THE FUTURE VISION MISSION WORK IN THAILAND

Shalom All,

Greetings from Thailand once again, brothers and sisters in Christ!

This is just another brief report from me, to update and share with you about my upcoming work plans for the Lord. I pray that you will have the time to read it.

As you all well know, my initial calling 3 years ago originally was to evangelize to the Jews, but the Jewish Rabbis that you read at mission blog “Concentrate on the Lost Tribes” and “First Mission in Thailand”.. I had contact with did not open this door for me. Even so, I am certain the Lord loves and cares for the Jews, despite their steadfast stubbornness, and that one day, He will find a way for me to serve this community.

Then the Lord directed me to go to India. By faith and without much preparation, the Lord opened this doors for me, helping, equipping and teaching me to evangelize along the way, and even leading and annointing me to cast out demons in His name. (these activities have been covered in earlier reports). Isn't God’s amazing?

I am sure God has a plan for me ahead, as He never fails in His promise. But I am waiting for a clearer direction from Him. After 3 years even up to now, I have a burden and a desire to make contact with one of the Lost Tribes of Israel, to bring them back to the true Jerusalem and into the lasting Kingdom of God.

Yet the time does not appear to be now, as there are too many issues and obstacles for me in this path right now. For one thing, my government still imposes a very strict ban on its citizens from entering the State of Israel.

Then also, living cost in Israel is too high for me to be there.

And thirdly, Jenny is not ready for this journey just yet, even if I am ready. I can't just leave her behind in Bangkok - that would not be the right thing for me to do. No, we must work together for the Lord as a pair, since the Lord has joined us in marriage. Therefore, I am still seeking and praying that the Lord will work out a way, and find us an opening for both of us, if not for the Jews in Israel or elsewhere, then some other place.

The other option for us is to stay put in Thailand. Here, we also have a great desire to serve the Thai people, as there are many needs we can see. One vision we have is to start a "One-Stop-Mission Centre" (OSMC), in a shop house or any suitable place. We are particularly encouraged to have the boldness of this vision after our recent work of one year at the Olive Farm in Kunming.

As we see it, the objectives of such OSMC will be:

1. To provide handicraft training for the poor, such as in cross stitch, knitting etc. This work will help the poor to generate some income to support their family, as well as provide us an opportunity to serve the Lord.
2. We will have a place to sell the handcraft made, as well as to sell Christian books, gifts and music.
3. Once we have established a proper footing, we can and will open this venue to all Christian denominations visiting Bangkok/Thailand, in joint efforts to preach the Gospel and extend the Kingdom of God throughout the land.

We are praying for God's hand to make this come true. One way is to incorporate a company or a foundation, and to find a way to get the company/foundation, exemption from tax. This is not something we can achieve overnight. It will necessarily have to be a longer term plan, but we need to open it up for input of ideas, to deliberate, discuss and pray for God's leading, to bring about a project such as this to bear fruit for God's people.

Just another thought. Initially, we could plan to rent, say a three-storey shophouse in the outskirts of Bangkok … the ground floor to be used as the proposed handicrafts center cum coffee fellowship place ... the second floor to be used for children ministry, Bible studies place, library, prayer room and for worship service … the third floor to be used as guest rooms for missionaries/Christians on their way to or from Thailand, who can also contribute in some way to promote the activities of the center.

Last week, I have had a brief sharing about the above ideas with the pastor and elders of a sizable church in Thailand. They seem to find this vision interesting.

With prayer and the support of everyone, perhaps we can all work together to bring to fruition.

God is always great, Glory to the Name!

Blessing,

Rev. Steve Peter H S Kok and Sister Jenny P Kok

RETURNING FOR MISSION IN THAILAND AND BACK HOME IN MALAYSIA

Shalom All,

Greeting in the Lord Jesus Christ’s Name!

The Word of the Lord lifted me up when I read 1 Timothy 4 verses 12 - 15 said that “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you”.

