2021 AHF June Newsletter

This month we have a feature on our longest serving staff member Francis Bik

My name is Francis. I came to Abba House Foundation, after graduating from McGilvary Collage of Divinity, Payap University, Chiang Mai, in 2009. My primary purpose was to teach English, Bible and Music to the girls at the Foundation. Fortunately, God has provided many ministry opportunities to serve Him, through outreaches in Prisons, Juvenile Detention Centre, Different Abilities School, Senior Homes and more… But, in this newsletter I would like to focus on my involvement in the Prison Ministry.

There was an established prison ministry when I arrived in 2009. I had many opportunities to teach and preach at Chiang Mai Men’s Prison. Before the Coup(which is still in place) Pastor Ed and I, gave a discipleship class in the prison on weekly bases. At times we joined together with other Abba House staff members and by visiting YWAM or Church teams and other visitors. There are around 7,000 inmates in Chiang Mai Central Men’s Prison. As Northern Thailand is, geographically, neighbouring to Eastern Myanmar (Golden Triangle), where opium is grown and drugs are produced, most of prisoners, up to 80% of them are related to offenses against drug laws.

During our weekly discipleship classes, about 70% were believers and the rest were unbelievers or new comers that attended. Every week, we saw God at work in miraculous ways and new souls came to Salvation. Many of them requested prayers for healing and as we prayed and asked for healing in Jesus name, I witnessed the miracles. Many inmates have problems dealing with their guilt and shame and hold onto bitterness and unforgiveness. Through preaching and teaching God’s word and praying for them they are set free and their wounded hearts are healed. After the 2014 coup d’état, we are only allowed ministry once a month, for which we are grateful. Every last Friday of the month we minister at the Prison. While some go inside and share the Gospel, others hand out Bibles, Gospel Tracks andChristian Book Packs in the visitors’ area. On average the team hands out about a hundred packs on a Friday.

As it is the Great Commission to make disciples and to baptize, whoever has received Christ, we strive to baptize them as soon as possible. Through Abba House Foundation’s Prison ministry, thousands of inmates have received Christ and been baptized in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you to our supporters for your ongoing sponsorship which enables us to continue the work of the prison ministry in all its aspects.

(At present because of Covid restrictions we have only been allowed once in the past year to minister in a prison.)

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The Lord still provides opportunities to witness despite Covid restrictions. Recently the Abba House staff helped Wisut, a member of our Church, to move. We thought we were only going to move boxes but the Lord had other plan. Whilst helping with the move we met a Thai translator who had many questions about Christianity. Eventually we all sat down and we were able to answer some of his question and also to witness to him about the need of Salvation. He asked for prayer for some of his personal problems. Pammy, our Christian friend, has invited him to a bible study and doing follow up discipleship with him.

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Yahira Lara from Mexico, has been volunteering at Abba House Foundation for past 18 months. During this time, she taught conversational English to the girls, to a group of external adult students and to Sai Tong, the owner of the radio station. This was in exchange for one hour free air time each week when we could share a Christian message with listeners in the Chiang Mai district. Other available opportunities she could participate in were leading Wednesday night Bible studies and giving a message and praying for the offering at our Church service, on a roster bases. A couple of times she was able to go on outreach to the prisons. She said that, she thanks the Lord: “For having the privilege of meeting these beautiful girls and for all the things I know he has done in their hearts. This year has changed my life and for that I will always be grateful to the Lord. “The picture below was taken at New Year 2021 featuring the Mexican Piñata, made by Yahira. Thank you for all your inspired contributions during your stay here.

GOD BLESS AS WE SERVE THE KING OF GLORY TOGETHER

DAVID AND JOYCE MOORE  THAILAND