Searching Leads to Answers through the LHMT Website

Mr. Weerachon Sitiprai is from Udonthani Province.  He is single and has one sibling.  Because he has debts, he often has to travel to work in Nongkhai Province.  It has been a struggle for him to survive, which has made him want to know how life originated.  

He became interested in knowing more about Jesus Christ and searched the internet to learn more about God.  He visited the LHM Thailand website and found information about the Bible Correspondence Courses.  He thought they could help him learn more about Jesus Christ.  He decided to take the courses and is now studying the first lesson about “Calling from God” of the second course “True Happiness.”

Mr. Weerachon says, “The courses have helped me know things I never knew before.  Through the courses God has led me to faith in Christ.  I pray that He will always lead me.”  He now has the courage to live, since God brought him to faith.  He wants to study more about God.  Our team introduced him to Sammakheetham Church in Udonthani, so that he will be nurtured spiritually. 

Mr. Weerachon is a new believer.  Please pray for his spiritual life, that he will learn and understand the Christian life more and believe that the word of God will lead him to put his trust in the Lord Jesus.

From Stress to Peace

Mr. Boonlert Chaiaroon is from Suphanburi Province and moved with his family to Chainart Province.  He has 2 children and was stressed, as he did not earn enough income to support his family.  He wanted to find peace and happiness in his life and had the opportunity to hear about God since he was 14 and was searching to know more about Him.  

The pastor of Living Streams Church in Manorom District, Chainart Province recommended that he attend his church as well as take the Bible Correspondence Courses from LHMT, so that he would understand the Christian way of life better.  Mr. Boonlert applied for the BCC from LHMT and after taking the courses he says, “The lessons have given me many things, particularly the meaning in life.  It has helped me to know God’s will and how I can serve Him.”  

The Lord led Mr. Boonlert to be baptized at a church camp on May 6, 2011.  Now he is a child of God and he still is taking the correspondence courses. Currently, he is taking lesson 2 of the second course and has been learning the basic skills of how to live a life in faith.  Mr. Boonlert says, “My life has changed. I used to be stressed about the living conditions in my life, however, now I have peace in my heart, because I have God as my Guide in life.  He has blessed me with better living conditions.”  

Mr. Boonlert’s life has changed, as he has God to be his Guide.  Mr. Boonlert is happy that the Lord led him to open his heart to Jesus and be baptized. Currently, he is being nurtured by Living Streams Church in Manorom Dictrict, Chainart Province.  Please remember him in your prayers, that he will grow in faith and lead a life of fellowship with God.

Christian Radio Programs Give Hope

Mrs. Supajitra Meeprasert with her two children visited the LHMT office on April 4, 2011

Mrs. Supajitra Meeprasert comes from a broken family, her parents separated when she was born. Her health is not good, as she suffers from a problem with her blood and has been taking medication since she was 9 years old. The medication has side effects and causes her bone mass to decrease, which has left her with constant pain. Mrs. Supajitra has 2 children.  Because she doesn’t have good health, her husband did not want her to have another child and he has not been taking care of the second child. This made her very discouraged and she wanted to commit suicide.

 

One day Mrs. Supajitra turned on the radio and came across two Christian radio programs on FM 92.85.  This is the Mahachai Church Community Radio Station in Samutsakorn Province .  This community radio station cooperates with Journey into Light to spread the Gospel using the radio.  Mrs. Supajitra tried to tune to other stations, but the signals were not clear.  So she decided to try the Christian station again.  She listened to “Because You Are Loved“ and “Cheerful Life.” After listening to the programs she telephoned the LHMT team and asked to sign up for the correspondence courses.

 

Mrs. Supajitra wanted encouragement in living and was interested in learning more about Jesus Christ.  Listening to the radio has encouraged her and made her ready to face her life.  She says, “The Christian radio programs, ‘Because You Are Loved,’ and ‘Cheerful Life’ that I listen to, have helped me to have the will to live and help me know more about God, who has given me His love.  Now I always listen to the Christian radio.”  She also added, “My life has been transformed.  I used to be despondent, but now I am encouraged and ready to face life.  I am no longer short tempered.  I now have peace in my heart, since the Holy Spirit brought me to faith.”  Mrs. Supajitra has already completed the first LHMT correspondence course and she is now taking chapter 1 of the second course.  Not only is Mrs. Supajitra learning more about God.  Her children also are taking the children’s correspondence courses.  Mrs. Supajitra also applied to receive encouraging text messages on her mobile phone, so she will be blessed by them.

 

Mrs. Supajitra was baptized in December 2010.  Currently she is attending Mahachai Christian Church.  Please pray that God will continue to strengthen her faith and that God will also lead her family to faith.

A New Wife and a New Life in Christ

Mr. Tienchai Tanho is from Lampang Province and moved to Rayong Province.  His wife has died and he has one child.  Sometime after his wife’s death Mr. Tienchai met another woman, who is a Christian.  Three months before they married she shared with him about God.  In the beginning he was not interested, as he had heard this from World Vision, which gave a scholarship to his child.  At that time he was not interested in knowing about God.  He felt that he was able to live and meet the challenges of life himself, though it was a struggle.  He tried to acquire the things of this world, so that his life would be stable.  Though he depended on his own ability, he came to realize there must be someone who created him and he did not need to carry his burden.  As he thought about this, he became interested in God.

