Creation Groans

As the monsoon season rolls on – In September typhoon Yagi swept across most of Southeast Asia, creating devastating floods, flash flooding, and landslides - homes, schools, hospitals, businesses, ecosystems, and acres of farmland all sadly damaged and destroyed.

About 1-2 weeks later, tropical storm Soulik brought flooding to Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas, including where we live, however, the village we live in flood waters did not enter. Four families within the Thailand Baptist Missionary Fellowship (TBMF) and many families within the Thailand Karen Baptist Convention (TKBC) have been directly impacted.

Along with a deep concern about sewage and critters in the flood waters - it has been heartbreaking to see people wading through waist-to-chest-high water, looking at floating belongings and memories. In some provinces, the waters have receded - inside homes and streets, they are covered with sludge in the aftermath. Their possessions now resemble abstract sculptures, heavily caked in mud—so much of it sadly having to be thrown away.

Around 33 provinces, about 45 deaths and over 160,000 households across Thailand have been affected by the flooding, with Chiang Rai being the worst hit.

In the face of adversity and tragedy, the generosity and compassion of people and communities shines bright. Encouraging us to look beyond our differences and come together in times of need. “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ” - Galatians 6:2.

We, communities and organisations across Thailand have been helping physically, financially and supporting those affected by the floods. Communities have also been coming together to help clean up the affected provinces.

We returned to teaching at Siloam Bible Institute (SBI) at the beginning of August. We have 14 new students and over the last few months, it has been a pleasure teaching and getting to know them.

Outside of teaching hours in our office, we maintain an open-door policy so students who want to spend extra time practicing their English, need help with their studies or write a mini-sermon can do so. Jonah a third-year student has been very determined to use this opportunity, with Paul helping him write mini sermons even whilst we were in the UK, and he is also taking every opportunity to have conversations in English. Some SBI students joined us at the international church we attend to help with their English speaking and listening skills; hopefully, over time there will be more students who will be encouraged to do the same.

Surprisingly, the rain held off for the day, as SBI held their annual sports day in September, which continues to be an enjoyable way to join with the students building a stronger rapport with them outside of class time.

Sarah was asked to share about the work of BMS with visitors from a church in South Korea. They were fascinated by BMS' 232-year history and founder William Carey. Many of them were also interested to hear about our calling into overseas missions. Some of the Korean team feel called into missions and ministry, so it provided a platform for them to further explore God's purpose for their lives whether that be in Korea or overseas. It was a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with them and encouraging to hear how God is working in South Korea.

Creation is all around us and is not silent. The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalms 19:1), the flood lifts their voice (Psalms 93:3), the rivers clap their hands (Psalms 98:8) and the mountains praise the Lord (Psalms 148:9). However, amid the shouting and rejoicing of heaven and earth, we can hear another sound - 'Creation Groans'.

For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed - Romans 8:19. Along with creation, we groan for peace and wholeness for which we were created. The groaning and pain will not last forever, for we walk by faith and not by sight. Our hope will be fulfilled because God will not fail. So, we wait eagerly, for new life, healing, the hereafter, with the promise we are not waiting alone.

Thank God

- For unity, helping hands and God's provision as everyone comes together to respond to the flooding.

- Thank God that he doesn't leave us during times of crisis and is always with us.

Please Pray

- For families in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, provinces around Thailand and countries in Southeast Asia affected by the flooding from typhoon Yagi and storm Soulik.

- There will be no further flooding - the monsoon season doesn't end until the end of October.

Creation includes all our spiritual, physical, and social needs – all of which depend on the environment. Suffering is a central element of the human experience and will be until the restoration of all things. In the meantime, in the midst, we hope, we wait, we persevere, we stay the course together and join in God's Kingdom work with the global church responding to the groans of creation.

Love & Blessings

Paul & Sarah