A New Generation Brings Hope

We invite you to share with your congregation the following story from Pat and Rad Houmphan, Mennonite Church Canada Witness Workers in Thailand. It should take no more than 2 minutes to read aloud. You might also wish to include the story in your church newsletter or post it on your bulettin board. This story is part of Equipping #74 March 2007.

A New Generation Brings Hope

In 1998, a 15 year old girl named Orathai Apong in Borabu, Thailand, tuned in to a Christian radio program called “The Journey to Light.” The program captured her interest and she started to listen to it every day. Soon she began correspondence with the station and she learned about God and the Bible.

But Orathai often felt alone in her faith. She did not know of any Christians in her village or elsewhere and she had never attended a church in her life. The Christian radio station contacted Pat and Rad’s church in Borabu. Pat and Rad, who are Mennonite Church Canada Witness Workers, and another church leader went to visit Orathai and her family. They were very happy to learn that Orathai’s parents would allow her to continue conversations about the Christian faith. Eventually, after some more visits, Orathai, her sister, and both of her parents agreed to take a course at the church so that they could learn more about Christ.

After a few months of learning about the Christian faith , Orathai, her sister, and her parents decided to become disciples of Jesus. On Easter Sunday of 2002, they were baptized to show their commitment to follow Christ.

Orathai still faces challenges. There are few her age in the church and she faces pressure and ridicule about her faith from friends and extended family. In 2003, with the support of the church and MC Canada Witness, Orathai went to Bible School in northern Thailand.

Now Orathai is doing a ten month internship with the church. She invites others to know and trust Jesus. Pat and Rad praise God and give thanks as they see God’s calling in her life. Orathai is part of a new generation of God’s people who is working for God’s healing and hope among the Isaan people of Thailand.