Covid 19 measures for ICB
While the Thai government has relaxed some restrictions in thedark red zones (incl. Bangkok), it has not yet permitted Churches to meet in-person.
We will continue Zoom-only services in October and pray that conditions will become safer during November.
October’s Outreach Partner
is Rahab Ministries
Women’s rehabilitation project for workers
in the red-light districts of Bangkok To find out more and how you can help, please go to our Outreach section towards the end of this newsletter Khun Prai of RAHAB will join us to tell us more about their work this Sunday, 24th October
Let’s Join together this Sunday!
24th October 2021
10 am. via Zoom
On-line ONLY
Stay at Home and Please Join us on ZOOM!
(computer, tablet or smartphone)
Due to COVID19 health measures, our worship service will NOT be in-person this Sunday
about ICB worship on Zoom:
Please come on time and allow a minute or two to connect.
You will be “muted” upon entering the zoom room with the musical prelude on. Please stay muted during the service.
Pastor Chee suggests, “while you listen to the prelude, please pray for the service to run smoothly for God’s glory. There’s plenty of time to chit chat in the break out rooms after the service.”
This Sunday’s Sermon
is delivered live on Zoom by our minister, Revd. Chee Keong Yong
Revd. Chee’s sermon theme is entitled: “Let your request be known”
Our Scripture Readings are: Epistle: Hebrews 7:23-28* Gospel: Mark 10:46–52*(*click for online Bible)
Pastor Chee’s brief & notes:
I wonder if this story from Mark strikes a chord with us. A walk around the city and we see the homeless everywhere begging on the streets. There are people with all sorts of conditions – blind, maimed, dirty, ragged … Passers-by may drop some change into the plastic cup. Others walk by oblivious to them while they click away on their mobiles. Still others march by as quickly as possible hoping they will not be pinched with guilt.
The blind man may have heard that Jesus was walking by and yelled out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me,” at the top of his voice. He got hushed down. No, he will not be silenced. This is his moment. If he let this opportunity slip away or be robbed off him, he will continue to suffer and be ill-treated as a nobody.
Imagine yourself at the scene with the crowd and the disciples of Jesus. What role will you be acting out, I wonder? “Here, Bartimaeus, here’s a tract on how you may find salvation in Jesus – if you have any questions, ask me.” Does this sound familiar? It sounds very holy and pious – after all, the motivation is to make sure that Bartimaeus has salvation in Jesus. Surely, we are here to save souls???
I wonder how many people do actually read the Bible or, for that matter, just read Mark’s Gospel about Jesus. For the past few Sundays, we have been looking at Jesus as Mark perceived him to be. This is not the Jesus that most of us churchy people will be accustomed to but, nevertheless, here is a Jesus that is presented without blemish from our bias. This is the scary part, in that this Mark’s Jesus is ever too demanding.
Are you comfortable with your “Jesus”? Why do we have to keep on listening to Mark telling us his stories? Can we not switch to other more appeasing readings instead? Just for your information, nearly all the churches (both Catholics and Protestants) in the world follow the RCL readings which I have been doing. This is not about my favourite passages to preach from. On any Sunday wherever one may find oneself, the readings will be the same.
Of course, preachers may put their individual touch to the story. Some may preach about the miracle of healing of sight. If one is to follow Mark’s thoughts conscientiously, it is not about the mere act of healing of sight. That is incidental. The focus is squarely on Jesus.
Look to Jesus.
Come this Sunday to our service on Zoom and be challenged by Jesus.
Blessings,
Chee
Please scroll down below for notices about Sunday school in October, our new weekly prayer meetings, ongoing on-line events on weekday evenings as well as this month’s Outreach Partner: Rahab Ministries
VISIT our
ICB Sunday School Facebook Page!! HERE
https://www.facebook.com/ICB-Christian-Education-106748784983710
(copy this URL into your browser)
October 24th lesson is shown below:
ICB is a fully self-supported congregation.
We gladly receive your donations. KBank a/c 003-1-09408-9
More information on the ICB Website
Thank you!
Announcements from our Minister
In-person services are being prepared for when regulations allow …….We are hoping that Sunday morning in-person worship services can resume in November.Please keep a lookout on email, ICB website, Facebook or Line (morning service group) for further announcements about when in-person will start. For October, we will continue on Zoom, only.
We plan also to try to continue live streaming on Zoom even when we can meet in-person again.
Please pray and bear with us as we go forward in what is continued uncertainty; but we will not go ahead with in-person gatherings until we consider it is safe.
