Sunday, 13 August 2023

What do you make of the text in the Gospel? The event follows immediately after the feeding of the 5,000. Hopefully, you will remember that Jesus had wanted to get away after the beheading of John the Baptist. This was not to be as the people got to hear about his presence and they flocked to him with their needs. Instead of grieving for his cousin, he was thrust into doing the needful for the people.

This was followed by the feeding of the 5,000 which saw 12 basketfuls of food left over after all the men, women and children had their fill.

The above event was followed by this incident. Jesus sent his disciples away while he caught up with some alone time. After a night of prayer, Jesus strolled along the beach and saw his disciples battling a storm. He walked out to them.

Wow! I wish to have the ability to walk on water too, especially when I had to wade through flood waters a few months ago. It was at night and the flood waters were unpleasant, to say the least. Should I have focussed on Jesus? I was worried about what was in the water – monitor lizards (more like Komodo dragons), pythons, cobras, etc.

In the ancient world, storms and waves were likened to dark and hostile forces. The disciples would have this mind fearing for the worse to happen. In the midst of the storm, they could not recognize Jesus. It would have been a welcome delight when Jesus spoke to them giving them hope.

I wonder if Jesus will come walking on the water in places that have been devasted by floods, typhoons, hurricanes, etc. The point of the story is not so much about Peter’s ability to walk on water. It is about Jesus’ presence in the storms of our lives.

We are unable to make use of the BCC premises for the next two Sundays (13 & 20 August) owing to the school anniversary celebrations. No matter, Jesus’ presence is with us as we meet on Zoom for our services.

Blessings

Chee

Sunday School will not meet for the next 2 Sundays but will resume at BCC on 27th August onwards.

• The committee are working hard on applications received from those interested in becoming our next pastor.
• The applications window has now closed.
• Please continue praying for the church and search committee to hear the Holy Spirit clearly throughout the pastor search process.

We, at ICB, support displaced individuals and families in Bangkok with regular financial support through Life Raft International.

We also offer congregational, emotional and spiritual assistance.
Who qualifies?
Those who have been granted (or are applying for) recognition as refugees by UNHCR.
Why do we need to help these people?
Ongoing support is needed to help them bridge the gap while they seek and wait for resettlement in another country, which most often takes many years.
UNHCR recognition very rarely means they can live and work freely in their country of asylum.

• Outreach – continuing contact with and support for our 8 social service partners ….. and more
  Our newly appointed Outreach leader needs others to assist in further developing this important work of ICB. Email Deborah at outreach@icbangkok.org 
• Worship – overseeing Church services and planning for the future
• Fellowship – In organising ICB community activities, more helpers are needed.

All you need is the motivation to help us to develop our ICB community and outreach partners with Jesus as our guide.

To find out more, please contact
Pastor Chee        minister@icbangkok.org

www.icbangkok.org/outreach/

61/2 Soi Saen Sabai 3

Sukhumvit Soi 36

Bangkok, Bangkok 10110

Thailand

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