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Tsunami–Why?

By James & Annie Langston

Just over two years ago this was the question on the lips of people all over the world. In fact, Gospel Literature Services printed a tract for us with that very question on the cover. Thousands of people were given the tract and heard for the first time the name of Jesus Christ. Though we may never know this side of heaven why the devastating tsunami came, we do know that through that tragedy, the gospel of Jesus Christ was immediately given entrance into a formerly resistant area of Thailand.

Partnering together to make the most of this God-given opportunity, missionaries with the Philippines Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (PABWE), ABWE, and the Thai fellowship of churches (Romphrakhun Baptist Church Fellowship) assessed the situation immediately in early 2005, just weeks after the catastrophe. By April 2005, the partners had opened a center in Khao Lak, Phang Nga, one of the areas worst-hit by the tsunami. Announcing various services, including grief counseling and English classes (these were desired because the job market there is geared toward services for tourists), the center met a need during those desperate first months after the disaster.

Church services began on April 4, 2005, the first Sunday the center was open. Slowly but surely, as the center staff reached out to the hurting community, people were drawn to the comfort and love of a Savior they had never before heard of. In September of 2005, Reuel Lumilang, PABWE missionary, transferred from his church in Bangkok to Khao Lak to head up the new church plant. What a thrill when, in March of 2006, eight adult believers took the courageous step to be baptized, giving strong testimony to their family and community of their desire to follow Jesus. Though their commitment was a sacrifice for some and resulted in persecution for others, they continued on for Christ, soon bringing other family members to the church to hear the gospel.

Last fall, property for a new building for the church/center was found. It is nearly one acre in size and is near the current facilities and yet further away from the hustle bustle that has accompanied the return of thousands of tourists back to the rehabilitated area. It is right off the north/south highway in the town of Baan Lamken and is in close proximity to our ministry targets as well as a government office, the public market, a post office, the police station, and Buddhist temple.

The estimated cost for the property and facilities is $200,000. In August 2006, a $25,000 gift was received and used as a down payment. In February 2007, K. C. preached at the center, and we were thrilled to fellowship with the believers once again—to see their increase in numbers, sense their spiritual growth, and take note of their enthusiasm for the future transfer from their current rental property. We were extremely excited to hear the report that God raised up about $6,000 in just six weeks through the churches in the Philippines.

As the Lord builds His church in the tsunami-affected region, it is the collective desire of our multi-national team to establish a continuing presence and multiplying ministry. We covet your continued prayers as we fundraise for this strategic project and as we continue to help Asians reach Asia for Christ.