Our June Newsletter

SNOOKER AND SHOPPING

The shopping done, loaded into the car, butter melting on the back seat, Nick wondered whether he should go straight home or pop into the hardware store first. There was a job that needed doing at the house – and had been for some time – and he needed supplies. He quickly weighed up the consequences of the melted butter versus the job being delayed yet again, and decided to head to the hardware store. Waiting at the cashier’s desk whilst she was struggling to get the purchases scanned, Nick started chatting to the cashier’s assistant/chief bag packer, whose name is Snooker (yes, as in the game played on a baize covered table and pronounced “Sanuk cur” in Thailish). After exchanging pleasantries, Snooker asked for Nick’s business card. Nick – being a nice guy – gave it to him, and sweetened the deal by giving him a tract too.

Imagine our delight when about an hour later we got a call from Snooker. He is keen – he wants to know more about Jesus because he is dissatisfied with life! We have since met with Snooker again and have given him a booklet about what Christians believe. We hope to meet with him on a regular basis, perhaps over lunch or a cup of coffee, perhaps even with a friend if his or a colleague, and talk more about this awesome God that we serve.

HOME ALONE

Nick was in Singapore and would be gone for a week. Trish was home alone – if you can call being left with three children “alone”. She was feeling a bit down, a bit discouraged, a bit lonely, even a bit nervous. We are still so new in this town – what would she do if there was an emergency? Who would help her?

Then there was a voice calling downstairs. Phii Nok had brought some supper for Trish and the kids. She stayed and chatted for a while. Then, as she was leaving, Khun Yaay brought little First to play.

Soon six other neighbourhood kids and their parents were in our garden having a whale of a time – running races, riding bikes, playing basketball, while Trish fed them savoury pies and chocolate cookies. Next morning none other than the vice-governor of the province (who lives 2 houses down) and his wife arrived to whisk the kids off to their home where they duly entertained and fed them for the morning – while the Bekker blessings destroyed their otherwise pristine house, Trish enjoyed a welcome break.

Home alone - maybe, but certainly with a God who supplies all our needs!