Most likely, so for many people around us. Each day we have many opportunity to support and inspire family members, fellow workers and even total strangers. People need help and affirmation all along the way. Paul modeled six important principles to help us to encourage others. Start with encouragement whereby people who know we will encourage them will be happy to work with us. Secondly expect of others only what you expect of yourself such like people resist being held unfair standards. Thirdly, we need to develop expectations of others with consideration for their skills, maturity and experience, it is important to be patient with slow learners and distracted. Fourthly, we require to monitor our expectation to others as changing circumstances something require revised or reduced expectation. Fifthly, to clarify your expectation with others. Lastly, end with your encouragement as people love to be thanked for a job well done.

Jenny and I will be in Hatyai from Bangkok from July 8^th till July 12^th, 2010 to renew my Thailand Visa at the border post. We will also be meeting my cousin’s family from Penang in Hatyai and also visiting Jenny’s relatives in the Province of Pattani before returning to Bangkok.

On August 3^rd, 2010, Don Moen, an American singer-songwriter, pastor and producer of Christian worship music will be having a Worship Concert in Bangkok. When Jenny mentioned this to me, I found it hard to believe until she showed me the website. We are so excited about this coming event as it is going to be a great concert. We trust the Lord will provide us the funds to see the concert.

Here is our mission report, with photos:

On May 18^th, 2010, we were invited by a local church pastor in Kunming, China to spent a few days with a Thai community in Wangchan District, Province of Rayong, Thailand, close to the border with China. It was good to have this opportunity to fellowship with these people in a remote part of Thailand in their homes. We were brought to see an elder of the church ill with stomach cancer, who has not been able to attend church for many months now. The pastor asked me to pray for this brother. Using the olive oil for anointing, I called on the name of Jesus to heal this brother, laying my hand on his stomach. After the prayer, he felt better. On Sunday, I was preaching in the local church and this elder felt fit enough to attend church to worship the Lord. Praise the Lord for this. Give Him Glory .

We also celebrated Jenny’s birthday that Sunday. It was a big surprise to me that the local pastor has arranged for so many of his flock to celebrate Jenny's birthday. May God continue to give my beautiful wife strength and joy in serving the Lord, according to His Plan and Will.

During our visit in Wangchan, we also took the opportunity to visit a pastor serving in Pluakdeang, a well as another friend from Sa Keow. We were brought to a member's home for fellowship. One member in this family has not accepted Jesus. We shared the Word of God, the Love of God and the saving grace of our Lord, with this family and prayed for the Holy Spirit to be with them. Then the unbeliever was moved by the Holy Spirit to accept Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord, one more soul is won for the Lord's Kingdom. We heard from the pastor recently that every member of this family now attends church.

On May 27^th, 2010, we returned to Malaysia for three weeks. Thanks be to God for friends giving us free accommodation in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, as without such providence we would not be able to afford the accommodation for this stay .

The following day, we went to the Bible College of Malaysia to attend its Carnival Sale. It is good to meet up with some old friends at the Church We attended some of their cell group meetings, where I have the opportunity to share the Word of God and my walk with God in the mission field. I felt so good sharing my life and experiences serving God, also as an encouragement for them to serve God in whatever way they can Faith in action is one way to lead others to do more for the Lord.

I was also invited by a pastor from the Kelana Jaya to preach the Word of God in his church. After preaching, we went to the children ministry and spent time with children from different races. God makes us in different shades and colors, but we are one in Christ. Amen!

On June 4^th, 2010, while we were crossing the road from the prominent Kuala Lumpur Twin Tower Building to the Public Bank Head Office Building opposite, all of a sudden, a large crowd of about 15,000 people appeared in front of us, staging an Anti-Israel Protest and Pro-Palestine March. The demonstration was heading towards the US Embassy. We were caught unaware in the middle of this street protest. It was scary ,but the Lord protected us. Praise the Lord!

We had to rush back to Bangkok on June 13^th, 2010 to attend the launching of a new sister church in Nakhon Luang, Province of Aytthuya. There were about 20 members who turned up for the official opening. When we arrived, the people were happy to see us and told us they had prayed for us every day. Our God has touched and transformed their life. All Glory and Honor to God Almighty!

I have been invited by the main church pastor to teach English and to conduct Bible Study in English with the local people there, while Jenny will teach them handicraft. We are praying for God's hand in this area of work.

I have written to you briefly encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to all of you are in Christ!

