Boonserm and Muary
LTC invited alumni, Pastor Boonserm, to speak at our mid-term revival last term. Boonserm graduated from LTC in 2003 and along with an LTC professor, planted a church in a nearby suburb of Chiang Mai.
I wanted to share Boonserm's story with you because it is a great example of what LTC alumni are doing through out the region. And... it is a great testimony of God's power to transcend differences.
I wanted to share Boonserm's story with you because it is a great example of what LTC alumni are doing through out the region. And... it is a great testimony of God's power to transcend differences.
Boonserm is a H’Mong working among Northern Thais. This is an unusual occurrence here as minority groups are often considered inferior to the urban Thais. Yet, Boonserm does not let that stop him. He is passionate about sharing his faith. Since Boonserm became lead pastor over 100 people have been baptized as a result of evangelistic outreach trips supported by the church.
The church isn't large; averaging about 40 in attendance, but is completely self supporting. From the very beginning the members of the church did not ask for any funding from missionaries or Churches in America. The members acquired the land and built their church building with their own funds! All salaries and church activities are supported through the offerings of the members!
When the church first opened, it was named The Light of San Sai Church. Not a bad name. But, a few months ago I heard they had changed their name. So, I asked Boonserm about it and here is his response....
The church isn't large; averaging about 40 in attendance, but is completely self supporting. From the very beginning the members of the church did not ask for any funding from missionaries or Churches in America. The members acquired the land and built their church building with their own funds! All salaries and church activities are supported through the offerings of the members!
When the church first opened, it was named The Light of San Sai Church. Not a bad name. But, a few months ago I heard they had changed their name. So, I asked Boonserm about it and here is his response....
“One of my goals as a minister to encourage the members to evangelize their family, friends, and neighbors. People would ask the members what group they represent. When they said “Light of San Sai Church” it didn’t mean anything to people. We soon realized that we needed a name that addressed people’s felt needs. We needed something that would start a conversation about spiritual things.
All Thai people understand the concept of heaven, believing it to be a place of peace and tranquility. And Everyone is searching for that! So, after much discussion, we chose the name “Gate to Heaven Church” We tell people that we have the “key” to the Gate to Heaven, and they can have one too.
Since we changed the name, the members have been really energized to share their faith with others. When we mention the name of the church, people always start asking questions. It has been a really great witnessing tool”
All Thai people understand the concept of heaven, believing it to be a place of peace and tranquility. And Everyone is searching for that! So, after much discussion, we chose the name “Gate to Heaven Church” We tell people that we have the “key” to the Gate to Heaven, and they can have one too.
Since we changed the name, the members have been really energized to share their faith with others. When we mention the name of the church, people always start asking questions. It has been a really great witnessing tool”
Isn’t it amazing how God can use something as simple as a name change to get His Message heard?
Recently Boonserm met a Muslim family who had fled the violence in the south of Thailand. Through a series of events,Boonserm was able to witness to this family and they became believers. The mother has prayed that one of her children would go into Christian service. Last month, on her birthday, her son said "My gift to you is to become a preacher".
Boonserm took him to pick up the application forms for enrolling at LTC!
This is just an example of what LTC alumni are doing in Thailand and other creative access places in Asia!
Would you help LTC prepare Preachers like Boonserm? LTC is in need of additional Partners to cover the general fund and to provide student scholarships. You can help by going to our Paypal button and sending your donation.
Recently Boonserm met a Muslim family who had fled the violence in the south of Thailand. Through a series of events,Boonserm was able to witness to this family and they became believers. The mother has prayed that one of her children would go into Christian service. Last month, on her birthday, her son said "My gift to you is to become a preacher".
Boonserm took him to pick up the application forms for enrolling at LTC!
This is just an example of what LTC alumni are doing in Thailand and other creative access places in Asia!
Would you help LTC prepare Preachers like Boonserm? LTC is in need of additional Partners to cover the general fund and to provide student scholarships. You can help by going to our Paypal button and sending your donation.
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