December  2008

Prayer Letter Update

As the weather turns cooler here in Bangkok most of the people are wearing jackets and getting ready for winter. It has dropped down to 64 degrees, on some special nights, but will warm back up to 84 by the afternoon. To us here in Thailand, that is a drastic drop in the mornings but it does make it feel a bit more like Christmas. It seems like the year has gone by so suddenly. When we think back to all that has been accomplished, its easier to see why it feels like the year has just flown by. But it is good to know there is fruit from all the different activities, outreaches and training times and that is what makes it worth it.

SEPTEMBER
Apart from all the preparations before camp, we had a men's retreat in Sathahip, This was specifically targeted for men that have a burden to be leaders. Each year this has been a blessing helping to strengthen the faith of our men and prepare the leadership for the future of our church.

October13-17
TEEN CAMP "JESUS IS THE ANSWER"
Bangjak Baptist Church hosted the annual Independent Baptist Teen Camp outreach. This is our 10th year and the excitement was at an all time high. Many campers from the first few years have now taken on roles as counselors and are doing a great job. We thank the Lord for 86 young people who attended camp but specifically for the 12 young people who received Christ during the camp. Praise the Lord for those in the States who help to sponsor the camp so that those who could not afford to go did not miss this great opportunity to hear the word of God.

Upon returning from camp, October 23-26 we had the honor of working as liaisons for Thailand and 100 other countries during the World Junior Judo Championship Competition 2008. It is an opportunity to meet and witness to people from all over the world who come to compete in Judo. Our family is the official liaison team for Thailand. This has led to receiving invitations to go to many countries closed to the gospel.

NOVEMBER
We held a 2 day seminar on how to start young peoples ministries in the local church. Many of our fellowship churches do not have organized youth outreaches. It was good to hear the positive comments from the churches as they left on the second day how they have a heart to reach the future generation of Thailand

ANNUAL HANDICAP FESTIVAL
This year was our 5th year to have a booth set up at the yearly nationwide Handicap Festival. People travel from all over Thailand to join in the festivities and to sign up for special privileges the government provides for the physically and mentally disabled. God has provided us the opportunity and freedom to present the gospel on this special day. Every time we have done this we have had many new visitors come to the church. Our church members came to help pass out tracts and witness throughout the day. It was great watching them minister to the special needs of the people there.

NOV. 11th
One of the Governmental schools located in a Buddhist temple compound contacted our church about holding a one day English camp. This was a great opportunity to witness to the children there, as the theme was about American holidays. It was exciting to watch the team of missionaries along with Dusty teach over 200 children about the true meaning of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Through all these special activities, God has worked in the hearts of the people as they heard the Word of God. We are excited about those who have accepted Christ during these past months, 8 people who have followed the Lord in baptism, and for those who are following Him faithfully.

Special prayer request
Christmas outreach our goal is to reach out to over 1,700 people Seven prisoners who have accepted Christ
Twelve young people who received Christ at camp Deaf Bible translating
Raising $1,000.00 for a church building in Phaiyameng Rai for a national pastor

We thank you for your prayers and your support.
Sincerely in Christ,

Ricky Salmon

Sending church:
Temple Baptist Church
Pastor LeRoy Eldridge
1400 N. Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32796

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Email: salmonth@truemail.co.th