A Farewell to Uncle Daeng

Picture taken at the funeral 2026

One of our relatives informed us that Uncle Daeng had passed away.

The news brought a mixture of sadness and reflection on my side. Uncle Daeng was not just a distant relative, he was someone who had been close to our family for many years. Because of his prolonged illness, Nittie and I had opportunities to bless him. 

As we gathered with the family, we participated in the local funeral customs. In Thai culture, one part of the ceremony involves pouring water over the hands of the deceased before the body is placed inside the coffin. Uncle Daeng's coffin was made of plywood, as cremation is the common practice here, and afterward the ashes are often scattered in the sea.

Favored Before the Assignment

Picture was taken at Songkhla Lake, Southern Thailand 2026

Before The Father gave humanity the assignment to have dominion over His creation, He first blessed them.

From the very beginning, His blessings came before their work.
His favor came before appointment. 
Humanity is loved before any performance found at him or her. 

When the Way Forward Seems Impossible

Picture was taken at Pakbara Satun, Thailand 2026

This is what I have been thinking about lately.

Maybe we are in a situation similar to what Moses experienced. Behind him was the Egyptian army, and in front of him was the Red Sea.

There was no turning back. Yet if he moved forward, all he could see was water.

The World Changes, but Our Father Never Changes

Picture taken at our local public market 2026

What I notice lately is that the situation in the Middle East seems to have calmed down compared to before. At least from what we can see on the outside, life appears to be going back to normal again. 

But honestly, it is becoming harder these days to know what is really happening in the world just by watching the news or reading articles online. Many media sources now lean strongly to one side, so sometimes it is difficult to know what is fully true and what is only part of the story.

From Crisis to Prayer

Every day, the situation in our village and in many parts of Thailand is becoming more difficult. Gasoline stations have been closed for several days at a time, and when they open even for just one day, the queues are extremely long.

I uploaded a video above showing the long line of vehicles waiting at the gasoline station. That morning, I had to be in the queue as early as 5:30AM just to have a chance to fill my truck. Even at that hour, many vehicles were already waiting. Each vehicle is limited to only 500 baht worth of fuel, which is often not enough to meet our daily transportation needs, especially for those who rely on their vehicles for ministry, farming, or businesses.

Holding On in Times of Crisis

This picture was taken in our village in 2026,
a gas station that has run out of fuel

Today I passed three gasoline stations, all closed with no fuel available. I had to drive about 60km before reaching another station, where they only allowed me to fill 15 liters. The price also keeps surging. Thailand gets much of its fuel, especially crude oil, from the Middle East. With the ongoing conflict and the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the situation is becoming more concerning.

What I am thinking...

Peace in Uncertain Times

Petroleum crisis in our community 
March 2026

I want to thank the Father Almighty for the peace we enjoy in our community. Sometimes we pass by this blessing without noticing it because we experience it every day. Peace becomes so normal that we forget it is truly a gift from God.

Yes, it is a gif. 

A blessing.

I Will Not Be With You Always

Picture was taken at the sandabar,  Pakbara,  Satun 2026 

I told my children that I can’t be with them all the time.

I can’t protect them all the time.

I can’t feed them all the time

Entering the New Year 2026 with Trust in the Father Almighty

By Ianpasison 

Picture taken during the flood 2025 in Satun, Thailand

As I step into the New Year, I carry with me a deep sense of gratitude for how the Father Almighty has led us through the past season. Serving my family, people, studying, and writing research reminded me that ministry is often lived out in ordinary faithfulness: showing up, listening well, and trusting the Father Almighty even when our strength or resources are limited. Along the way, I have learned to slow down, realizing more and more that:

Ministry is not only about only what we do, but about becoming more like the Son: to love, serve, and care as He does. It is not easy, but I try.

A Night the Water Changed Everything

By Ianpassion 

Flooding in Manang, Satun, Thailand 2025

It was around four in the morning when our dog would not stop barking. His bark was loud, urgent, and relentless. 

At first, I thought there must be a big snake nearby. Living in southern Thailand, that would not have been unusual. What made it more confusing was that there had been no heavy rain that night. Still half asleep and slightly annoyed, I got up to check on him, unaware that his warning was about something far more serious.

When the Flame Stands Alone

By Ianpassion 

Cooking on the firewood 

One cool evening, a young student came to visit his teacher in the countryside. The smell of wood smoke filled the air as the teacher was cooking over a fire made of dry firewood. The flames danced brightly, warming the small kitchen.

The student sat down quietly and said, “Teacher, I’ve decided not to join the others for worship anymore. I can pray to the Father by myself. I don’t need to gather with them.”

Set Apart by the Father’s Hand

By Ianpassion 

Nemi's Drawing 2025

 
What I’ve noticed lately is how different my son is from the group and from what is usually done. He likes to stand out, not just for the sake of being different, but because he follows his own way rather than the traditional crowd. 

