Dear Norm

Recently a missionary colleague wrote the following testimonial about our work.

“With the connections the Martins have with the Thai leadership they are probably the most influential missionaries in Thailand. The digital library the eSTAR foundation developed has blessed thousands of Thai Christians. The Thailand Christian Presence map has had a profound impact on the strategy of mission organizations, helping them focus on the unreached areas.”
Marten Visser
Missionary in Thailand for 15 years

Notes like these are so encouraging. I wanted to share it with you as your support of CrossTies Asia enables us to effectively communicate the need for the gospel in Thailand.

Here is a snapshot of the impact your investment in our ministry helped us to have in reaching those in Thailand during just one week in November. Along with our regular ministry efforts, I had the privilege of speaking to several of the major Protestant Christian groups in Thailand.

The first meeting was with the Evangelical Fellowship of Thailand, which represents 50% of the Thai churches and most of the Protestant denominations in Thailand. The meeting was a combination of both missionaries and Thai church leaders. The primary objective was to introduce missionaries to church leaders so they can effectively partner together to reach the rest of the nation for Christ. My job was to share the big picture of where God is working and where the need is.

The next day I spoke at a meeting of the Church of Christ in Thailand—other major Protestant Church Council. They invited me to be part of the Mission’s Day focus they are having next year. My role is to help write a 30 day prayer guide which will inform northern Thai Christians of the necessity for Thai people to be involved in missions; to pray, give and go as missionaries to the least reached parts of Thailand.

On Friday, I spoke twice. In the morning to leaders who are part of the Thailand Evangelism and Church Growth Committee, whose purpose is to encourage, train and motivate Thai church members (“Matthews’) to ensure the Gospel reaches everyone in Chiang Mai.

That evening I spoke to 1,000 Chiang Mai Christians who signed up to be “Matthews”. Not only to encourage them but to give specific facts about what needs to be done to reach every area of Chiang Mai province.

Finally on Tuesday of the following week, I met with the leader of the Thailand Baptist Mission. This man’s ministry is to motivate and encourage Baptist pastors to start churches. He asked for help in providing accurate information to give to the pastors so they know where to start these churches.

We feel very privileged that God has given us these opportunities to serve the Thai church. We know Satan does not like us to “expose the dark areas” where the gospel has not reached because of the spiritual battles we encounter. Please continue to pray for Thailand and this ministry.

 May God Bless You,