Last Sunday at Bethel - Feb.17,2013

LAST SUNDAY AT BETHEL CHURCH - Feb.17, 2013

Our last trek over the river to Bethel Church

It was the oddest thing to realize that only a week ago we were making our first trip out to Bethel Church not knowing what to expect, and finding everything new and unfamiliar.  And now, only a week later, this trip felt very familiar, and we were looking forward to seeing these brothers and sisters that had, in so short a time, become precious to us.  Even that the first time we arrived here, our song taow drivers, Somchai & Muk, waited for us by the river, while today they were joining us!

The current church building is the lower roof left of the path, with the\new church to the left with the higher roof & yellow walls

Worshiping together

The place was packed - all the Thai locals, all of us, the missionaries and TREK team... people were sitting on the floor in the aisle.  A diverse group, but unified in our love for God and each other.

The young guys lead worship: Dtoom, _________, Dough, and Boat

Mo works the power-point

Mei's debut playing for worship!  Her teacher, Judy from the TREK team, looks on joyfully.

One of the TREK team, Judy, had been teaching piano to Mei, and today was her first time playing for worship.  It was an emotional moment as she rolled up and started to play.  This beautiful young girl had worked her way into our hearts.

Louise translates Carol's testimony

Sharing testimonies was a great way for us all to share what God has done in our lives.  Today Carol & Donna shared from our group, and Dough & Mo shared from theirs.

...and for Donna as well.

Dave translates for Dough

... and for Mo

We were able to get a new cell phone for Pastor Naat

After Pastor Naat preached, we had an opportunity to sing for them.  We had a lot of fun with the upbeat version of "This Little Light of Mine", which they hadn't heard.  We had them joining in as well. 

(Jessica is playing the guitar that Dtoom, amazingly, fixed for us!)

Emily leads us in "King Jesus is All"

Missionaries: Edd & Ingrid Russell, Sandy Fender, and Kyle & Danae from the TREK team.

It has been a privilege to work alongside these dedicated missionaries.  Their humility, sincerity, dedication, and passion to share the love and goodness of Jesus with the Thai & Burmese people were beautiful to see, and an encouragement to us.  I think it's safe to say that we certainly were leaving with a greater desire to continue to support them, in prayer and in practical ways.

Break dance demo by Dough

After the service we were lingering, when, after hearing about his break dancing interest during his testimony, someone got Dough to do a demo for us.  Somehow after that, Donna & Yvonne stepped out, and a spontaneous little dance session broke out.  Amazing what can happen in Thailand! :)

Yvonne surprises us all, Gangnam Style :)

Janelle, Dtoom, Dough, Boat, Shane, & Emily

Jessica, Mo, and Pastor Naat

Emily & Pastor Naat

Brian & Golf

Wan, Brenda, Brian, Gao, and her son Golf

Outside the new church... so hard to leave these new friends!

The body of Christ is a powerful reality - the connections we have are deep, as they are rooted in Jesus.  Thankfully we live in the day of technology - facebook, email, enewsletters...  it's awesome that we can stay in touch even though we live half a globe away!