His girlfriend was a Christian and regularly listened to the radio program produced by LHM Thailand.  It was aired on the community radio station, Unity Christian Radio FM 91.0 MHz in Rayong.  She encouraged him to listen.  He listened to the program, “The Cheerful Life.”  When the program ended he said, “This program is very good and provides knowledge about God.  It helps people to have courage to live.  Those who feel like giving up will be encouraged by this program.”  Since then Mr. Tienchai has been regularly listening to the program and has gained new ideas, which he applies to his spiritual life.  God has led Mr. Tienchai to faith and since coming to faith he says “My life has completely changed and I do not have to depend on my own ability, because I know that God is beside me.  This makes me confident.  I do not have to depend on myself, because I know that God cares and helps me.”  Mr. Tienchai has met the true God and he now understands that God has created everything and he believes that sacred things come from God.

Mr. Tienchai was baptized on December 28, 2010 and is being nurtured by Aekaparb Church in Rayong Province.  He has found the Light of Christ through the witness of his wife and Christian radio programs.  Please pray for Mr. Tienchai, that his spiritual life will continue to grow.

Bible Correspondence Courses Help Deepen Faith and Understanding

Ms. Sommai Chudum is from Samutprakarn Province and moved to find a job in Chachoengsao Province.  She has one son and one daughter.  Ms. Sommai has been interested in knowing more about God since she was in school.  She often joins the Christmas celebrations at church and likes to attend many church events.  

Last year God led her to believe in Him and last Christmas she received a booklet from “Project Christmas Outside Church.”  On the flyer it mentioned Journey Into Light (JIL, which is the local name for Lutheran Hour Ministries Thailand) and she applied to take the JIL Bible Correspondence Courses, so that she could learn more about God.  Ms. Sommai has now completed the second course and recently shared what she learned from the courses.  “I have gained more knowledge about God and the Bible.  Now I know that Jesus died to redeem mankind from sin and wants us to return to Him and that God created the earth and has good plans for us.”  The Holy Spirit has used the knowledge that Ms. Sommai gained from the lessons to develop her spiritually and has transformed her life.  She used to have a hot temper, but now is calmer.  The Word of God has helped her know how to live and the purpose for mankind.  

Currently the JIL staff person in charge of follow-up has recommended Ms. Sommai to attend Romyen Church in Chachoengsao, so that she would be cared for spiritually.  Please pray for her as she follows God.  Pray that she will have the opportunity to be baptized and to continue to learn the Word of God more and more.

I want God to be in my Heart

Miss Nongnut Po-thong

Miss Nongnut Po-thong is the asparagus quality control officer for a company in Suphanburi Province.  Every morning she works alone, sorting through the shipments of asparagus that are delivered to her building.  While doing her work, she enjoys listening to the radio.

About two years ago Miss Nongnut accidentally found a Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) radio program.  As she searched for a good station, she heard a song that she liked.  As she listened to the song, she went back to her work.  When the song ended and the program started, Miss Nongnut became interested.  She discovered that she got many helpful and practical ideas for her life. 

After that time Miss Nongnut continued to listen to the different LHM programs, such as Because You are Loved, The Cheerful Life, and Home for Love.  As she listened to the personal testimonies and encouraging messages, they touched her heart. 

One day she was facing a difficult situation.  When she got home, she remembered what she had heard on the Lutheran Hour radio program.  The story on that program was the same as her problem.  Just as God had helped the person in that story, Miss Nongnut realized that God helped her also.

Miss Nongnut says, “When I feel burdened or tired from my work, I get energy to continue working by listening to the programs.  I can use those practical and encouraging ideas in my daily life.”

When she finishes her work in the morning, she goes to work in the farm in the afternoon.   Miss Nongnut takes her radio with her to the farm, so that she can continue listening to the LHM programs.

Recently Miss Nongnut said, “I want God to be in my heart.”  Our LHM staff is working to connect her with a church in her area, so that she can continue to learn more about God and grow in her faith.

Jesus is the Best Friend

“I am happy that I have found the website of Journey Into Light and received the correspondence lessons which have made me know more about Jesus.  I am diligently studying the lessons I have received.  Thank you very much.” 

Ms. Nontasoung Siripatanangkul, a 15 year old student, lives in Lopburi Province and was searching and wanting to know more about Jesus Christ.  The members of her family are not Christians and she was the only member searching for God.  She had problems with friends at school and was unable to get along with them.  As a result she had to go and see a psychiatrist every two weeks.  She had no friends and was alone most of the time and felt very lonely.  She found a way out by learning about Jesus Christ through the website of Journey Into Light (JIL)

The JIL team suggested she take the correspondence courses which she did, and she thanks them for helping her to come to know Jesus Christ.  She knows that Jesus Christ will never leave her. No matter what kind of person she is, Jesus will always love her.  She is very happy to know Jesus who has given her life more meaning.  She says that her life has been transformed and she now feels the warmth of having Jesus near her and will continue to follow Him.