Blessing,

Rev. Steve Peter H S Kok and Sister Jenny P Kok

BANGKOK NO LONGER THE SAME

Shalom All,

Greeting in the Lord’s Name!

Before I share about the situation in Bangkok, just to inform that we will be returning to Kuala Lumpur for a short trip from May 27^th to June 9^th, and then to Kedah and Penang.

The purpose of this return is to visit my family members, friends and mission supporters. Also, I have been invited to share the Word of God and the mission experiences to business groups and cell groups. Moreover, we wants to share our thoughts on building the gospel through Christian handicraft works from the poor to the rich .

Thailand is no longer the same due to clashes between the red shirts protesters and the Thai Government. It is all about power, greed and money that destroys one another. God reminds me that this situation is like Jeremiah warning the King of Israel on idol worship, power and greed, and then calling everyone to repent of their sins. But the King and the people did not heed. In the end, the Babylonian Emperor took over the whole of Jerusalem.

On May 12^th, we went to Silom to meet up my friend studying in ABAC university. At 4pm, we left Silom and headed back home. Around 7pm, trouble started in Silom. Earlier, I had thought of staying back at Silom to do my mission report but thank God for pulling us off from Silom before bombing took place!

On May 14^th, we were going to a cell group at Bangkae from Bangkhen, our home. We took a bus to Din Daeng, then a BTS Skytrain. On the way, the Thai army blocked the highway checking all vehicles for weapons, resulting in a massive traffic jam. About 10 mins later, we were informed by TV news that the BTS Skytrain would stop operating at 4pm. It was then 3.45pm. Without much choice, we looked for another alternative. When we reached Din Daeng, we walked towards Victory Monument. We saw many local people very angry with the Thai army blocking the road as they wanted to use the road to go back. Then we walked along the Phayathai Road toward to MBK. About half way at Pretchaburi, all people walking towards MBK, were required to register their ID with the Thai army for security reasons. Without choice, we walked to Prantip Plaza, Pretchaburi Road, the road was empty without cars or motorbikes. We saw a 7 Eleven convenience store half closed, and a few foreigners walking towards their hotel. Then we were at the T-Junction of the Pratunam and Central World. We saw and heard the redshirts talking while the Thai army stood by. When we were walking towards Indra Square, all of a sudden, the red shirts and local people pulled us into a corner to hide ourselves as the Thai army were preparing to shoot. Nothing happened, so we went out immediately to run to the back lane of Indra Square. When we reached the main road, the Thai army began shooting at the people not caring whether you are local, foreigners or reds. It was so scary looking at the army shooting and when the Thai army stopped shooting, the reds started to throw empty bottles at the Thai army. Then we left the scene and walked towards Din Daeng. Half-way, the local were shouting at the Thai army about to shoot at them, and so they ran towards the streets. Finally, we were able to escape to Din Deang and the redshirts managed to take control of a military truck and planning to burn the truck. Then we managed to catch a bus from Victory Monument back home.

That night, we watched the TV news about the Thai army starting their operation to take control of Rajprasong (Prantip, Pratunam and Silom) area after 8pm. We would like to thank God for protecting us and taking us out from the area in time otherwise we could have been shot dead by the Thai army!

On the May 19^th, we were invited by a church in Rayong (eastern of Thailand, further up from Pattaya) to share the Word of God, and to bring encouragement to the members. When we left for Fortune Mall, we saw a huge smokes in the city. Then we took a taxi to Ekamai Bus Terminal and the taxi man told us, he was not sure whether the road was closed or not but he would try his best to bring us there. He shared with us that one lady was shot at directly to her head and the whole Rajprasong was full of blood and dead bodies. Then we reached Ekamai Bus Terminal and immediately took the bus to Rayong to avoid sensitive areas in Bangkok.

When we watched the TV news, the Thai army won the battles and took back Rajprasong area. Most of the reds leaders surrendered to the police. This made the red protesters very angry and now that they do not have leaders ,they could therefore do anything they like. So they began throwing petrol bottle bombs at various hotspots area such as Central World, Siam Square, and a few big banks, Stock Exchange of Thailand, National Electricity of Thailand Headquarters, Central One, temple, MRT sub station etc. Even the Central World (used to be called World Trade Centre) almost collapsed and the insurance cost around USD 103 billion. My home branch bank at Central One also collapsed.

