Partnership, Collaboration, and Connection

Before arriving in the UK, we knew our schedule was full; we prayed that God would provide us with valuable quality time to connect and reconnect with family and churches, as well as attend Expect 26 - BMS's 5-day conference.

This year, we travelled to almost all four corners of the UK—from Glasgow in Scotland to Cornwall, Ipswich, Bristol, London, Kent, Cambridge and Aylesbury. We are always extremely thankful for the opportunity to share about the work of God in Thailand and our experiences with churches face-to-face. In turn, we were also blessed by drawing on deep encouragement from all of you. The message we shared in person, specifically on the "Wounded Healer," which we wrote about in a previous newsletter, was well received.

Some of our Partner Churches are without a pastor. However, we observed church members stepping up beautifully to fill the void. While it has been challenging for them to function without a pastor, it has resulted in members drawing on gifts and abilities they perhaps did not know they had—doing what they can and trusting God to do what they cannot, therefore, leading to greater partnership and collaboration. It was also wonderful to hear about how the churches are engaging in community outreach programmes and to gain a true sense of their heart for mission. We are grateful to all of you who warmly welcomed us, provided superb hospitality, and a place to rest our heads. It was heartening to listen to many of you as you shared how you have been following our progress and praying for us. Thank you so much!

The Expect 26 conference was attended by BMS staff, fellow mission workers, and international mission partners (including those from Thailand). It was a blessing. Our Thai partners even commented on how surprisingly hot the British weather was!

At the conference, everyone was encouraged by the central message BMS conveyed throughout the week - the importance of partnership, and that global mission is no longer "from the West to the rest," but an "everyone to everywhere" approach. Partners were encouraged to share ideas and network with both BMS and with one another. Listening to what God is doing across different global contexts was wonderful. BMS's ultimate hope is that this conference will foster greater collaboration moving forward, utilising specific expertise across networks and recognising the vital importance of partnership input in shaping BMS. As a fun bonus, Sarah was able to take some of our Thai partners on a quick whistle-stop tour of London, visiting some of the city's famous sights.

Our time in the UK was busy; however, less stressful than in recent years. In June, we celebrated Sarah's birthday and our 15th wedding anniversary with family, enjoying crazy golf, a lovely restaurant, and a fantastic theatre production. We also made great inroads clearing out Sarah's parents' home, where we stayed during our assignment (now home to Sarah's sister and niece). We have been chipping away at this over the past four years since her mother's passing, though previously we only scratched the surface. It was wonderful to connect with our wider family, to pray with them, and encourage them to stay connected to God and one another. We hope to welcome some of them to Thailand later this year!

As an unexpected highlight, Paul was walking in the park one afternoon when he noticed two young men approaching—one white and one black—deep in conversation. Curious about what they were discussing, he was thrilled to overhear them debating which version of the Bible they liked best. It was a beautiful reminder that God is actively at work! Sarah's niece also shared that in the UK, there is an increase in young people coming to faith, which is very encouraging.

Thank God:

- For the dedicated teachers who covered our lessons whilst we were in the UK.

- For the meaningful connections and reconnections made with churches, family and during the Expect 26 conference.

- For our safe arrival and smooth transition back into Thailand.

Pray for:

- Us and the new SBI students in this new teaching year.

- Pastors to be raised and trained to fill vacancies in churches without pastors.

- Jonah, in his new role as youth pastor in Uttaradit in the north of Thailand, that he will build strong relationships with local youth and families.

Let us, as children of God, continue to strengthen our connections with Him as we build relationships with others. As Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17:26 (NIV), “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

God Bless

Paul & Sarah