Since the tsunami of 2004 devastated coastal areas of several East Asian countries, the General Secretary of the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) reported that the CCT was the only church in Thailand that was persevering in the relief efforts. Sixteen CCT-sponsored workers still bring help to those in need. The CCT intends to maintain a presence and an assistance program as long as they are needed and desired by the people. While the CCT has deliberately avoided any semblance of using the opportunity to proselytize, some local people are inquiring about the Christian faith.

The Mekong Ecumenical Partnership Program is an initiative of the CCT. It links ecumenically minded churches in five Southeast Asian nations, as well as Christians in southern China. It challenges them to confront social issues in the region by training pastors so they in turn can train lay members to be instigators of change. The Rev. Mike Fucella, a member of the Church of Scotland who works with the CCT, heads the program.

Mike led his first seminar in Phnom Penh. Forty-five pastors and church leaders from all over Cambodia attended. Its purpose was to introduce the concepts of the missional church and support leaders of the church as they sought to organize their church life, ministry, and leadership training to meet their unique needs. The next step will be to pilot a curriculum that Cambodian pastors can use to equip others for ministry.

PC(USA) People in Mission
Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT): Rev. Robert Collins, mission volunteer, program administrator, Brett Faucett, regional consultant for health and HIV/AIDS, Shelly Faucett, regional consultant for health and HIV/AIDS, Carol Fujii, team ministry, Rev. Leith Fujii, instructor in theology and evangelism, Khanita Intharasut, team ministry, Scott Satterfield, coordinator for English language programs, Rev. Dr. Esther Wakeman, university administrator • Amy Davisson, mission volunteer, ministry to Burmese refugees in Thailand, Kawthoolei Karen Baptist Churches • Annette George, music teacher, Payap University (Thailand)

PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Anthony L. Farrell, GAC
Rev. Bennett H. Farrell, GAC