Brethren,

Please pray for the people of Thailand during these days. I could go into a lengthy explanation, but suffice it to say that protests from the rural poor in the commercial area of Bangkok has once again escalated into violence as the authorities try to disband them. These protests have literally shut down a couple of the busiest commercial areas in the city since March. Thousands of shops have been shut down as well as major hotels which service the tourist trade.

Since Thursday, two dozen people have died and hundreds have been injured. In addition to the authorities taking action, counter protests in the past have resulted in sporadic violence. The fear now is that this will escalate into all-out civil war.

Some of the protests have taken place in several other Thailand cities including where we live now, Chiang Mai. These are mostly peaceful but who knows what could happen if a all-out crackdown starts. We are far from the conflict area at this point and have no intention of going there.

Just about the time we moved from Bangkok is when the first of the violence started. About 2 weeks after we moved, the protesters set up a road block using a hijacked bus on the main highway just in front of the street where we were living. That was 25 miles from the current protest site. As I said, we are safe, but please pray about this situation. Most Thai people are ambivalent but just want to get on with their lives.

If you are interested in knowing more about the situation, you can easily find it on news sites on the web.

Also, let me update you on recovery from my injury two weeks ago. The incision has healed nicely, but I am still having significant nerve-related pain in my forearm and hand. It is debilitating at times. I am scheduled to return to the Dr. on Monday to see about it. Please pray for full recovery. Pain medication really makes me drowsy.

We praise the Lord that we are in His hands. I know of no safer place to be than where He wants us. We are very grateful for your intercession however. God can and does use you.

For Souls Still Waiting,

Tom and Krinny Gaudet

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