To vote, or not to vote?

Following much uncertainty over the past few weeks, it looks like the Thai national elections scheduled for Sunday (February 2nd) will take place. People in our area of Chiang Mai will be casting their votes under a tent in a clearing just down the road from the Bible School. There's not much doubt over who our neighbours will vote for - we live in one of the most fervently 'Red Shirt' (pro-government) areas in the country.

Our local polling station - all quiet this morning

Nationally, the picture is much less clear. Protests against this election are ongoing in Bangkok, where violent clashes are feared on Sunday. The leaders of the vocal and well-funded street campaign are urging Thais not to participate in this election, which has also been boycotted by the main opposition party. Clashes between these protesters and pro-government supporters have turned bloody over recent weeks, and emotions are set to run even higher over the next 48 hours.

Even after the election process has finished, the official results may not be released for months. Procedural delays caused by the protesters in Bangkok and southern Thailand mean that there are no registered candidates in some districts. In these places, the election will need to be re-scheduled for a later date. In other places, there may not be enough votes cast to validate the poll. Some observers are predicting that it may be several months before a new government can be formed.

In Thailand, elections are generally held on a Sunday - and the polls will be open from 8am until 3pm. Most of our Christian friends go to vote on their way to or from church. Difficult decisions lie ahead for everyone.

Please pray for Thailand over this weekend and beyond.

62 Years

Every time I visit a Karen village, I am struck by some new observation, challenge or insight. Sometimes, it's the sheer beauty of the mountain roads and rice fields. Other times, it's a new understanding of a Bible passage that I've heard shared in church. But most often, it's the people I've met.

Last weekend, I met Reverend Lay Thoo. He is a Karen evangelist, and I heard him preach three sermons in 24 hours - sermons full of life, humour, grace and biblical insight. In fact, I can't remember hearing three more effective bible talks.

Reverend Lay Thoo preaching at the 7:00 Sunday morning service

What amazed me even more, though, is that Reverend Lay Thoo is 86 years old. He has been serving God as a full time evangelist for the past 62 years. That's not just since before I was born - Reverend Lay Thoo has been travelling and preaching since my dad was a baby.

Back in 1952, travel in these areas of northern Thailand was hard - Reverend Lay Thoo would often walk three days between different villages. His heart for evangelism is still as apparent today - he is constantly urging the current church leaders to focus outwards, and to be obedient to Jesus' Great Commission.

Six years ago, when he was 80 years old, Reverend Lay Thoo was called to be the pastor of a KBC church in Mae Sot. He joked that he told the church that 'Moses was 80 years old when he led the people out of Israel, so you should be prepared for some changes ahead!'

What an inspirational leader - 62 years an evangelist - and still going strong.

Siloam Bible School students and staff

As we approach the end of term here at the Siloam Bible School, we had the annual school photograph day. It's an international place - here are the six English programme students, with our four BMS Action Team volunteers, two Karen teachers and a teacher from Nagaland!

Pray for Thailand

Political tensions are high this weekend in Thailand. Following weeks of persistent anti-government protests in Bangkok, the Prime Minister has dissolved Parliament and called fresh elections, scheduled for Sunday February 2nd.

However, the anti-government protests have continued, and following a break for New Year, a major event in Bangkok is planned for tomorrow, Monday January 13th. Protest leaders have dubbed the event the 'Bangkok Shutdown', and they will be attempting to close down the centre of Bangkok, putting pressure on the caretaker government to postpone the elections.

While the protests have been largely peaceful so far, there have been sporadic outbreaks of violence, and at least 8 people have died since the end of November. Early on Saturday morning, unidentified gunmen shot and injured six protesters at one of the key rally sites in Bangkok.

Coup rumours have been circulating for some time, but while an army take-over might calm the situation temporarily, pro-government protesters may then take to the streets. The roots of the current tension run deep, with some people fearing an increasing division between the pro-government north and north-east, and the anti-government groups which are strongest in Bangkok and the South.

So far, the protests have been largely limited to Bangkok, but today other protests will be taking place across the country. There are two rallies, one anti-government and one pro-government, planned in Chiang Mai this afternoon (Sunday). We have been warned to avoid the rally sites.

Please pray for:

• A peaceful resolution to the current stalemate
• Cool heads to prevail in the tense atmosphere of street protests
• The Thai police and security forces as they attempt to exercise restraint in dealing with protesters tonight and tomorrow
• Thai Christians to play a key role in leading dialogue and reconciliation initiatives