Pray for Thailand on Sunday, March 8, 2015

Lectionary Selection: John 2: 13-22

Prayers for Thailand:
God of yesterday, today and tomorrow, help lead and guide us when change happens. Help pilot, shepherd and nurture Thailand as the people go through various changes around them. In your name we pray, Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Thailand:
“Rushing wind, blow through this temple clearing out the dust within.” These words are the opening line of a song by the late Keith Green. Like this prayer, I hope that the rushing winds of heaven blow us into a new year and out of our usual routines. It is said that March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. Like winds of change, Jesus also changed the temple. It was one of the few times that Jesus got angry. He was angry enough that his anger was transformative.

Many of you may not have noticed this, but there was a dramatic change recently in southeast Asia. Before the ball dropped in Times Square, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, started an economic community which will rival that of the European Union. What does this mean for Thailand? It means that borders will be more open in a country that has a central location in southeast Asia. More people will come to Thailand, whether for business or for tourism. In comparison to some of their neighbors, Thailand has a good standard of living and health care. It means that English will be the official language of business. In order to get a promotion or to get an entry level job, prospective employees will need to know English. This is even harder for a nation that was never colonized! People at risk during this change include women, children, the poor and the elderly. Please continue to pray for the people of Thailand and the rest of southeast Asia as this transition takes place and the lives of people, especially those that are most marginalized, are affected.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Ben Ewert)

Mission Partners in Thailand:

More information on Thailand:
http://www.globalministries.org/thailand

Global Ministries Missionary in Thailand:
Benjamin R. Ewert, member of Congregational United Church of Christ, Harlan, Iowa, serves with the Church of Christ in Thailand. Ben serves at the Udon Christian Wittaya School in Udonthani, Thailand. His appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples’ Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.