We will be returning to Bangkok on Monday taking a train from Bangkok to Hatyai on next Tuesday night. We are not sure whether the redshirts will attack the Hua Lampong Railway Station or the train. Also we are not sure whether we could safely return to our home from Rayong. Please pray for our safety during these trying times.

God Bless!

Blessing,

Rev. Steve Peter H S Kok and Sister Jenny P Kok

MISSION FINANCIAL STATEMENT FEBRUARY 2010 - APRIL 2010

Shalom All,

Greeting all the saints in Christ Jesus!

The favor which we had received, and for which we felt so much gratitude, had been received from you as Our Lord is the source of it, and we rejoiced of His kindness. Our heart lead with cheerfulness and joy up to God.

The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. He does not grants us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can imagine without regard to His interest. As we contend for the faith we will face troubles, pressures and trials. At every step of life, Christ is able to strengthen us and can bring us triumphantly through.

Money measures our energy, it represents our day-to-day security. Giving money away put our work and our futures at risk. Not every charity deserves your attention and you are wise to scrutinize missionary appeals as well. But once you have determined that a project honors the Lord, do not hold back as you give generously and joyfully. You will be establishing an eternal partnership.

We can trust that God will always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth he will always supply, even if it is the courage to face death as Paul did. Whatever we need in heaven he will supply. We must remember, however, the difference between our wants and our needs. Most people want to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain. We may not get all that we want. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for Him.

In the Philippians 4 verse 19 - my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be Glory for ever and ever. Amen!

Blessing,

Rev. Steve Peter H S Kok and Sister Jenny P Kok

FARM STAY

Shalom All,

Greeting in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

Due to certain sensitivities, we are compelled to be low key in our reporting of our missionary activities in China.

As you can well appreciate, the government fears freedom of worship could have adverse influence and impact on its governance. Despite these constraints, however, I am happy to report that “three-self-churches” remain relatively robust in China, but they need to always remain careful to keep themselves within the limits of the law.

We want to give thanks to our Lord for protecting us from the Evil One.

We arrived safely in Bangkok, Thailand on May 4^th, 2010, and we had a short break settling our personal matters. Starting this week, we will have a tight schedule with local fellowship centers and churches. I believe many of you have heard about the red shirt protesters in the city of Bangkok, but in fact, the happenings are only confined to a limited area at Siam Paragon, Central World and Lumpini. There is massive traffic jam around this area because the Thai army are active in controlling the protest movement. So, if you are thinking of coming to Bangkok, there is nothing for you to worry about just avoid this area.

Now here is our mission report to bring you greater faith, love and joy.

This is the Olive Farm in Yunnan where we have spent time serving the farmers and the local community. It is a beautiful place. We were so fortunate to have been invited by the owners of the farm (Business missionary from Singapore) to join the farm. The owner has shared with us on how he received his vision from God to start this farm based on Deuteronomy 8 verses 7 - 9, “ For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land - land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills, a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, peregrinates, olive oil, a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing, a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills”.

During our stay in the farm, Jenny and I started some activities such as teaching how to do handicraft, teaching English to the children and also playing games with the children. During these activities, I have always stressed on unity in the spirit-that is, working as a people and not creating conflict within the group.

There are many problems facing the farmers. In this, I sought the Lord for strength to solve the problems through counseling and motivation. As I walked around the farm, I would shout “Hallelujah”, and in return they would shout “Amen”, rejoicing in praising the Lord. Before we assist the farm as a volunteer, the farmers used to have morning prayer meeting around 8am for 5 minutes and I took a step forward to start an evening prayer around 6pm for 5 minutes. Everyone would be called on to come out to lead the prayer rather than the same person. Most of the farmers did not know how to pray and neither did they spend time to pray once they returned home. This is because they were always very busy with their daily routine, such as working in the olive farm from 8am to 6pm, then from 6pm - 9pm managing their own farm, from 9pm - 10pm cooking for dinner, and at 11pm cleaning up their own home. Only at midnight were they able to go to sleep.

I taught and encouraged them to always remember the Lord even when busy working, to pray and talk to Him when working, as our Almighty God is always there and listening.

