October 2002

Dear Friends,

As the rain falls in Thailand each day this time of the year, we think about the many people around the world who are dealing with flooding, war, and other disasters. We feel so fortunate to be spared from such problems here in Chiang Mai. Our work and lives here deal more with helping others cope with issues of daily living in a rapidly changing society. This year at the university, we are beginning to see the effects of the financial crises of 1997. Some students are being forced to drop out of school because they do not have money to attend. Their families’ savings are gone and jobs are not readily available. The Thai government has set up a student loan fund, but the funds are not sufficient for all who require assistance.

John is now planning and arranging a major international and interreligious conference that the Institute and Payap University will host next year on the topic “Religion and Globalization.” The conference will address themes and issues related to religious pluralism and diversity and the nature and goal of religious mission in a global age. Also, the conference will deal with the relation between religion and society in a global age as well as how religious practices and institutions should be reformed and religious doctrine reformulated. Participants at the conference will include religious scholars and leaders from all over the world.

This year the Institute has also set up two- or three-week study programs for groups from Seattle University’s School of Theology, Augsburg College, the University of Saint Thomas, and Vanderbilt University’s Divinity School. Several other groups from churches and colleges are scheduled before the end of the year.

Martha continues to lead and oversee the university’s efforts to internationalize. She works daily with both Thai and non-Thai students and faculty. Last April, she was fortunate to attend the meeting of the International Partnership for Service Learning in Prague. Payap will host this group in January 2004. We work hard at Payap to instill a spirit of service in all of our students. In today’s world of globalization and materialism it is important that young people not lose sight of the needs of others in their community.

Last but not least, we want to introduce the most recent additions to our family. In April, our son Paul married Julie Lin. It was a wonderful occasion with family and friends present. Paul and Julie are now living and working in the Los Angeles area. In late December, we will join Paul and Julie in Taiwan, where Julie’s parents will have a party for the newly wedded couple. It will be our first trip to Taiwan and we are both looking forward to meeting Julie’s parents at their home.

On June 3, our second grandson, Justin Max, was born in Arlington, Virginia to daughter Chanya and her husband, John. Justin was welcomed home (with some reservations) by his older brother, Nathan. All are doing well. Martha was able to spend Mother’s Day with her sisters and mother in Chicago and then go to be with Chanya for the birth of Justin.

As we look towards 2003, we re-commit ourselves to working for peace in the world. We pray that the new year will bring more harmony among peoples and nations. We thank you for your continued support as we serve the Church and the people of Thailand through our work here at Payap University.

Sincerely,

Martha and John Butt
Co-Workers in Mission
Chiang Mai, Thailand

The 2002 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 163