11th November
It seems like ages since I have written anything, but it’s really hard to find time to get into an internet (or as I call it Interweb) cafe and drop down some lines. So here goes with only 1 1/2 hours before the bus collects us for the airport. The past few days have been amazing, however the team has had its fair share of issues to deal with. The central issue of attack - in particular around insecurities and fear have been coming thick and fast. I don’t think anyone from the team has escaped this, and although we recognise that we will be under attack from the enemy when we are claiming ground for God it is still hard to deal with when it is upon you. We will obviously get more time to explain when we get home but we’vew had everything from financial issues, through to car accidents through to hospital visits. But you know the great thing about all this - when we declare the power of Jesus in each situation the enemy has no hold and flees. Hallelujah!The trips to the slums, prisons and other ministries have been so rewarding. The money that was raised for the trip will go to support all these causes - we will explain more about this on our return. In the meantime here’s a little taster.
We have been so blessed by the way in which the Thai churches are united to see Jesus alive in their city. They have put so much into this week, and although they are tired and weary of the struggles of ministry in Pattaya they are pushing on in the knowledge of the victory that Christ has. The prayer walks through the city have been extremely powerful - we have seen miraculous healing. The gigs in the bars and clubs have been great - we never thought that having an Irish Salsa Worship Band would go down so well here in Pattaya!
Anyway today ended with us visiting and helping in the local churches. We leave at 7pm local time for the airport so please pray for safe travel. We are all so looking forward to being home - even though it will not be 30 degrees C. Please pray for the team over the next weeks as I think there will be much for the team to think and pray through once they have time to de-cipher everything that God has been doing. But in conclusion give thanks to God for his enormous love and annointing on us while we’ve been here. We’ll try and do a final update from the airport so see you all soon. Blessings! [Jonny]
9th November Last night was a great night as we went to the Love Hearts Bar to play our first gig. The area around Soi 7 is quite claustrophobic with girls calling you over for business. The Bar we were playing in was right in the middle of the street, but the bar owners and girls made us feel very welcome. We were one of 3 bands playing that night - I’ve got some great video clips to show, so look out for a further update later. Tonight we are playing at the Big C Shopping Mall, followed by an extended time of worship and praise at the nearby church. Following this is a Prayer Night Watch running from 12 midnight through to 6.00am. Although we will not be involved throughout, please pray for energy as some of the team are starting to feel the effects of the heat and sun making them tire out very quickly. More later. One final thing, please please please consider leaving comments for the rest of the team (click on the comments button) as it would really encourage them to know that others back home are thinking about them [Jonny] 8th November
The team split into smaller groups again today for the second day of servant evangelism. Some of the team traveled to a nearby slum and The Tamar Centre. It really is a humbling experience to see people with so little have such a strong sense of community. Everyone seemed to look out for everyone else, and people were almost litterally pushed forward when we offered to pray for those who wanted it. It really was a case of ‘one persons child is EVERYONES child’, which is great for everyone involved, bar the child when they misbehave, at which point half the community smack them in the side of the head!
Gareth, my fellow Bangorian, directed a short drama, during which we told the story of Christ dying on the cross for us, and bridging the gap made by sin between ourselves and God. One woman came forward after this and told us of how she had seen prayer answered before, but she was scared that she would be ousted by the Buddists for having a faith in Christ.
Before we left the slum, we split into pairs and prayed over several of the locals. It was truly a blessing to see God working and moving in these people, even though they understood not a word of English! The power that God showed today was evident in the eyes of those we met. The work that God shows may not be visible for some time to come, but we pray that the seeds that have been sown in the past couple of days will sprout and flourish in the lives of the people of Pattaya. [Michael Walters ( Bangor contingent)]
Seems likes ages since I last provided an update. Apologies for this but this year the programme is so packed that we’re all finding it hard to fit time in. The last update on 6th referred to us practising that night with the band - so hopefully the little clip below will give you a feel for the type of music we hope to be playing in some of the bars and clubs.
