In the Hands of God: Never Stop Praying

With so much happening around the world and in Thailand, we have lots to pray for. Recently, we have been reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

It can be hard to know how to be joyful and give thanks when circumstances seem so dire. However, Paul encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. Joy is not the same as happiness; it is joy from the Lord. We are also reminded to NEVER stop praying.

During our home assignment, we appreciated the opportunity we had to visit our supporting churches. We were greatly reminded that so many of you are praying for us as we serve in Thailand, and for this, we are truly thankful. To all the churches we visited in person, a big thank you for your wonderful hospitality and kindness.

Alongside the church visits, we also cleared Paul's Dad's house. Wading through over 40 years of belongings. Paul's brother and sister-in-law managed to whittle down the furniture in the house, and we sorted through paperwork, books and general belongings. It was tough emotionally and mentally; the house now has minimal furniture and empty rooms. This is the end of an era for Paul and his siblings; however, the memories are deeply etched in their minds and hearts.

Somehow, between the church visits and sorting through Paul's dad's house, we managed to take time out to celebrate Sarah's 50th Birthday. With it being a big milestone, we took a few days' leave for a trip to Morocco for 4 days. It was short; however, we were very grateful to be celebrating Sarah's special birthday in such beautiful surroundings. Sarah also spent some extra time with her sister, taking advantage of the warmer weather in the UK, doing some sightseeing in London. We attended a family wedding and also took some time out to visit friends we haven't seen for years.

The new semester at Siloam Bible Institute (SBI) started while we were in the UK at the end of May 2025. There are about 21 new students this semester, bringing the total number of students at SBI to 81. Upon our return to Thailand, we were eager to get back to teaching at SBI. We are teaching a mixture of new and previous students.

It has been great catching up with the previous students, but also a joy getting to know the new students. Ajarn Waraporn, who taught our lessons in our absence, did a grand job, so SBI have asked her to stay on for the rest of the year. This is good, since it means the students can have extended English lessons, which has not been possible before.

On our first day back teaching, we were also able to have a productive meeting with the new head of the SBI English programme – Ajarn Hser Kue Htoo. Regarding the students' abilities, lesson planning, the year head and ways to ensure that the English Programme lessons are collectively effective for the students. At the end of our first week, SBI held a fun music contest with SBI teachers and students participating.

While writing this prayer letter, a mediation meeting between Thailand and Cambodia happened in Malaysia during the last week of July. Both countries have agreed to an immediate unconditional ceasefire, which started at midnight on 29 July. This truce got off to a shaky start but seems to be holding. To date, at least 43 people have been killed and more than 300,000 civilians displaced. Many wary Thai and Cambodian civilians have slowly begun to return home, hoping that the ceasefire and peace will last.

Thank God:

- For our time in the UK and our safe return to Thailand.

- The new semester at SBI has started well, and the new students have settled in well.

Please Pray:

- That the ceasefire between Thailand - Cambodia lasts, for God's peace to reign amongst all government leaders.

- For families that have lost loved ones in this recent conflict, for livelihoods ruined, for those who are afraid.

- That the rainy season/flooding will not cause further devastation.

We are not thankful for the conflicts of war, the flooding, the loss of lives, or the many civilians affected by hardship or illness. We are not thankful for evil—but even amidst these hardships and injustice, we can still find reasons for gratitude.

We are thankful for medicine, medical professionals, relief agencies, churches, NGOs, communities able to assist, and homes or shelters keeping people safe in crisis. Though we may not be able to do much from afar, in God's hands, He can—and will—act as we pray.

NEVER stop praying – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Love and Blessings

Paul & Sarah