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FROM A RENTED ROOM TO A BEACON OF HOPE:

20 Years of God’s Faithfulness in Nong Bua Lampu

by Rev Jansuda Phonlueangdee, Pastor-in-charge of Nong Bua Lamphu Methodist Church. She makes super delicious papaya salad (Som Tam).

The young Jansuda (standing 2nd from the right)

Praise the Lord for 20 years of Nong Bua Lamphu Methodist Church (NBLPMC)! NBLPMC will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on 23 August 2025.

Since 2004, by God’s faithfulness and grace, our church has grown and endured. In the beginning, we had no permanent place of worship or ministry. We rented a house in Lamphu village (owned by a lawyer) to use as our church.

Mission team

I was just 11 years old when I first joined the church’s activities. I had been invited by brothers and sisters from the Singapore mission team and our Thai pastors, who came to my primary school to share the message of God’s love. They invited us to join weekend programmes at the rented house. My friends and I were curious and excited to attend. And that marked the beginning of a new church planting effort.

The mission team didn’t visit just my school but many others across Nong Bua Lamphu, inviting children to join in the church’s activities. I was filled with joy each time I went, learning about God’s love. The team also held evangelistic outreaches in local communities. As a result, within a short time, three families from three different villages—children, youth, adults, and elderly—came to believe in Jesus.

Between 2004 and 2006, we used a local threewheeled vehicle to transport members to church. Before that, we hired minibuses weekly, and sometimes even used the pastor’s personal car.

From 2004 to 2008, more than 30 people, including I, came to believe in Christ and were baptised. As our numbers grew, we realised the need for a proper place to worship. We also faced complaints from nearby neighbours about the noise from music and activities, since the rented houses were close together. So, we began to pray for God’s guidance—whether to rent a new place or to purchase land for a permanent church building.

I remember the first donation we received toward this goal. It was just 5 Thai baht. But we kept praying. Eventually, God revealed His will: we needed our own land. Though we had no funds, we prayed with faith.

Though we had no funds, we prayed with faith.

A Place to Call Home

In 2009, the Lord blessed us with financial support from Wesley Methodist Church (WMC) in Singapore and other believers. We were able to purchase 8 rai of land (over 3 acres) in the Ban Wang Muen community, near a local primary school. That same year, we started clearing the land, cutting trees and preparing the ground. I was part of the first generation of youth who helped.

We levelled the land, moved rocks, planted trees, dug a well, and began construction. By 2011, the church building was completed. It included a sanctuary, classrooms, offices, guest rooms, kitchen, activity area, and restrooms.

On 13 March 2011, we dedicated the new church building in a ceremony led by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon. This officially established NBLPMC under the support of Wesley Methodist Church (WMC) and the Mettakij Church Association (MCA) of Thailand.

A church board was formed, and we began organising regular worship services and ministries, which continue to this day.

Preaching point at NonSang District

Through Trials and Triumphs

Serving God hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced many challenges—resistance from unbelievers, parents forbidding children from attending church, believers falling away, and internal issues. The COVID-19 pandemic also forced us to move our ministries online. Many of us, especially our pastors, felt discouraged but through prayer and trust in God, we persevered.

In 2023, I stepped into the role of pastor. It wasn’t an easy transition. I wrestled with doubts and fears, wondering if I was too young and inexperienced. There were moments I felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up. But I thank God for Ps Pornwimon, who has stood beside me, encouraged me, and supported me. Through prayer and God’s Word, I continue to serve, relying on His strength. I’m learning to be humble, obedient, patient, and faithful.

Today, by God’s grace, we have over 30 believers, including new converts— and even my mother has come to faith in Christ. Our members are growing spiritually, step by step.

We’ve also begun outreach in Nonsang District, where there is still no church. In Ban Nong Sabang, we’ve planted a small cell group, holding worship services once a month with one believing family.

Thanksgiving

Thank God for 20 years of grace, blessings, guidance, and faithful ministry. All glory to God.

Thank you to every pastor, leader, church board member, and believer—those who have laboured in love, expanded God’s kingdom, and poured themselves into ministry with devotion to God and to this community.

Covid season

Special thanks to MCA for the guidance, support, and encouragement through the years. Thank you to MMS for partnering with us and praying for us faithfully. And thank you to WMC for loving Nong Bua Lamphu and walking with us from the beginning. Your love, prayers, and mission teams have helped our church grow in the love of Christ.

Even though we cannot see God with our eyes, we feel and know He is great beyond understanding. As the pastor and representative of NBLPMC, I commit to caring for this church family, leading faithfully, upholding sound doctrine, and nurturing God’s sheep to grow strong in Christ.

I pray that our church will be a light in this community, bringing salvation to the people of Nong Bua Lamphu until the very end.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

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A Legacy of Pastoral Leadership

We have been blessed with eight generations of pastoral leadership:

2004 - Rev Sanit and Rev Somsri2005 - Rev Supachai and Rev Sabaphrai2006 - Rev Attapol and Rev Porntip2009 - Rev Khem and Rev Duang2012 - Rev Watit and Rev Chantima2014 - Rev Gunt Kwanruean2015 - Rev Winai and Rev Rungnapa 2023 to present - Rev Jansuda and Ps Pornwimon

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Our Address

99 Moo 14, Sunflower Community, Ban Wang Muen, Nong Bua Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province 39000.

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