From an RMM Worker

I am sure most of you have been seeing and hearing disquieting news about Thailand the last few days. I wanted to write and let you know that I have been far from any demonstrations or danger, and am perfectly safe. My mission team is located in a province just south of Bangkok. Therefore, we have been spared most of the problems, although we are also under a state of emergency and a curfew for the next few days. The curfew was put in place as a measure to keep people safe and to try to prevent further looting and arson attempts. I have not heard anything new today from Bangkok, so it appears that most of the Red Shirt demonstrators that were behind this destruction have finally been caught or given up. I know most of you probably have questions about the political views that have sparked all these problems. I will not attempt to go into that because it is a very complicated issue. The main point is that there are very deep political divisions and incredible dissatisfaction among Thai people. Some of the main points of contention are corruption in the government, inequality between social/economic classes, and desires for democracy vs. allegiance to the monarchy. The current Prime Minister and Parliament have a plan to try to bring stability back to Thailand and then have new elections later this year. None of us are certain if they will be allowed to follow this plan or if more protests and unrest will be coming in the near future. My prayer is that God will use this situation to call Thai people to himself. That their eyes will be opened to their need for God in the midst of their distress and confusion. I pray also for wisdom to know how to respond and bring hope. Most of my friends and neighbors are embarrassed that Thai people have become so hateful and violent. They are searching for answers, and I pray that God will give me words of life and assurance for them.