Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says…. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22 and 25

Churches
After many decades of evangelism in Thailand, several churches have emerged among the Pwo Karen. In the 80’s, an explosive growth of churches took place among the Pwo Karen in the O area. However, there are still areas that have no Christian witness among them. Some areas have rejected the gospel; others have not yet had a chance to make a choice for Jesus. In some villages, the grandparents have heard the gospel message, but their children and grand children are Buddhist and have no knowledge of what the Bible teaches.

In years that are more recent Christmas has been a good opportunity to share the meaning of the birth of the Lord Jesus in schools throughout the country. Sadly, this has not resulted in a significant number of converts.

In the local churches in the O area an other heresy idea has crept in to the churches where people think that being a dedicated believer means being sure of a paid job by a Christian organization. It effects especially the youth that want tot follow the Lord. They go to a Bible School and presume a paid job as pastor or a children worker will follow. The favorite choice of Bible School are  those that offer their graduates a paid job or offer help in other ways like build them a church building.

If I only hear God’s Word and I will quickly forget it. If I only see God’s power in action and remember it only afterwards. If I obey God’s Word and pass it on to others; only then do I understand who God is.

Praise:

• The Lord has promised that His Word will not return empty. He is building His Church, also among the Pwo Karen!

Pray:

• For youth who want to serve the Lord with an undivided heart, also in situations where there is no salary available.
• For Pwo Karen young people to get a vision to learn a profession like teacher, doctor, nurse, mechanic, salesmen etc. for the purposes of living out a Christian testimony in the places they live and work.
• For Pwo Karen churches, that the believers will use their gifts for the glory of God in the body of Christ.
• For Pwo Karen Christians, that they will take up their responsibility to keep their church going financially.