Going to Prison

Once a week I have started visiting a women's prison in Bangkok. I go with a group of people made up of Fillipino missionaries, retired Americans, Singaporeans, and there missionaries from the States. Diane Ford goes with me as well. The prisoners that I meet with are from all over the world. The women in this prison are mostly there due to various drug charges. I meet with some of the English speaking girls. So far I have had a chance to speak with women from South Africa, Taiwan, Nepal, Nigeria, and the Philippines (to name a few). Most of the women I talk to are already Christians. All have them have either been saved or turned their lives around in prison. We go and talk with them for an hour a week to encourage them, find out what their physical needs are, contact friends and family, do Bible studies, and counseling. One week we could be talking about what the Bible says on sexual immorality, and the next week we talk about our favourite foods. Many of these women have been in the prison for several years already, and they have an indefinite span of time left. They have family and children back in their home country. Some of the women had children after arriving in the prison and have had to send their kids home. Their faith, however, is stronger then of anyone I have ever met. My purpose in going is to try and be of some encouragement to them, but I always leave there feeling encouraged.

Please pray for these women when you think of them. That their faith would remain strong and that they would continue to trust in the Lord.

Thank You, Bethany

The Ford Family

Dave and Diane Ford have been here in Thailand for 3 1/2 yrs now. They are currently in their 1st term with ABWE. Dave is currently working with an orphanage up in Chiang Rai, and Diane is going to language school. They have 6 children - 2 of which are currently living here with them. Their eldest 2 kids are married. The oldest (Kara) has 2 children, their other married child (Josh) is graduating from Moody Bible this year. Their 3rd child (Holly) is currently attending Moody Bible as well. Their daughter Alyssa just went back to the states as a freshman at Johnson Bible in Tennessee.

Their 2 youngest children are my students. Anna (age 11) and Drew (age 9). Anna is in 6th grade. She loves animals, cooking, baking, playing with friends, and listening to music. Drew is in 4th grade. He loves swimming, any kind of electronic games, science experiments, and running around with his best friend - Danny. They are both doing great in school. The entire family has made me feel so comfortable and so at home these past 2 months. It is such a joy working with them.

Myanmar (Burma) Crisis

As I have gotten some concerned emails from some of you - I wanted to share with you all that Thailand did not feel any ill effects due to the cyclone in Myanmar, with the exception of rains in the North. We are all safe and sound here. Myanmar, however, is desperately hurting. We are still anxiously waiting to hear from some of the National believers.

For more up to date information regarding that you can go to ABWE's Home Page and click on the article "Cyclone Hits Myanmar." It will take you to the latest news, as well as information on how to donate to their relief fund. I thank you for all of your prayers, and I ask that you will continue to pray for the people of Myanmar.

In Him,
Bethany