As the world continues to grow, so does its population, reaching a historic milestone in November 2022 as the global population hit 8 billion strong. This serves as a challenge to the global church in its goal of reaching out to the world and proclaiming Jesus' imminent return.
Starting large in 2023 with a countrywide evangelistic campaign is a confident reaction in offering hope and healing to a challenging and culturally varied region for the Adventist church in Thailand (TAM).
Beginning March 1, 2023, in the beautiful Kingdom of Thailand, the nationwide evangelical campaign "พระคริสต์เพื่อประเทศไทย" ("Christ for Thailand") will assemble big and small audiences in auditoriums, churches, and small groups. The campaign will take place in more than 30 locations across Thailand and will culminate on March 11.
"There are 38 locations arranged for the evangelistic series beginning March all through out Thailand. There are three locations in Bangkok and nine other locations in the central part of Thailand," said Pastor Cris Tawmanggood, Executive Secretary of the Adventist Church in Thailand.
This project is a cooperation between the Southern Asia-Pacific headquarters, the Southeastern Union office, and the Thailand Adventist Mission. The Southern Asia-Pacific region's Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle (IEL) Coordinator and Vice President shares his delight as they prepare for this initiative of reaching families and people in this nation.
"This is a great challenge to conquer, but we will do it together, believing that the Lord will guide us in preaching the gospel of hope in this unique region," said Pastor Arnel Gabin, vice president of the Southern Asia-Pacific region.
In 2021, Thailand holds a population of approximately more than 71 million people, with an Adventist population of more than 15,000 members. Despite the vast differences, the Adventist church in Thailand remains tenacious in its efforts to gradually communicate the gospel with families in Thailand.
"This is Thailand's first. To proclaim the gospel in this region is a big step," stated Niratisai Aipan, president of Thailand Adventist Mission. "The struggle is huge, but our God is much bigger than any difficulty this world can throw at us," Aipan said. He further said that the fundamental theme of the nightly messages in different locales is finding hope in a generation beset by issues and challenges.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the series, which begins on March 1. This two-week campaign will involve church leaders, lay people, church members, men and women, young and old, to work together to reach more people than ever before.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department