By Ed and Sue Danneker, who serve as Alliance international workers in Thailand
On a bright, sunny day, four women stood by the pool, each dressed in a baptismal robe. They listened intently to Pastor Sukprasan explain why we had all gathered there.
One by one, the believers waded into the water. “Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?” the pastor asked each woman as she met him in the middle of the pool. The answer was a resounding “Yes!”
After the baptism, we returned to the Mahapawn Living Water Church for our afternoon worship service. Pastor Sukprasan gave the women opportunity to share their personal testimonies. Here are some highlights:
Fern:
My parents split up when I was young, and I went to live with my grandparents and Aunt Noi. Even though I received much love from my guardians, it wasn’t enough. There seemed to be no one who could love me like a mother. I was often belligerent.
One day, Aunt Noi told me about God. At first I paid no attention. But the second time she said something, I was curious. She told me about God parting the Red Sea and creating the world. I decided to learn more. So I came to church and met the Christians. Everyone was friendly.
After I believed, my belligerent character began to improve. The first blessing I received as a Christian was God’s love, which is pure and holy. His love is enough. Previously, I believed that my problems made me strong. Now I see that in my weakness, God makes me strong.
Noi:
Before I came to trust in Jesus, I was a hotheaded, impatient person, not interested in others and often angry. I thought I was strong. Then a Christian friend told me about God, that He created the world in seven days. My friend explained that’s why we have a seven-day week and why Sunday is a day off. That fascinated me, so I began to search the Internet to find out more about God.
I started to believe and agreed to come to church. I found everyone there to be very friendly. Now I have God. Even if everyone leaves me, I still have Him. I realize the strength I thought I had was not enough. But now with God, I feel strong because He helps me. He is with me.
Nee:
Before I came to know Jesus, I felt all alone in the world. If I had a problem, who could I go to? I didn’t really feel like I had anyone because both my parents died when I was a child. Would there be anyone who really loved me?
One day I met Pastor Sukprasan, and I felt comfortable. When I met the other Christians at the church, I felt they were very kind. Today I know that I have met the One who truly loves me like a mother and father. And I am thrilled with my new brothers and sisters in Christ!
Nun:
I have always been a seeker of religions. When my three sons went to a Catholic primary school, I asked them all the time, “Who is Jesus?” My kids could never really explain. Then there was a problem in my family with my youngest, who is 21. I was very distressed. About 10 days before that, I met Ed, Sue, and Ann [a Thai church member], who told me about Jesus. I began to pray all the time and repent of my sin.
I felt so much better. I had more hope. I saw God answer so many prayers, always in time. I have experienced many miracles, wonderful answers to prayer.
I have been praying that my relatives will all come to faith in Jesus. My sister and my middle son are starting to show interest in Jesus. My middle son decided not to call on a spirit to protect his new car but instead have God protect him.
My oldest son used to be against me going to church. Now he is saying he wants to be baptized too. Thank you to Ed, Sue, and Ann for coming and telling me about Jesus.
My neighbors ask, “How can you go to church? Aren’t you Buddhist?” I pay no attention to it. They will see my life improve and they will know for themselves that God is real.
Please pray for these four women to continue to grow in their faith in Jesus.
Pray
Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to join the Alliance family in interceding on behalf of our global teams, who rely upon the Holy Spirit for opportunities to share the gospel with those who have little or no access to the good news.