It has been nearly two years since Maranatha Bible Presbyterian Church in Singapore sent out its first missionary couple.
Robert and Dara Peh, both graduates of the Far Eastern College, Singapore, are labouring diligently in Thailand.
Thailand is a country of more than 60 million people of whom only a few are Christians. Although it is a Buddhist nation, it does allow freedom of religion, so that missionaries are free to preach the gospel to its many indigenous tribes-people, including those inhabiting its mountainous regions.
The Pehs work among the Red Lahu, the tribe from which Dara herself came. It is hitherto one of the least evangelised in Thailand.
Many Red Lahu are involved in drug-related activities and are in urgent need of the gospel.
Mission stations
Chiang Mai is a region in the heart of Northern Thailand, where, under God’s blessing, the Pehs first began work.
A church soon started in Robert’s home, with several children professing faith in Christ. About 15-20 people meet regularly on Sundays for the worship services, half of whom are children. The group is small, but united.
From Chiang Mai, a spiritual beachhead was secured into a village called Den Luang. Here Robert and family have recently been lodging, using as their base the new building erected for Sunday worship, Bible study and Vacation Bible School.
Den Luang is the village where Dara used to stay as a child, in the building just opposite their lodging!
They are reaching out to their neighbours. A Chinese sect meets just a few doors away, providing a reminder of the great spiritual darkness that exists in this land. Its newly extended building suggests that it is doing quite well.
Evangelistic work has also taken place in the Pu Men mountains, where the tribal chieftain has been spoken to about the Lord.
Christ’s return
Please pray with the Pehs and Maranatha Bible Presbyterian Church ‘that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified’ (2 Thessalonians 3). Pray for Robert as he masters the Thai language and prepares sermons in that tongue.
What a joy to be part of God’s work in these days of turmoil and war! Every gospel advance into the world’s spiritual darkness presages the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
‘This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come’ (Matthew 24:14).