I can even see it in the small things, like the way he places his water bottle on the table after drinking at the taekwondo gym, completely unlike the other athletes. His uniqueness also shines through in his drawings.

Called to Fruitfulness, Not Projects

By Ianpassion

Cassava I harvested

I recently harvested the cassava I planted last year. It all began when an excavator passed by our house to dig a trench for the village water pipeline. After the work was finished, the soil was left soft and loose. I decided to plant cassava trunks in that ground, and after a year, we were able to harvest them. My wife shared some with one of the Agape members, who used it to make a Thai dessert, while I boiled the rest with coconut milk and a little salt.

As I reflected on this, I was reminded of the parable the Son told about the sower. He taught that seed planted in good soil will surely grow and produce a harvest, some thirty, sixty, or even a hundredfold. But seed that falls on rocky ground, among thorns, or on the path will not bear fruit.

Living Water Refreshes Our Tired Soul

By Ianpassion

Refreshing river stream in Manang, Satun, Thailand 

I went into the forest for a hike.

What refreshed me most was the stream of fresh, cold water where I washed my face after hours of hiking and sweating. With the Thai scarf on my head, I took it off to dry my face. 

The Greatest Gift a Father Can Give: His Presence

By Ianpassion
With Nana and Nemi

Fathers, our presence is more important than perfection (think about your own dad). Our children may or may not remember our mistakes, but what they will surely remember is that we were with them when they fell and when they celebrated their victories. 

Trusting The Father Almighty on the Journey

By Ianpassion 

 A narrow road at the border passes through the neighborhood

As we continued heading toward the Thai-Myanmar border, the road became narrower, and early in the morning, visibility was dangerously low due to thick fog. I had to slow down and carefully navigate some sharp curves.

But through it all, we thank the Father Almighty for His protection and for the opportunity to experience the culture and language at the northernmost border of Thailand. This has also been a meaningful experience for our children, allowing them to witness firsthand what it means to immerse themselves in local life and to be a resource when needed.

Trusting His Perfect Timing

Seasami Leaf

Thai people generally love to eat raw vegetables, but there's one particular leaf they usually don’t include in their cuisine: sesame leaves. I’ve been looking for this leaf for a long time because I enjoy eating it raw, especially with grilled meat, chili sauce, grilled garlic, and rice. 

I’ve lived in Thailand for many years, but I hadn’t found it until recently, when my wife took us to a food shop that included sesame leaves in their serving. Finally! A simple desire, almost like a small prayer, was granted in His time.

Raising Children in the Presence of the Almighty

Painted by Angie & Therese 2025

As parents, we are not only responsible for preparing a "nest" for our children, a home where they feel loved, safe, and nurtured...but also for creating a spiritual environment where their beliefs can take root and grow. In a world increasingly shaped by secular culture, digital distractions, and values that drift far from the truth of the Almighty Father, we are called to raise our children intentionally, grounding them in wisdom and higher understanding.

The way we live, the way we offer guidance, the values we embody, and the conversations we have all contribute to shaping our children's spiritual awareness and connection with the Almighty Father.

How can we stay grateful in uncertain times?

@picture is not mine, it belongs to the right owner. 

Thank The Almighty Father for His protection. We thank The Almighty Father that in our area in Satun, Thailand, we barely felt the impact of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Thailand and the 8.6 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar. When the earthquake occurred, we were busy constructing the hut for fellowship and family gatherings behind our home. I only noticed the news of the earthquake when I went to the construction shop, and the owner asked if I knew about it. I didn’t know anything about it. 

When I arrived home, I checked the news on my phone, and that’s when we learned that it was a very unusual earthquake. Thailand and Myanmar, especially in places like Bangkok and Mandalay, are not prepared for such an event, as most buildings in these regions are not built on bearing pads. You can tell from how the buildings shake that their bases are not isolated, which resulted in the collapse of some buildings and cracks in the walls and foundations.

Why Positive Energy is Important in Our Family

By Ianpassion

Picture was taken when our children visited the flower garden in Trang, Thailand 2025

Positive energy is crucial in the family because it fosters love, unity, and peace—principles deeply rooted in the word the Father. G reminds us in 1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Love is the foundation of positive energy, creating an environment where family members feel valued, understood, and supported. Without this, emotional walls can form, making it difficult to connect with one another. You may feel a huge barrier between you and a family member, leaving you isolated and disconnected.

 

The Word of the Father provides a solution to breaking down these walls. In Ephesians 4:15, we are encouraged to "speak the truth in love," emphasizing the importance of honest communication. When families engage in open, heartfelt conversations with the purpose of reconciliation, they can begin to dismantle emotional barriers. This process aligns with Matthew 5:9, which says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of the Father." Seeking peace and reconciliation restores positive energy, allowing family members to feel filled, peaceful, and free in their interactions.