The Lanna ministry under the leadership of Chaloerm has continued to preach the gospel and make disciples, in spite of some restrictions due to the pandemic. The ministry is focused on 5 main locations, with the vision to plant 5-6 more house churches in the coming 1-2 years.
Here are some recent highlights.
Above | The Mae Phraow church is the oldest, largest and strongest of the churches. This is Chaloerm’s home village.
Chaloerm has 14 disciples who are receiving Bible college level training. Pre-covid they travelled to Chiang Rai on Saturdays (1-2 x per month) to learn. During the pandemic the trainers gave Chaloerm the materials and he has been doing the training in the church. They are in the process of building a 2 story building next to the church that will be used for training, Sunday school, and (possibly) an office and guest room. They have built it using local funds and labor. Multiply has given about $2k CDN to help complete the project.
Above | Training building and baptistry in Mae Phraow.
Below | Praying for Chaloerm and some of the dicsiples in training.
Another location is in Lampang, where the house church is led by Kamon. They recently changed locations due to noise complaints from the nieghbors and other issues with the landlord. Kamon is excited about the new location and sees the potential to evangelize a new area. Kamon wants a wife, so pray for him to be patient and led to God’s choice, and to not become impatient.
A third location is in the city of Chiang Mai. The pandemic resulted in many of the church attenders moving away to find work as the factories closed. In addition, they were not allowed to meet in person or do outreach. Things are beginning to open up now, and they are re-starting kid’s ministries they had going before the restrictions. This ministry is led by Air, a young woman who recently finished Bible college.
Above | Bob Davis sharing at the Chiang Mai church in Feb.
The fourth location is a house church in Mae Chan, which is near Chiang Rai city. One of the local leaders from Mae Phraow travels there to connect with this young church. Chaloerm has invited some of the Khmu leaders in Chiang Rai province to help lead the work, since it is closer to them. There have been some visits made to encourage and teach.
The fifth location is in Phayao, a large town to the northeast where there are many Khmu living and working. This ministry was just getting started when the pandemic hit, so it hasn’t really gotten going yet. Chaloerm has faith that many people will come to the Lord and a strong church will be planted there in the future.
Other activities:
Chaloerm loves to take his disciples out to do prayer ministry and evangelism. They do this on a regular basis.
Chaloerm and Phonekeo took 2 van loads from the north down to visit the MB churches in central Thailand. They stayed in Pastor Banks church and held prayer and preaching meetings every night for a week. They hope to do more of these combined mission activities in the future.
Find out more about The Lanna Project through Multiply.
Got questions? We'd love to answer them!
Please contact the Office - office@centralcommunity.ca