Our Last Sunday in Thailand

Sunday 27^th March

Last night we went out for a meal at a rather swanky restaurant in Mae Sot. As we went in the English words on the sign read “Imaginary Jungle” – and so it was. Tables were spread out among trees and forest plants with little lakes and streams with rippling waterfalls. We confess the end-of-term feeling made us over order a bit but we made a respectable showing and didn’t leave much at the end. On the way in a smartly dressed car park attendant had marshalled us to a parking space, signalling with a whistle and waves of his white-gloved hands. As we left the restaurant after the meal he kindly agreed to take some photographs of us, and appeared in one with Ben.

Next morning we went to church in Phop Pra, where we’d been a few days before. As we arrived at the traditional Thai house we were met with the incongruous sound of a wild rock guitar from within.

After a little while Pastor Peacefully came out and apologised for keeping us waiting. He said he’d been so carried away practicing he’d lost track of the time.

We walked up to the church and set up.

Before we started the choir struck up with a beautiful Karen song which you can find here: http://www.grimsburybaptist.org.uk/wathailand/PhopPraSunday1.mp3

Ben led us in some worship songs. One of the significant things that has happened in our group is that Ben has moved deeper into flowing, prophetic worship, so we all felt it best to honour and encourage that by having him lead this morning.

After this we told the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus with plenty of congregational participation, and then Ben preached. We finished with more worship songs and another Karen song by the choir.

After the service the school headmaster asked us if we would pray for him, so we spent time praying for him with laying on of hands.

Pastor Peacefully invited us to lunch so we went back to his house for rice with some delicious pork and fried egg. As we were about to leave the headmaster came back in with one of the lads from the school who had drawn us a picture as a gift.

We arrived back at the Partners office in Mae Sot to find Pi Jean waiting for us with his minibus.

Night fell before we reached Chiang Mai but we arrived safely and the more energetic members of the team went out to see the sights, leaving Jay and Jackie back at the Mountain View guest house where we’d stayed when we first arrived.

Tomorrow morning is our official debrief and we fly home tomorrow night.