Thailand Day 3...

I spent most of the day, hanging out with Kathy and one of her missionary friends Renee, sharing stories of our travels and experiences, talking international politics, planning our trip to Cambodia and laughing and enjoying coffee. It was great, and so comfortable. Apparently they found me hilarious, and are looking forward to doing coffee again, before I leave, and in jest suggested I should move to Thailand. I suggested that perhaps they had been in Thailand to long, if they found me funny. They are wonderful people, and I am so blessed that God has provided such a wonderful host family to stay with. CLICK IMAGES TO SEE LARGER PICS...

TEMPLES, MONKS, SEA TURTLES & FISHERMEN...

Later in the afternoon, Bekah and I went to visit the temples. The views were incredible as they were located right on the gulf. I got some amazing pictures, of the temples, which were unarguably beautiful, the monks, sea turtles and the fishing boats. It was sad, and a little confusing I thought, they have so many different God's that they worship. Chinese temples, beside Buddhist temples. Since they seem to be okay with diversity, perhaps someone should plant a Christian church in between a couple of the temples. Maybe the simplicity of an open air ampitheatre on the beach, where people could come to pray and worship through song, and learn that they are the divine temple Created by God himself, in which Jesus wants to reside, more beautiful than any of the ornate structures that they have created for their gods/idols.

CHA NOME YEN...

On the way home we stopped to get some Cha Nome Yen from a street vendor. Cha Nome Yen is a delicious tea, made with a brewed orange tea, and sweetened condensed milk poured over ice...so sweet...soo good. Gonna bring some home to make for one of the C&C suppers.

PATTAYA & PRAISE...

This evening we went to Pattaya Praise. Pattaya is the Soddom and Gomorrah of this area of Thailand only 2nd or perhaps equal to Bangkok. The city of Pattaya has a huge mafia influence bothThai and Russian. Pattaya Praise is held at the Tamar centre owned by YWAM and invites the churches of Pattaya together for a night of praise & worship. The Tamar centre is located amongst the worst of the worst, "Street 6", the bourbon street of Thailand. There is lady boy bar on one side, a brothel on the other, and these type of venues line the streets of Pattaya. The purpose of Pattaya Praise is to minister directly and indirectly to those in the area, including lady boy prostitutes, girls sold into the sex trade, and more. The Tamar centre has an incredible ministry, it offers free salon training, and hires people to work in it (designed to attract the prostitutes and lady boys) It also has free English classes which the Brothel owners are more than happy to have their workers attend. Through this ministry they are taught a viable trade and English skills, while building relationships with Christians, if they make a commitment to Christ, they are then moved out of Pattaya to another Tamar centre where they will live and learn a trade such as cooking (amazing desserts) or making silk products. The evening was amazing, and was a first hand example of what true religion is. I am sure that if He had to choose this is where Jesus would find himself. The whole length of the street is lined with brothels, Ladyboy bars, and all the prostitutes sit/stand outside waiting to be picked up. It was so sad to see the number of westerners and "Furong" White people, who acquainted this area, especially older men. Worse was seeing the number or young boys 10-12 years old, walking up and down the street, selling flowers. The number of toddlers walking around was also disconcerting. On a positive note it was amazing to see, the prostitutes, clapping and listening to the worship music, hearing the word of God spoken, and being challenged to accept the "Real True Love" that God has for them. At one point I noticed one of the young prostitutes talking to one of the White Tamar Centre workers, at which point she got one of the Thai girls to come and answer her questions. To see the light of God being shone in a place of extreme darkness delighted my heart and stirred my Holy Discontent, confirming my belief that we need to get out of our comfortable places, and bring light in to the dark world. That the best place to worship, the best place to minister, is amongst the lost don't expect them to come to you - GO TO THEM.