Bangkok

Hey everybody!

I was finally able to get some pictures up from my short stay in Tokyo on Facebook. If you'd like to check those out click here. It was great getting to see the what the Body was doing in Japan.

I would do a video update, but I think it would take the rest of my stay in Thailand to upload it on here.

I've been in Bangkok for a week now and it's been quite an experience already. I got in at about 1am on Monday morning my time without my luggage, but it was promptly delivered Monday night. This week I met the other two full time staff Nuch and Golf (they're married) and was a part of staff meeting, worship, and intercession several times during the week. I also began helping to work on the building, and have quickly learned that things just seem to progress slower in Thailand. I was able to restore a door that had been water damaged, build a few things, and install a few things. There is still much to be done on the building, and I hope to contribute a good deal. If the ministry raised more funds, it would be able to have a construction crew finish the renovations and open, freeing the staff to do the ministry they are called to. From what I've gathered, between the frequent water problems the building has had and other trials, God is building the ministry team's characters and stretching them, which is also a great thing. I enjoy getting to go to lunch with the staff almost every day, as the food is tasty and cheap (1 large meal is less than $3.) It's good stuff.

The building I am staying in is about a 5 minute taxi ride (motorcycle taxis are sweet!) Or about a 20 minute commute via walking and skytrain. It houses missionaries for the IMB while they are getting ready to go to the field, go home, or temporarily do something in Bangkok-such as have a baby. It's neat getting to meet the missionaries that go through here as well as those living and working in Bangkok.

This next week will be a good one. I'll be a part of (and get to lead) bible study, worship, and prayer with the staff on Dton Naam. Tomorrow I will also go with Celeste to see and prayer walk one of the red light districts during the afternoon. Its incredible how dark and broken this city is. It didn't take long for the culture of sex to get thrown in my face. It stirs up anger, disgust, and sadness. Please be praying for me, Celeste, Nuch & Golf, as well as Thailand as a whole. I'll post another update in the next day or two with how the prayer walking went, my impressions of Thailand, and more about what I'll be doing during my time here.

Love you guys! If you've got any questions, or would like to share anything you get during prayer etc. Feel free to email me, facebook me, or post it on here!

-Nate