November 22, 2004

Sawatdii (Greetings)!

As we come to the end of 2004 and our current three-year term of service with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we want you to know that we greatly appreciate your ongoing prayers and support for our work in Thailand. In spite of all the tragedy in the world, we continue to be hopeful that someday there will be peace on earth and goodwill among all human beings everywhere.

Both of us are involved in work that encourages the respect of peoples of diverse cultural backgrounds. John, through his work as director of Payap University’s Institute for the Study of Religion and Culture, is involved in helping to create greater understanding and appreciation of the different teachings and practices found among various religious communities in Thailand and throughout the world.

Martha’s work in international affairs brings students and teachers from over 25 countries to Payap University to study or teach. These people interact with our Thai students and teachers. Everyone must learn how to get along in our global community. A highlight each year on the PYU campus is “International Day” where we come together to celebrate the different cultures represented at Payap.

Early next year, the Institute will sponsor public lectures by two winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. Bishop Carlos Belo from East Timor and John Hume from Northern Ireland will be speaking on the Payap campus on the subjects of “Education for Peace” and “Conflict Resolution in the Modern World.”

As we begin our last term (before retirement) with the Worldwide Ministries Division, we plan to spend the months of April and May each year (2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008) in the United States. We will be based in Louisville and working with Worldwide Ministries. During these two months each year we shall also be available to visit supporting churches to talk about our work with the national Protestant Church (the Christian Church of Thailand) in Thailand. We look forward to visiting with many of you during the coming four years.

In the meantime, we ask that you keep the people of Thailand in your prayers. There are currently severe problems in southern Thailand involving relations between the Malay Muslims and Thai Buddhists. The government is not sure how to bring peace to this region. The Institute plans to play an increasing role in working for peace and reconciliation among the diverse religious communities in the south of Thailand.

Next year Payap University will be selecting a new president who will assume office in 2006. We ask that you pray for President Boonthong, the current president, as he completes his term as Payap’s leader. We also request that you remember in your prayers those involved in the search for a new president and for the leaders and members of the Church of Christ in Thailand. Lastly, both of us will be preparing successors for smooth transitions when we retire in three years. We ask that you pray for those who will be taking over our work and for us as we prepare them.

On a personal note, in April Martha’s 94-year-old mother came to Thailand to live with us. She is enjoying her life in Chiang Mai very much. Last summer, our daughter and her family were with us for six weeks. We experienced, for the first time, what it is like to live as a four-generation extended family. It was both challenging and rewarding, and we hope to do it again! On October 6, our son Paul and his wife Julie delivered a beautiful son, Jesse Lin Butt. Jesse is our third grandson!

As we approach the Christmas holiday season and the beginning of another New Year, we again thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve in Thailand. Your support of the work of the Worldwide Ministries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through your contributions to the General Assembly and through special gifts makes it possible for us, and others like us, to serve as co-workers in mission with local Christians around the world. We are grateful for your support.

May the joy of Christmas be with you throughout the coming new year.

Peace and Love,

Martha and John Butt

The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 207