New! Weekly Prayer Meeting – Thursdays at 7pm
VISIONING ICB’s FUTURE PATH
We are excited to find out where God’s path leads us to!
We have only recently started on our road to planning a future for ICB, which hopefully extends outside our membership zone to those in our community and city who need our help to help themselves based on how Jesus lived His life on Earth.
More details on how we are progressing and what the next steps may be will appear in future newsletters – so watch this space!!
Love Bangkok?
Nine ICB members led by Pastor Chee had a fascinating 90 minute Zoom meeting earlier this month with Jacob Bloemberg, pastor of Hanoi International Fellowship (HIF) and author of the book “Love (your city)” which several of us have been studying together over the past several weeks. Pastor Jacob gave us an illustrated slide presentation covering the main aspects of how HIF’s “Love Hanoi” mission had developed from virtual non-existence to an officially recognised faith-driven community-based movement in that city in just 10 years. He also explained “the 5 Ps”, steps he considers are vital for success, namely Principles, Posture, Process, Partner and People.
A lively Q & A session followed in which we learned more of Jacob’s experiences, the joys and the pitfalls, what works and where to begin, as well as how to build relationships with partners, identify needs of communities and become accepted by official authorities and society leaders.
We are so grateful for Pastor Jacob’s time, encouragement and support. We hope to meet him when he and his family can come in-person to Bangkok, possibly next year.
So, where does ICB move on and how can we make a real difference as we build Christ’s Kingdom in our city?
Those are questions for all of us and those involved in Outreach, in particular. If you would like to become involved or just learn more, you are most welcome to join us at this exciting time of discovery.
Initially, please contact Pastor Chee: minister@icbangkok.org
The Bible exhorts us all
Proverbs 29:18 –
“Where there is no vision, the people perish;..” Acts 2:17 –
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”
CHRISTIAN OUTREACH The International Church of Bangkok
partners with Christian ministries throughout Thailand to advance the work of Jesus.
5% of ICB’s yearly total income goes directly to the outreach partners. Members and friends are also encouraged to give directly.
Bank transfers are easy to do and very welcome Please Donate NOW when it’s Most Needed!! KasikornBank (KBank): 003-1-09408-9
Transfer your donation to the ICB Bank account above and please email your transfer confirmation with the message:
“For Outreach: month/year (or name of O/R partner)” office@icbangkok.org
ICB’s Outreach Partner
for October 2021
RAHAB Ministries Bangkok
Helping women trapped in prostitution to find a new life in Christ, offering them a future and a hope.
Many rural women coming to Bangkok looking for work end up in one of Bangkok’s ‘red-light’ districts, such as Soi Patpong (off Silom Rd) or Nana (off Sukhumvit Rd). Through your support, Rahab Ministries (named after a prostitute in the Bible*) is able to offer these migrants friendship, hope, and a way out of prostitution. (*click here for a link to the story of Rahab in the Old Testament)
Rahab’s workers visit the beer bars regularly and the ministry runs a hair salon where the women can experience Rahab’s practical support in action. After the women leave the bars, Rahab gives them financial support and training in craft and jewellery making as well as hairdressing. Rahab also provides ‘safe’ housing for the women and for their children either in Bangkok or in Photharam, 100 Km. west of the city.
The Patpong scene in Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok. Rahab Ministries works in this area renowned for its night life.
Rahab Ministries trains the women looking for a new way of life how to make crafts of various kinds, including dress jewellery and small stuffed toys, both of which are very popular items. “We are always looking for new markets for these products which provides the women with an alternative income and helps further the work of our ministry.”
Khun Phrai of RAHAB will join us to tell us more about their work this Sunday, 24th October
If you missed any of the recent sermons or would like to hear one or more again, recordings are available from Rev. Chee himself. Please let him know which Sunday(s) you are interested in and he will send you the link.
Send an email to: minister@icbangkok.org
International Church of Bangkok (ICB)
Advancing the Work of Jesus!
ICB is an English language congregation, composed of native and non-native speakers. We are committed to welcoming people of all backgrounds to Christian worship for a diverse, inclusive and unifying faith experience.
We seek to advance the work of Jesus Christ by promoting and supporting spiritual growth, community and service to others.
Scan these QR Codes to
find out more about
International Church of Bangkok
This upper link will guide you to our
ICB Website
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ICB Facebook page
For personal inquiries, more information and
church membership, please email
Rev. Chee Keong Yong: minister@icbangkok.org