When our food stock was low, we would go to the nearby wet market or the city to do our shopping. The distance to the nearby wet market is about 20km and to the city 80km. Last January 2010 at Carrefour in the city, a pickpocket took our Electronic Talk Dictionary without our realizing it, so we have lost it. Then in April 2010, traveling in the crowded bus to the International Trade Centre, two suspected pickpocket tried to cut my pocket jean. But my wallet was still there. Praise the Lord my wallet was not stolen!

During the Chinese New Year, we visited a few homes in our neighborhood and enjoyed the fellowship with the people. It is a great opportunity to share about the Gospel of Jesus to them. One of the families decided to accept Christ, and requested us to smash the idols they had worshiped and to pray for the repentance of sins. God works in mysterious ways, we just need to remain faithful to Him.

On the first Sunday of the Chinese New Year, we were invited to attend a home church (also known as the three-self-church). Here, women folk seemed to have a stronger determination to believe in Christ rather than the men. I was invited to share the word of God with the group and many were touched by the working of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah! I was asked to pray for each one and the Power of God, moved mightily around them. Let us give Praise to the Holy Spirit.

We would like you to visit our Covenant House and our apartment suite is part of our Covenant House. This house is only specifically for foreigners to stay and not for the local people. The beauty of our apartment is that it is a fully furnished apartment. Not like our apartment in Bangkok, we rented from Jenny’s uncle, where we do not have furniture, television, refrigerator and bed, and where we slept on the floor on a blanket. We also use the same room to cook our meals, and that's in urban city life Bangkok, in sharp contrast with rural Yunnan! But more importantly, it is not comfort we seek for ourselves, but the opportunity that will provide us to share the gospel of love, truth, joy and faith to everyone.

During our stay in the farm, we have the opportunity to help in the packaging of the olives during harvest time. The owner and his family were planning to go back to Singapore to sell fruits and olive oil, meeting with the board and share updated news about the farm.

As we were on 60 days per entry of a 2-year multiple entry Chinese Visa, we are required to exit from China in early March 2010. We took a sleeper class to Hekou (a Chinese border town) and walked across to Lao Cai (Vietnamese border). Then we took a short trip to Hanoi to meet up with my Vietnamese friends, with whom we used to stay together in Petaling Jaya, from 2003 - 2004. At that time, he had wanted very much to become a Christian, but his girlfriend then (now his wife) dissuaded him. When we met up again in Hanoi, I wanted to speak to him about my work for Christ, but did not get to say much about this, because something unfortunate happened. His son fell from the table and was cut by a table mirror. Thank God that the boy was otherwise unhurt. Let us pray for him and his family. His name is Hanh.

Towards late March 2010, I felt that the farmers needed more spiritual foods and decided to start an evening Bible Study class. I started with The Book of John and to make it easy for them I used lots of parable, humor, and wisdom from God. As they participated and became more interested, they requested for more classes, and even invited their non-believer friends to attend. I well remember that we have had so much fun and joy in class one day laughing non-stop for nearly 2 hours! God indeed delights us with his humor as well!

Let us all Praise the Lord! One young brother, aged 17 has already believed in Christ for 8 years, but not baptized. The Lord want me to conduct water baptism for him and this I did in late April 2010.

On April 30^th, 2010, the owner of the olive farm decided to have a celebration party for us as we are preparing to return to Bangkok. We have had a joyful party celebration. The Lord is always ever present, even at sad farewell and goodbye! Praise Him and Give Him Glory!

During our last Sunday morning service at the farm. I put on a movie called “Fireproof” translating for them and explaining to them the meaning behind the story that it is important to value our life partners through love and caring through Christ who died for our sins. Unity in the family comes first, then friends, church and work. Then we will be greatly blessed by Our Lord. In the evening, Jenny prepared the meals and we then gathered to eat our favorite Thai - Malaysia dishes.

When we left the farm, many of the farmers wanted us to stay back and their eyes were filled with tears . Their warmth really touched us but we could not stay as our mission work has already completed even though the initial plan was for one full year. God has cut short our stay, and I believe it is God’s timing and not our timing.

God is always great, Glory to the Name!

Blessing,

Rev. Steve Peter H S Kok and Sister Jenny P Kok