September 20, 2006
Alliance missionaries were not endangered during the peaceful takeover of Thailand’s government by its military on September 19. “Presently, there are armed soldiers at the intersection closest to the mission and Alliance Guest Home [in Bangkok],” said field director Steve Strong. The new government declared September 20 a national holiday. All businesses are closed, and commercial television and radio broadcasts have been replaced by government programming.
Strong has advised mission staff to take the day off and to be cautious about where they travel. “Pray for peace and unity among the Thai people,” he requests. Although Strong is not sure what the outcome will be, he says, “We know God is in control.”