Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Thailand update
Andy and Jen May (Globalscope Bangkok) report that tensions are easing in their city as the airports have reopened and are operating once again. There has been no further violence and the exchange students were able to fly out to the U.S. as planned. The team asks for prayers for the continuing political difficulties. The current government has been dissolved and a new one is in the process of being formed.
Labels: Campus Ministry, Globalscope, Thailand
¶ 6:39 AM Monday, December 1, 2008
Protests in Thailand
Andy and Jen May and Michal Ruth Penwell, members of the
Globalscope-Thailand team, have written recently to share updates on the deteriorating political situation in Bangkok. Political protests have been occurring fairly regularly in the city over the past year, and they have escalated in the past couple of weeks. Prime Minister Samak was dismissed from office in September for violating conflict of interest law, and PM Somchai, brother-in-law of the prime minister was forced out of the office by the coup in 2006 (PM Thaksin), took his place. The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has become more agitated, calling Somchai a "puppet prime minister." Last week PAD and hundreds of protestors forced two major Bangkok airports to close. The BBC news estimates close to 100,000 people are stranded in the city as a result of the closures.
The team members stress that they are not in any personal danger, but are using caution and staying away from the protests. They ask for prayers for the Thai government and people, and for a peaceful resolution so that the aiports will open again soon. The exchange students who are currently in Bangkok are scheduled to fly home soon to be with their families for Christmas. Above all, the team asks for prayer for opportunities to "be light" in these difficult circumstances.
Globalscope-Thailand team, have written recently to share updates on the deteriorating political situation in Bangkok. Political protests have been occurring fairly regularly in the city over the past year, and they have escalated in the past couple of weeks. Prime Minister Samak was dismissed from office in September for violating conflict of interest law, and PM Somchai, brother-in-law of the prime minister was forced out of the office by the coup in 2006 (PM Thaksin), took his place. The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has become more agitated, calling Somchai a "puppet prime minister." Last week PAD and hundreds of protestors forced two major Bangkok airports to close. The BBC news estimates close to 100,000 people are stranded in the city as a result of the closures.
The team members stress that they are not in any personal danger, but are using caution and staying away from the protests. They ask for prayers for the Thai government and people, and for a peaceful resolution so that the aiports will open again soon. The exchange students who are currently in Bangkok are scheduled to fly home soon to be with their families for Christmas. Above all, the team asks for prayer for opportunities to "be light" in these difficult circumstances.
Labels: Campus Ministry, Globalscope, Thailand
¶ 7:58 AM Tuesday, September 2, 2008
News from Bangkok
Michal Ruth Penwell (Globalscope Thailand) wrote today to share an update about the political situation in Thailand and its effect on the team's ministry and daily lives. Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has declared a state of emergency in the capital city of Bangkok after clashes with the supporters of the People's
Alliance for democracy (PAD) left at least one person dead and dozens injured in the worst violence seen in Bangkok in 16 years. This situation is rooted in a bloodless coup by the military in Sept. 2006, when Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was removed from office. Thaksin and his wife were tried in Bangkok in July 2008, but fled into exile in the UK. PAD supporters say the new government is a front for Thaksin.
Meanwhile, the CMF's team's ministry activities have continued regularly and they anticipate that they will continue without problems. Living north of Bangkok has helped the team members avoid the crowds of protesters, but PAD did hold a small public meeting on the campus of the university on Monday.
"The students in the ministry are concerned about the situation, but talk very little about it," writes Michal Ruth. "Most people would rather not become involved. We feel safe and will continue to remain away from the demonstrations. We also hope that we can show an attitude of respect and peace. We do appreciate your prayers for Thailand, our ministry and our students."
Alliance for democracy (PAD) left at least one person dead and dozens injured in the worst violence seen in Bangkok in 16 years. This situation is rooted in a bloodless coup by the military in Sept. 2006, when Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was removed from office. Thaksin and his wife were tried in Bangkok in July 2008, but fled into exile in the UK. PAD supporters say the new government is a front for Thaksin.
Meanwhile, the CMF's team's ministry activities have continued regularly and they anticipate that they will continue without problems. Living north of Bangkok has helped the team members avoid the crowds of protesters, but PAD did hold a small public meeting on the campus of the university on Monday.
"The students in the ministry are concerned about the situation, but talk very little about it," writes Michal Ruth. "Most people would rather not become involved. We feel safe and will continue to remain away from the demonstrations. We also hope that we can show an attitude of respect and peace. We do appreciate your prayers for Thailand, our ministry and our students."
Labels: Campus Ministry, Thailand
¶ 8:05 AM Thursday, August 14, 2008
Grapevine Goes "Green"
The CMF Globalscope team in Bangkok, Thailand, recently used a "Go Green" theme for a series of studies at their Grapevine campus ministry. Team leader Greg Coley asked his friend Bank, a Thai "tree-hugger," to give the students some simple suggestions on how they can be better stewards of God's creation. Bank, who is very serious about his commitment to the environment, jumped in and organized a tree-planting day in association with Thammasat University. The event was scheduled for 8-8-08, at 8:88 a.m. (or 9:28 a.m.) and Bank had 888 trees ready to be planted. The Globalscope team showed up that day expecting to have to work very hard to plant 888 trees, but about 100 Thais showed up to help, as well. It was a good job, well done, and provided our Grapevine team with great exposure in the campus community.
The CMF Globalscope team in Bangkok, Thailand, recently used a "Go Green" theme for a series of studies at their Grapevine campus ministry. Team leader Greg Coley asked his friend Bank, a Thai "tree-hugger," to give the students some simple suggestions on how they can be better stewards of God's creation. Bank, who is very serious about his commitment to the environment, jumped in and organized a tree-planting day in association with Thammasat University. The event was scheduled for 8-8-08, at 8:88 a.m. (or 9:28 a.m.) and Bank had 888 trees ready to be planted. The Globalscope team showed up that day expecting to have to work very hard to plant 888 trees, but about 100 Thais showed up to help, as well. It was a good job, well done, and provided our Grapevine team with great exposure in the campus community.
Labels: Campus Ministry, Thailand
¶ 5:48 AM 
