First Day in Bangkok

Hello RV family and friends!

Your prayers and support are such a blessing to us!  We have had our first day in Bangkok.  We did not waste any time.  We got up early and had a nice breakfast prepared by the hospitable Samaritan Creations group.  After that, we headed to the slums.  There, we visited the Som Rang Tai Church.  They are undergoing many difficulties, and it was exciting to be there to encourage the new husband and wife missionary couple to that area.  Jo is the wife and she was once a bar girl, who now has such a love for the Lord and has an incredible servant's heart to serve the people in the slums.  We walked around the area and picked up trash. There is an incredible amount of littering in the slums.  There was trash and dog poop all around.  One goal of the church is to help the people experience clean spaces and feel loved by people willing to help take care of their community.  Next, we passed out bags of goodies and toothbrushes to the kids of families that the missionaries were stopping to visit.  The people were very thankful and even remarked that it was special to see the foreigners picking up the trash.  We were also able to spend some time loving on adorable, little children.  We were told that many of the children there are living with grandparents or other extended family members.  The little ones were anxious to be held and have attention. 

We packed some peanut butter and jelly for lunch, then we went back to Samaritan Creation and purchased some jewelry and other homemade masterpieces.  Don't worry, we'll be bringing several back for you to have an opportunity to purchase as well! ;)

Around 3, we went to the red light districts.  We went earlier in the day, so that it would not be as crowded and with hopes to have longer and more relaxed conversations with the bar girls.  It was such a testimony to see how the women of Samaritan Creations desired to go back and talk with the bar girls.  Even though, it was emotionally painful, they have such a love for these women.  It's not enough for them to just receive God's love, they also want to share it!  What a great example!

We split up into four groups.  Each of the groups prayed for God's healing as we walked through the district and saw many women and men searching for joy in a destructive way.  We were all able to talk to at least one girl and invite her to Samaritan Creations.  We will now pray for follow-through and God's redeeming love to be on each one of these girls, that they will turn to Him and be transformed!

After all of that, we went out for dinner and had our group's first traditional Thai meal.  Everyone seemed to enjoy their food and were pretty sharing.  We have a great team!

After debriefing, we are ready for bed and a shower (as the humidity is pretty intense).


Until next time,
Allison Kingsbury