she headed back to Romania this week to start her 4th year at medical school.  Here I (picture on the right) enjoy some fellowship time with Phoy and Jeddy's father and Phonetip, Pastor Samut's wife from Gospel Christian Church.

Two years ago Peter (our Thai man of peace) introduced Graham to us.  Graham have been living in Thailand for 28 years already.  For the last 15 years he has been living here in a Village called Ban Pha Hok some 13km out of Kanthararom town.  Graham is married to a Thai lady and have two kids.  The first time we met, Graham told me (Andre) about all his problems he has (health, marriage  problems and many more).  Prior to this he also had a stroke.  He asked us if we had a job for him and when we told him what we do, he had no interest for Graham does not believe in God at all AND WERE NOT INTERESTED in hearing the Gospel either.  One Friday two months ago Graham came to the market here in Kanthararom and came to visit Peter.  At that time we were having a weekly Bible study session in the market.  When Graham saw me he's face lighted up with joy . . . . he then grabbed my hand and broke down in tears for a week before to that day, his stepson had a motorbike accident and died.  Graham was broken.  Their marriage problems also worsened in time.  Graham and I are becoming good friends as I visit him twice a week at hes home . . . . and I get to share the Gospel to him and we can now chat about it over a pot of coffee.  I truly have hope for Graham cause I can see God is working (touching) Grahams heart.  Graham fears that hes end might be near and he, believe it or not, asked me if I (a Christian) would take care of his funeral one day.  God works in mysterious ways and none of this would not have happened outside His will.  

Our weekly Bible Study sessions are just great.  God is so good and wonderful at all times and we must say that with the openness of how the people share of what is on their hearts can only come from God Himself.   

Only in Thailand - if you are tired, you sleep :) . . . no problem because you are your own boss :)

Some breads don't come cheap though and it only fills you temporarily . . . But Christ, the bread of life fills you forever and He gives it to you for free.  He already paid the price for your bread to fill you.

Short notice picnic's at church is always a great time of fun and fellowship. 

. . . . and some more congregational members came to see what food is on the table :)

 

                             

Never a dull month - August 2017

When we do our monthly prison ministry outreach in Bangkok, we have the two afternoons and evenings free to relax a little bit.  So we go and explore a bit of Bangkok and then as always spend one evening with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are also from South Africa.

                                                                 

   

Raining season is always a difficult time for many people in Thailand.  Some seasons are very good and then you get seasons or years when severe flooding takes place.  Obviously depending on the amount of rain we get.  This year (so far) we had severe rain storms with flooding of towns, villages and huge areas of rice fields.Rice farmers have the risk of loosing rice crops if severe flooding takes place.  The few pictures shows of some rice fields in our district that went under through the flooding.   We do not have the heart to post some photos of villages (homes) that flooded.  It is too sad to see and too experience.

       

Every 6 weeks missionaries (the ladies) from Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket have a get together.  It is a very good time for them to have "chit chats" like only girls can do.  Different nations together sharing and just having normal girly talks.  It is good for the soul.

 

Pra Kitti Kun church in Ubon Ratchathani pioneered a English speaking church as many people (foreigners) had called out for a English speaking church.  Not all foreigners here can speak Thai and long to have Praise and Worship in English.  God will use this church for His glory.

It is going well with our weekly Bible Study in our local market here in Kanthararom.  We started off with three Christians and now we have two Catholics and four Buddhists attending to hear God's TRUTH.  We are experiencing and seeing how the Holy Spirit are touching individuals hearts with the TRUTH.

   

   

We started off with Genesis (the creation), got to the garden of Eden and now we talk about "sin"

                                         

       

                               

       

We are not suppose to have a "favorite school or child" but forgive us when we talk about Ban Makrud School a lot.  It is a small village at there is only 24 kids in the school.  From the youngest to the oldest, they are just so keen to learn and they are so well behaved.

 

Khan (boy) is only 4 years old.  In one hour he finished 3 pussels all by himself.  And some of them were not easy though.  Faa (girl) is 7 years old and finished 8 pussels in one hour.  We are so proud of them. 

                        

               

. . . and then little Muay . . .

 she just rule the school.

At Sisaket Rajabhat University I (Andre) teach basic English conversation skills to the 4th year students.  I try to build in some creativity to the classes.  This month we focused on fluency when invitations were given out.  Like in every university world wide you do find some characters though.  

          

The schools are busy with many activities in August and September.  Many of them are also busy on Saturdays but when we have a gap, then football is a nice way for relaxation to the boys.  

Our Kanthararom Little Giants Football team is still building up.  We don't just invite all the children to take to the academy in Sisaket, but patiently waiting on God to pinpoint the right ones to us. 

 We are planning (in God's time) to start participating in tournaments next year.  

 

                     

Relationship building is a key factor for us here in Kanthararom.  We have a lot of friends here but we also have special friends.  Our relationship is at a stage where we can openly share the Gospel to them.  Obviously our "patience" are tested but all we need to do now is just to plant the seeds.  God will make it grow.  You just don't share the Gospel and if someone "immediately" do not accept it at first, give up and move on.  After presenting you have the opportunity to show and share God's Love. in so many different ways.  It is not our job to try to convince someone to follow Jesus, but just trying to be the one showing them on how and what a follower of Jesus is and why.  Not always easy but we would not trade it for any other job the world has to offer.  Khung, Annie (they are married) and Emma (lady in black t-shirt) are very dear to us.  

   

                                    

We taught them on how to bake bread.