Oasis Bangkok - Life To The Full

An Oasis for the Thais

In the midst of the current political stalemate in Bangkok between the different colored shirts, we conducted a much appreciated Oasis Retreat for Thai Christians from May 1-3, 2010. Held in Pattaya, the number of participants went beyond what a normal Oasis retreat was planned for. In all, 167 came from more than 10 churches in Bangkok and Chiang Mai for these 3 days of spiritual refreshment. Organized by the 6th District of the Church of Christ in Thailand, the retreat featured speaker Peter Chao on the theme of Life to the Full from the Book of Ecclesiastes. He delivered four messages on Relationships, Death, Money, and Wisdom, topics that Ecclesiastes addresses so poignantly. The sessions also consisted of experiential activities led by Michael Tan to enable participants to apply the principles and lessons from the messages.

Participant Itthaphon Duangnapha said, "The Oasis retreat helped me to think more about my spiritual life and to be wise by living for a higher cause. The messages and activities were practical and realistic." Napinthip Chatpaisarn commented, "I have been reminded that life, wealth and wisdom are God's gifts to me and I should be sharing them with others." Gade Chewchengsanti affirmed, "The retreat has transformed my way of thinking to be more passionate for God. Thank you for your investment in my life at this special weekend. I will pass them to others in my community and nation."

The Retreat was indeed an oasis of grace and hope for the participants. It is our prayer that God will continue to encourage and strengthen His people in Thailand to be faithful witnesses and that His Church there, though a minority, will provide a positive and healing influence for the troubled nation.