Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Though the Christian population among the Thai of Thailand remains less than 2%, they are becoming increasingly aware of their Tai cousins in surrounding countries. Because of their cultural and historical affinity with the Black Tai, some are beginning to recognize the advantage that a Thai Christian has over a Westerner or other Asian in proclaiming the Gospel to this neglected and difficult to access people group. One Thai person has moved beyond the fear of traveling into unknown and intimidating lands to becoming an apostle to the Black and White Tai. This is her story.

Lydia came from a Buddhist family, but saw her parents put their trust in Christ when she was a young girl. Later, she also believed through their witness. She was a good student and graduated with a Master's degree, intent on being a Thai business woman. However, she eventually was led to take a fairly low paying job with an American Christian couple with the intent of growing in her faith and improving her English skills. While working with this family, she saw how God could use her in His Kingdom building work and also what others were doing to minister to a group called the Black Tai.

She also met other Thai people, who were taking the Gospel to the Black Tai. So when the invitation came to join a team of Thai evangelists visiting the Tai Dam, she jumped at the chance. She was initially terrified of traveling to the area where the Tai Dam live, but felt that the Lord wanted her to go. After traveling the hours to get there and being warmly received by the Tai Dam, her fears subsided. Lydia found this verse true for her, as well as Jesus disciples, "Remember, I am with you always."

With the support of a local Thai church, a strong Christian family, and many praying friends, Lydia has taken appropriate steps to familiarize herself with the Tai Dam and their life situation. She has developed a compassion for these cousins of the Thai and is now actively working to take the Gospel to them. As the Lord continues to lead, we pray that more Thai will take up the task of taking the gospel across borders, particularly to the 25+ million Tai people living outside of Thailand.

Please Pray:

1. Pray for boldness and good communication skills for Lydia, as she takes the gospel to her Tai Dam cousins.

2. Pray for open doors to the Gospel and a warm reception from the Tai Dam for Lydia and other Thai evangelists.

3. Pray that Lydia and other Thai workers would maintain their moral and doctrinal purity by trusting and obeying the Lord in the domain held so long by Satan and his followers.

4. Pray for the Lord to raise up more Thai Christians to partner together in proclaiming the gospel to the Tai Dam.