Currently, the JIL follow-up team has introduced her to Christian Sampan Church – Lopburi and has asked the church to nurture her and follow up.   Ms. Nontasoung wants to know more about God and requests prayers to help her continue to grow in her faith and also for her family that they too will come to know God as He has led her.

Correspondence Courses Bring Answers To Life

Mrs. Supun Phongmueng is originally from Yasothorn Province and later moved to work in Surathani Province.  She does not have any children as she has complications with in her womb.  Mrs. Supun has always had questions about her life “Where did she come from?” and “Why is she born?” and continued her search but did not get any answers which satisfied her.  Then she was led by God and all her questions were answered.  When Prakittikoonsomboon Churches in the south organized a retreat called “His Glory’” in April 8-10, 2009 she also attended the camp.  As Journey Into Light had a booth to share about its ministry at the camp she came to JIL booth and the JIL team introduced her to its correspondence lessons and encouraging text messages on the mobile phone.

            Mrs. Supun has been studying the lessons and says “These lessons have helped me to find answers to questions I never knew, I now understand life more and have learnt how to follow God.”  She added “The encouraging text messages often come at a time when I have problems and encourage me to live my life and have a closer relationship with God” Now Mrs. Supun says “My life has completely changed.  I used to be very selfish but now I have learnt to forgive others as Jesus taught us to love even our enemies.”  God has transform her life and she now has His peace and has found answers to what she has been searching for.

            Mrs. Supun has completed JIL correspondence courses and now every Sunday she attends Prakittikoonsomboon Church – Wiagnsa in Surathani Province.  She was baptized and request for prayers for her to continue her walk with God.

A Good Choice Found on the Internet

Mr. Atipakorn Setaphun  Age: 30 years, Chiangrai Province

Mr. Atipakorn Setaphun is married with one child.  His parents are not Christians; however he is in a Christian community and has Christian friends.  As a result he wanted to learn about God.  He began searching on the internet for Christian websites and found the website of Journey Into Light and looked at it.  He also contacted Journey Into Light to receive the booklet “Valuable Promises from God.”  He has been studying God’s Word from this booklet and has also asked for correspondence courses.  He is full of joy and happiness from studying the Word and says, “By studying the booklet I received and the correspondence courses, I now know more about who God is.  I know the way to true happiness and have found the good way to live my life.”  Mr. Atipakorn wants to grow more spiritually and receive encouragement, so he applied to receive encouraging text messages via his mobile phone.  These media have helped him to grow more mature in Christ.  Currently he is study the Lesson 1 in the 2^nd course and would like to complete the course.  The courses have helped him know how to lead a life with God and he is ready to always follow Him.

Currently, Mr. Atipakorn worships at Wiang Chiangrai Church in Muang District, Chiangrai Province.  He was baptized and his life has changed and he has received peace from God.  He is filled with joy in knowing Christ and believes that he has found the right way.

Found Good News on the Radio

Amnart Khem-on, Supunburi Province

Mr. Amnart Khem-on was born on January 15, 1973. He told us that he used to be a naughty and stubborn child and often disregarded the schools rules until many teachers who taught him were fed up with him.  He relied on himself and was not afraid of anyone and liked to use force because he was very strong.  However, when he became an adult he became confused and was not content with the way he led his life.  He then decided to search for something that would give him an answer to his life.

            At the end of the year 2009 all of a sudden he remembered what happened when he was in grade 3 when he received a tract from someone who was giving out tracts to the school children.  The tracts were about God and at that time he was not interested.  However, an older student read the tract to him.  He found it really strange that he could recall the message on the tract.  He now wanted to know about God and wondered where one could find God.  As he turned the radio dial and listening until he came to the radio station on 89.55 MHz where the deejay was talking about God and he could remember that he listened to the radio from noon until it became dark in the evening.  There were several programs from LHM Thailand such as “This Home for Love,” “Because You are Loved,” and “The Cheerful Life.”  He paid a lot of attention listening and asked his nephew where the station was.  He could hardly believe the answer that the radio station was less than 10 kilometers from his home but he had no interest then.  He decided to phone the radio station and talked to our radio speaker and telling that he had been listening to the programs and wanted to know more about God.  The radio speaker invited him to attend church on Sunday which was during the Christmas season.  He listened with keen interest and has been listening to the programs every time he has opportunity.  Because of God’s saving grace he has received Jesus into his heart.

            As he is an employee doing follow up on daily loans he is often unable to attend church.  However, when he is home he attends church every time.  He says “God has made me more patient and I am determined to learn more about God and want to be baptized.  I thank the radio speaker of all the programs that helped me to know God.” Currently, he is being nurtured by Pawntawee Church in Nongyasai District in Supunburi Province.  Please remember him in your prayers that he will grow in the way of God and be ready for baptism in the near future.