Eddy's TWO Bands of Brothers

Son, Ting, and I headed to Lop Buri this morning to finally get to see Eddy. In the Thai army, recruits can have visitors for a few hours on Sundays. Needless to say, it was incredible to get to spend a few hours with Eddy and his new friends in his unit. And even more incredible to see that big smile of his. Surprising they allowed us in with a camera (I am thinking that would not happen at a US installation), but I am glad they did.

So Eddy now has two bands of brothers, the brothers he trains with and goes through this experience alongside, and the band of brothers back home, who pray for him faithfully and who trek several hours to see him. And this is a guy who once thought no one cared about him.

Eddy is clearly well accepted by his fellow recruits and seems to enjoy a good relationship with all of them. While we were there, he spoke freely and easily with them about the Young Leaders group and how it was formed to support him, and about the church. It is clear to all his mates that he is a believer.

This photo is a keeper!

Eddy mentioned several times how happy it made him for us to come up. Kind of funny that he said, "When I see Big C, it makes me feel happy."

Just sitting in the shade and relaxing was a BIG deal for these guys. They have been working hard and it shows.

Heading to lunch. They took the long route and it took them a half hour to get there!

Happy Birthday Tinger!

My buddy Tingtong's birthday was this week. He's a good guy and a great friend. Belated Happy Birthday, Tinger!

Tinger spent most of a year in Australia, studying English after working for IBM and before coming to work for DST. He's quiet as heck until you get to know him and then you discover he has a hilarious sense of humor. He constantly has me laughing.

How This Thing is Supposed to Work

When the Young Leaders group first started, Pai asked if he could bring along a friend from his university. Jeng came with him and has come back a few times since. He was here for the going away deal for Eddie. This week, he visited Immanuel for the first time and went with us to the slums. I think you will be able to tell for yourself how that went...

Jeng

Pai. "Have your people call my people."

Jeng jumped right in, helping kids learn the letter "W."

The kids really enjoyed Jeng's attention.

And I think it is safe to say that Ja Rurat left an impression on him, as well.

Brad and Tim in the slums

We took Brad and Tim into the slums to see the work we are doing there, so they could determine if this was something they would be interested in having their youth partner with us.

Not very inviting in some places.

Heading into Wisara slum community. On the left, is David Johnson, who helped so much in getitng the trip arranged and showing the guys great hospitality.

There is an old woman there who I have blogged about before. She once attended Immanuel, but her health has not permitted that in a long time now. We stopped by to give her some milk and to pray with her. Each time we visit, it seems she is more and more frail.

Tim gives one of the little girls a lift.

Some of the guys were eager to show me their new skateboard toys.

Tim and Brad take a moment to reflect.

Brad and Tim with Ice and the twins.

Quick photo with some of the last kids to leave. I was surprised, but we had probably close to thirty show up on a Wednesday with little advance notice.

Tim and Brad have been in several locations in Asia already and head from here to Bali tomorrow. I am sure it has been a challenge!

A New Connection for Pleasant Valley

Brad Daniels and Tim Fritson, youth pastors from Pleasant Valley Baptist, my home church in the states, were in Bangkok Tuesday and Wednesday, looking at possibilities for a youth mission trip for next summer. To end their Bangkok experience, they joined us for Wednesday night worship at Immanuel Baptist. Ah Jan Winit invited Brad to speak and Tim to sing. Brad had a great message on having a heart for the lost and reaching out to the community with the message, "Do you want to be well?" Tim just blessed everyone with two great songs...

Brad preaches and Ah Jan Winit translates.

Big crowd for a Wednesday night. We average thirty or thirty five on Wednesdays and had twice that.

Tim introducing a song.

Brad wai's to guests on their way out.

Brad greets Son, who will be visiting Pleasant Valley next Spring.

Brad says hi to his other 'soon-to-be' guest, Ting.

After the service, the guys from the Young Leaders Group joined us for dinner.

That's a great group! Everyone was so happy to get to know Brad and Tim. A dream come true for me, as my home church in the US connected with my home church here.