The practice ended somewhat abruptly when Ian’s laptop started making very funny noises (or more funny than normal). Unfortunately the keyboard is attached to the laptop and therefore on this trip he totally relies upon it for playing music. We guessed from later on that it was something to do with the climate which generally fries most electronic things eventually. Jonny took a trip up to IT City (the heaven for all IT buffs) and purchased a fan unit to help keep the laptop cool. We will only know tonight at the bars whether it’s any success. Please pray for no more scares….
Yesterday (Wednesday) started early with us going to the United Christian Ministries building for their weekly Leaders’ time of worship and prayer for the city. Like all Christian gatherings it is always full of life, enthusiasm and a deep desire to come and worship God. I think we’ve all been struck at how much the Thai people are desperate to see God transform their city. There is a deep cry from within their hearts for change and an openness to have God’s Holy Spirit touch them and guide them in their daily lives. [Jonny]
6th November
Yesterday was a long day for us all travelling, but the good thing was that we had no hitches along the way. The hotel where we are staying for the week is undergoing renovation so it has limited us slightly in our rooms however the initial teething problems of room rate etc have now all been ironed out. Uan (pronounced Owen) is our translator for the week so she has been extremely helpful so far in negotiating with the hotel on our behalf. Last night we went out for food and took the opportunity to let the team see some of the features of why this city is so popular with westerners. Walking Street has a huge population of clubs where working girls base their business from. Whilst its an extremely overpowering place to be in you can see the opportunity everywhere for God to shine His light on a City that desperately needs His love. We finished the night off with a time of sharing and prayer. Please pray for each member of the team - that they quickly settle in and understand what God will have them do while they’re here. Today has been a day of relaxation - which is good when we now start to understand how busy the rest of the week could be. Ian & Jonny met today with some of the ministry & church leaders to chat through the programme. We have been real encourage how the Thai people this year have adopted the vision of Pattaya Praise as their own. Tonight the band are meeting to rehearse over songs, followed by a time of prayer focussing on the City and its people.Please pray for team unity, that God will open up all our hearts to share and minister to each other. Please also pray that God will continue to encourage the Leaders of Pattaya Praise in the focus that they have put into this year’s event. Pray especially for Eve who will lead the street evangelism, Waew who will lead the prayer walks and finally pray for Russ who will co-ordinate all the Worship that will take place across the City over the coming days. [Jonny]
4th November
So we’re all here in Gatwick airport waiting on our flight to Dubai. Some of the team from Ballynahinch were offered a transfer to Heathrow and then on to Bangkok. What’s really taken the biscuit was them getting free return flights to Bangkok as a result of taking the offer! Feels a bit weird that after all the months waiting we are now finally on our way. Things to thank God about - 1) Michael finding his passport - in Glasgow after a long journey around the UK and 2) we all have arrived in Gatwick without any issues. Watch out for plenty of lively and funny updates! [Jonny]
27th October
In order to help with supporting the work whilst we are in Pattaya, Ground Coffee Shop in the centre of Coleraine very kindly let us play some jazz over lunchtime. Ian’s Mint Aero Mocchiato went down a real treat and we’d like to thank all customers for their kind contributions totalling £200.
20th October What a great day. The team got together to rehearse music and also spend some valuable time praying. Its been good to finally get everyone in the same room and I think it just shows how good God really is - how He brings his children together for His purposes. Alot of fun & laughter was had and clearly God is going to do much through the team this year. Please pray for ongoing team unity and good health as the trip comes ever nearer.
Pray for financial support as each team member must find the money to get them to Pattaya. Someone has asked us for the names of the team members so here they are left to right
Ian Hannah
Lynne McGeehan
Ruth Easton
Bethany McGookin
Rick Swann
Steve McGookin
Andy Rodgers
Michele Glendinning
Jonny Campbell-Smyth
Susan Callaghan
Judy McGookin
Anna Bentley
Stacey McGookin
Ruth Hannah
Philip White
