December 2020
Dear praying partners,
First of all, Frances and I want to wish you a Merry Christmas. It is such a blessing to know that the Lord made way for us to be reconciled to Him. COVID lockout update: The year is coming to a close, and we are still no closer to returning to Thailand. The government has opened the country for select visa classes, but our visa category is still not permitted return. We continue to wait. It is easy to complain, but we have seen the Lord work in our delay. We have been able to raise some much-needed support, hopefully, encourage the churches we have visited, and we have had time with our family. We have reported to most of our supporting churches in the last two years but would be happy to visit if y desire. My stateside number is 864-561-5217. Until we are ready to return to Thailand, Mike is also available for pulpit supply if needed.
Ministry in Thailand: The ministry continues in Thailand, thanks to Dtom’swillingness to be used by the Lord. Even with COVID-19 and the many social restrictions in place, the church managed to have our annual family camp in October. The church’s sixteenth anniversary was celebrated in November. There weren’t many visitors, but it was a time of encouragement to see how the Lord has worked in many lives. The membership will celebrate Christmas with our annual Christmas party as well as Christmas caroling on Christmas day. Mike teaches weekly in the church through online video. While not ideal, technology is a real blessing and makes the distance easier to tolerate. Outreach ministry has been severely hampered. Despite this, there have been several visitors.
Bible Institute: Mike has recently finished the Bible school term. The next semester begins in January via zoom until we can return. We have partnered with a sister church (30 minutes away) to help train future leaders. Weare blessed to be able to work together for the Lord’s purpose.
Travels: This fall, we have maintained a fairly busy travel schedule. We have had three more churches partner with us in our ministry to Thailand. We are now about 80% supported. Unfortunately, the dollar has dropped another 10% against the Thai Baht. If you have a church that you’d like to suggest we contact, please send the information to us.
Health: Mike had a follow-up with the Heart doctor, and all is well. The doctor wasn’t concerned and gave mike has a clean bill of health. We finally got the bill! $120,000, the majority of which was covered by our military insurance! Almost to the day that we got the bill Crow Baptist Church in Beaver, WV called and asked if we needed any help. They covered a significant part of the expense, with the remainder paid for by Trident Baptist Church in Charleston, SC, and the generous love offerings of the churches we have visited. As of right now, we owe nothing. Praise the Lord.
Prayer Requests. Salvation: The husband of a member who has been attending for six years. Family and friends of church members. Those contacted in various outreach ministries. Fruit from Christmas outreach activities. Faithfulness: Pray for the Bible students to continue steadfast in their studies. Especially pray for Dtom that the Lord would give him wisdom and perseverance in leading the church. Pray for a new couple in our church for spiritual growth in being newly married but separated as they wait for her visa to the USA to be approved. Please also pray for other Thailand missionary families and us as we wait for Thailand to allow our return.
May the Lord bless you richly as you continue to serve Him,
Mike & Francis Frederick
www.thaimissions.org Facebook: thaimissions.org
mike@thaimissions.org 864-561-5217