March 2001

Dear Family in Christ,

"Good evening, brother," the cheery voice began, "just wanted to call you before I sat down to begin my dinner, just came home from meeting with some of the people God has given me the opportunity to share His Word with, and I just wanted to share with you how much peace God has been giving me today." Though his English might not have been so clear, the message that Rattanak Keo, a Cambodian political refugee living in Bangkok for the past three years, came through with energizing clarity. Jesus is alive and at work in the lives of His people!

Three years ago, when Rattanak and his wife, Chivv Ronn, fled Phnom Penh with scarcely anything beyond their previous work and education in journalism, they did not know the Lord Jesus and God’s wonderful way of working all things together for good. Through a number of providential circumstances, Rattanak began to meet with Leith to study the Bible. As partners in the Church joined in prayer, the Word of God was sown deep into Rattanak’s life, and God through the Holy Spirit was at work in Rattanak’s life. What an encouragement and powerful witness to the gospel it is to see the joy that radiates from this man’s life, especially when one considers the very transient "no legal status" of a UN political refugee here. Where many unfortunate others live with bitterness and anxiety, impatiently waiting to relocate and begin life again in another country, Rattanak’s faith causes his life to shine as a light. Not surprisingly, it wasn’t long before he wanted to bring others to study the Bible and come to know Jesus. However, when Rattanak learned of the apostle Paul’s counsel in II Timothy 2:2. "What you have heard from me, entrust to faithful men who will be able to train others also," he began meeting with Hok Waeng (his brother-in-law) and Yah Nit a (Mormon) friend, and also with some Thai classmates.

When Rattanak made a decision to trust in God’s Word alone, it meant leaving the Mormon Church, of which he was a member and key leader. It meant "counting the cost," forfeiting monthly financial support as well as the opportunity for being sponsored to immigrate to the States. It is a big step of faith for one who is still young in the faith. We believe that Jesus is indeed alive, and at work for His glory in this precious brother’s life.

We have just completed our first year teaching at the Bangkok Institute of Theology and two and a half years of living in Bangkok. The summer term is upon us, a time for practical training in ministry for our students at BIT. During this two- to three-month break, they will continue to gain experience in the ministry of teaching, preaching, serving the poor, etc., building upon their classroom knowledge. This year has been a growing and encouraging one for Leith and Carol as we have been continuing to develop and implement an English program/curriculum for BIT. Leith began teaching his first theology courses in English and his first evangelism course in Thai/English better known as "Thai-lish."

We are discovering that the students at BIT are still spiritually young in the Lord and are in the process of growing in Christlikeness. Aren’t we all?! We, as a faculty, have had to deal with issues of honesty, integrity, sexual purity etc. with our students. In a culture that does not like confrontation, these are difficult areas to address and act upon. The practice of "saving face" and compromise are a way of life in Thailand. Often the values of keeping harmony in relationships or saving one’s reputation (face) can prevail over honesty and doing what is right in God’s sight. Please pray for our students and ourselves, that we would choose values that are pleasing to God over values that are culturally acceptable.

This summer we will return for a three-month home assignment with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We are looking forward to our visit, especially our children! We will include details in a forthcoming letter.

Thank you again for partnering with us in spreading the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for supporting us through prayer, correspondence, and your financial gifts.

In the Service of our Risen Savior,

Leith and Carol Fujii

The 2001 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, page 171