On 23 August 2025 Nong Bua Lamphu (NBLP) Methodist Church celebrated on its church grounds two decades of ministry. But it was also a time of praise to God for His faithfulness to it and the community it served.
It was attended by ministers from both the Thai and Singapore Methodist Churches, Methodist Missions Society, the church community, a 22-strong team from Wesley Methodist Church and other well-wishers.
“What made me smile was the multitude who came to attend the celebration. The whole church community in the area, within Thailand and from Singapore rallied behind the church as God’s people… this is what discipleship is about,” observed Eric Ang, first-time tripper to NBLP.
We might not have witnessed what had transpired in the past two decades, but we were witnesses to how God had been with the church and the community through the different segments of the anniversary service.
The service afforded us glimpses into various aspects of the life of the church. We saw the support of church organisations, fellow Methodist churches in Thailand and Singapore, etc. – a network that has supported NBLP Methodist Church in its years of growth. We saw how the church has grown from its humble beginnings when it was consecrated on 5 August 2005, and dedicated on 11 March 2011. We also saw a tight-knit community that seeks to show God’s love by loving one another and the people in its environment.
All this was not lost on many of us.
“Not a huge Christian community, but the depth of love and care they have for each other is really very moving and inspiring,” said Tao Ai Lei, a seasoned tripper.
The service was helmed by two young persons – First (Mr Samai Bookprakom), speaking in Thai, and Lidia (Ms Wiyada Thongkaew) who translated into English. They were clearly a sterling example of the young people who are stepping up to serve – and serving faithfully and sacrificially.
The Video – A Community on the Move to Serve
The video presentation on the history of the church brought viewers through the past, the present and the future. It showed the church’s journey during which the community worked hand in hand to build up each other and the community it served – be it working at chores, serving in worship, visitations to villages, providing after-school care and tuition to children, etc. We saw the life of the church community working in unison to be a beacon of hope to those in need.
The joy of the community in serving was a common observation.
“I found them all to be faithful and jovial in serving in spite of how much they have to do and how little they may have.” – Wendy Tay, a first-time tripper
Both the video and the rehearsal the day before made an impression on us. “I was touched by the purity of worship and devotion to God by the young people at NBLP church”, says Nij Mahendra, a returnee tripper.
“They take time to seek God and pray. They’re a very united community,” said Rebecca Yong, a missions staffer, who made a similar observation.
The video ended with touching testimonies from pastors, leaders, youths and children – all declaring their heartfelt love for the church, something Rev Derrick Lau, in one of the congratulatory messages referred to when he said – “We have a lot to learn from you”. (Read sermon excerpt and congratulatory messages)
Pastor Kluay, herself a recipient of the love shared with her by waves of mission trippers who visited the church through the years, shares:
“This church is the warmest home I have ever had; it’s a place where I feel safe and truly happy. I want to thank the church for raising a child like me to grow and become a servant of God.”
She has this hope: “that every believer in church be built up to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ”, and that “more of the young generation would dedicate themselves to serving God” because “the way our church will truly grow depends on how well we are able to make disciples”. Wise words for a young person!
Her assistant, Mon echoes this same hope. Mon who found her niche in worship which she leads these days shares: “a special moment for me was during worship … the songs touched my heart and helped me experience the love of Jesus Christ. It made me feel deeply moved knowing there is someone who loves me the most”.
The Sermon – A Call to Remember God’s Vision
The sermon delivered by Rev Raymond Fong titled “The Faithfulness of God” harkened us to the past with a reference to the time when the Israelites returned from exile and were given a vision by God to rebuild the temple. He left us reminders of what we in the present, needed to remember vis-à-vis our own vision. (Read sermon excerpt and congratulatory messages)
Dance Presentation – An Offering to a Saviour God
A touching part of the service was the dance of blessing performed by four young female members of the youth ministry. Although the dance song was in Thai, we did not seem to need any translation as the graceful movements of the dancers and the music were enough to help us to guess the message behind it. Perhaps this is what Lynn Lau, another first-time tripper meant when she shared: “God gives the people joyful countenance even though we cannot communicate with them”.
The translation of some parts of the accompanying song, made known after the performance confirmed our understanding of it.
“He came down from heaven to earth, bearing a very ordinary body … he shed His blood, both body and soul for his love for the world … If anyone is weary, he will help them find strength, … if your heart is withered, seek refreshment… come quickly, open your heart, … sins are gone, he will lead you to the golden heaven”.
Song Offerings – Not Giving Up, and Being Still
A song offering presented by some 20 members of the church community – young and old, leaders, pastors and villagers, offered us another glimpse into the unity that is a hallmark of this young church.
Titled Phu reim kar di or translated, The Beginner of Goodness, the group sang of the journey the church went through, with God by their side. The pre-chorus has these words – “No matter how difficult it is, we will not give up. We remain confident in His promise”, while the chorus speaks of how their perseverance hangs on this promise – “He who began the good work in you will carry it on to completion at the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV).
A peek into the arduous journey mentioned in the lyrics of the song was afforded us by Suchad Chiaranusati who referred to NBLP as “hard ground” and recalled the “very hard work” that had to be done with and in the community. (Read sermon excerpt and congratulatory messages)
The Wesley Methodist Church team of well-wishers, led by Rev Adrian Ng, pastor overseeing missions at Wesley, offered the hymn “Still” in English, Chinese and Thai – a song that reminds all of the need to sit at the feet of a protective God.
Enjoying God’s Provision
Lunch was a sumptuous spread. Guests were treated to tom yum soup, sweet sour fish, pork knuckle served with mantou (soft buns), etc., not forgetting a 10-pounder birthday cake baked by Mon.
Guests were each given a candle, lighted to accompany the rousing singing of the birthday song, complete with the release of streamers, music, a repeat of the dance, fun activities like quizzes, and just plain merry making.
It was truly a grand celebration brilliantly executed by a church that didn’t just want to celebrate its 20th birthday but one that wanted to give all glory to God for how far He has brought them.
Running the Next Lap
We take the lead of Rev Raymond Fong whose words encourage us to co-partner a church on its way to great heights of faithfulness and obedience.
“God is doing His work through the faithful ministry of a community of faith the past 20 years. He is challenging us to see how we can contribute to the growth and ministry of the church in the seasons ahead.” – Rev Raymond Fong
(Photos courtesy of Desmond Yiong and fellow trippers)
Related articles: A Mission of Service: Kwong Shiu Yoong and Kim Kwong ; ‘Jesus Really Loves You’: Missions Trip to Nong Bua Lam Phu, Thailand
