Violence in Bangkok

Just a week ago, it seemed the protesters were going to go home and now we are on the verge of a civil war. An area of Bangkok has been declared a "live firing zone." The public transportation systems have been closed. Electricity, water, and phone use in areas has been shut down. As of the writing of this entry, over the last few days there have been 29 deaths and 221 injuries. The Red Shirts have called on the governent to stop using force and they would go to the negotiating table again. The life of one of their leaders hangs in the balance as he entered kidney failure this afternoon. During the day, there is absolutely nothing to indicate there is practically a war zone 5 and 1/2 miles from our house. Life continues as normal around here. But after it gets dark and everything is still and quiet, we can hear the intermittent gunfire and explosions from RPG's. We know we are in the center of God's will and we know there are many people praying for us. God has brought us here for a reason. Lost souls. I cringe at the sounds I hear at night just knowing these people more than likely have never heard the name of Jesus and they are not ready to enter an eternity without Him. My devotional book started the other day with this sentence : I AM A MIGHTY GOD! Isaiah 9:6 immediately came to my mind: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." My heart breaks for the people of Thailand who don't even know this precious truth! Governments rise and fall as to God's discretion. He was in control in the beginning. He was in control when He gave His only Son. He was in control when Jesus arose. He is in control now in the midst of the controversy in the country and He will still be in control when the problems are resolved. How truly thankful I am to know that I can rest in peace, knowing that whatever happens, it was ordained by God. One of the Red Shirt leaders called on the "sacred objects to protect the protesters." Before we moved over here, Randy and I both felt like something was going to happen in Thailand that would cause more openess to the Gospel. Maybe God has brought us here for such a time as this. We feel so inadequate since we don't know the language. However, we know that God is going to use us. Please pray for us that we will be sensitive to the people here and also to the Lord's direction in our lives. Please pray for the people of Thailand that they will be willing to open their minds and hearts to Christ.