“For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”-  1 Corinthians 16:9 

Most times our adversaries are without, and sadly sometimes they are found to be within.  Did not Jesus say, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?”   Two weeks ago Deeo left us under sad and disturbing circumstances.  We pray the Lord will receive glory from his life one way or the other.  It is always sad to invest love and time in somebody only to see them walk away, but we know many of you have also had first-hand experience at this.  We are sad, but not deterred.

We have been busy working on our Thai language studies and also preaching at various places and evangelizing daily.  We are ever reminded we are in “the seat of Satan” here and we feel a darkness and working of principalities and powers such as we have never seen before.  Your prayers for us and the Sovereignty of God do provide us much comfort and security and we are so thankful that though we are out of sight to you, we are not out of mind.  Only God truly knows how your prayers have protected and helped us here as we seek the furtherance of the Gospel in this place. 

I was privileged to preach at some special meetings in Nongloam Baptist church in Lamphun (near Chiang Mai) recently and God blessed and numbers surrendered to serve the Lord full time which is a great need here in Thailand.  Your prayers enable us to receive His power, Thank you.  The church there is a wonderful work and I could see how God has blessed the labours of faithful missionary Rick Horn and his dear wife and workers.  Please pray also for them. 

We also recently journeyed to Roi Et, Amnuay’s (my first convert) home province where a new church has been planted.  This was good for many reasons, but we were particularly happy we could take Khun Doi there (a recent convert), and also Amnuay’s mother who was clearly touched in the services.  She knows she needs to be saved, but fear of hurting her husband (Amnuay’s Dad) and fear of community rejection presently hold her back.  Atit, who lives with us, also attended and was led to Christ by Amnuay just a short while after. 

Last week I was in hospital with pneumonia but I am out and mostly recovered now.  Suzanne needs your prayers, she is faithful always but at times seems to be struggling health wise. Curtis is doing fine and Sarah is also ok, though she too was in hospital recently with suspected appendicitis.  The doctors did not operate as the symptoms eased, but we are not sure that will be the last word on that. 

Amnuay’s wife Tai is due to give birth to their first child next month.  Amnuay continues to grow in grace and understanding and wisdom and is a great source of encouragement to me.  I feel God will have a special and significant work here for him in the future.  Pray please for his protection and health. 

I am presently travelling to Chiang Mai (five hours drive) and back each week as I am studying Thai language and writing there.  We also travel frequently to churches all over Thailand and to Bangkok (3 hours drive) most weeks.  We are grateful for these open doors and are balancing these opportunities with our continuing burden for our home city of Nakhon Sawan.  We have a great vision for what the Lord could do here, and by faith we see that which is presently not visible by sight. 

Car Fund: Lastly, brethren, we are in need of a car to do all the travelling we are doing weekly. We have the church van which we currently use but it uses more fuel and is more cumbersome than a regular car would be.  I have never before asked for anything in any prayer letter believing it better to just tell the Lord my needs, but several of the brethren have encouraged me to publish this need and I have done so, hoping I have done the right thing in doing so. Vehicles here are expensive for many reasons and a new basic sedan (Toyota Corolla equivalent) would cost about 900,000 baht which is about 26,000 USD or 32,000 AUD.  we could get a good second hand vehicle for about 17,000 USD or 21,000 AUD.  Obviously a new car is preferable because we would get three years warranty which would be good for peace of mind and finances.  If you feel THE LORD is wanting you to help. please designate any funds to “Car Fund”  and send as you do with other support.  

Thank you for your love and care toward us.  God will no doubt reward you in a coming day, for no good thing is overlooked by Him.  Please keep our names and needs before Him.  We are your debtors and appreciate all you do so much. 

May God be greatly glorified here in Thailand. 

Yours sincerely, 

Wayne Sehmish.