Democracy
So, the historic protests continue with a new strategy in 2014 as this Bangkok Post article describes, pretty much paralyzing central Bangkok for up to 2 weeks; it's interesting that the government will let these peaceful protests continue, partially because they want to preclude a violent confrontation that happened 3+ years ago. Many schools were closed today, which meant Timothy also got time off from homeschool to play with his friends all day. As the principal, I informed my lovely teacher that playing is the greatest education for children.
This latest push is one of several "final" battles that began months ago, protesting the current government. Politics aside-- you can google for more info or talk to me when I visit-- many of my Bangkok friends support the protests while a lot of people outside Bangkok support the current government. It is a difficult situation, and something that can potentially affect
air traffic (and our own trip back next month). You can see the picture of the blockaded road near the immigration office above. Please pray for a smooth dialogue to take place among the Thai citizens, and that the airports will stay open.
Our Visit Home
Thank you for reading this update and for praying for us and supporting us in many ways for the past 9 years. We want to visit and say "thank you" in person next month. We'll spend a week in Korea (Feb 4 - 11) and about 7 weeks in the USA (Feb 12 - Apr 3), which is not that much time. It's always interesting to arrange visits because we're never sure if we're bothering people (when we call) or ignoring them (when we don't want to bother them); people don't usually tell us directly. Please let me know if you'd like a visit or a phone call. We plan to visit Seoul, Los Angeles and Chicago; and I'll visit the East Coast for a couple of weeks too.
Xealot has taken over ILDI, so with their new priorities my visa may not be renewed later this year. Xealot was one of the ministry groups under ILDI, but now it is legally overseeing the other ministries like Help Live and InSearchofSanuk and also Sophia's ministry (Walk with Love). I'm not sure how things will work out, how my role will change with respect to these ministries that I've been supporting all these years; but we'll prepare a new way to maintain our visa as a result of these structural changes. Please consider making a financial
donation to help HelpLive continue their service to these neglected children.
In Other News:
- A team from NYPC (Rev. Daevid Yoon) will visit at next week and serve the people in Bangkok and also the Karen villages in Ratchaburi Province.
- The third year medical student from Seoul has canceled his visit for volunteer work among the Karen villages in Ratchaburi Province.
- Please let me know if you'd like to visit or send a mission team this year. The summer is expected to be filled up by returning teams (July 15 - 22 is blacked out already), but the rest of the year is pretty much open.
- Please pray for Mary, the Sri Lankan mother of three children and asylum seeker, that God will look after her and her family and improve their situation quickly.
- You can write a check to GP USA (memo: Paul & Sarah Kim ID# T17). ADDRESS: GP USA, 10582 Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92804)
- Or donate through paypal by clicking the yellow "Donate" button at the bottom of our partnership page.
- If you're in Korea, KEB account number is 990-090819-148 (김바울, 김은정); please call the GP Finance staff at 02-443-0883 to confirm.
- Finally, you can transfer to my account in Thailand, Bangkok Bank account: 206-0-75264-5 (Paul Kim). SWIFT* code for int'l transfer: BKKBTHBK; please email me for more details).
Please pray that
- Thailand will be able to maintain peace and security within its borders.
- We will be able to travel safely and restfully next month.
- The people of OLC will draw closer to God naturally and in their real life.
