Among the five regions of Thailand, Isaan is the least reached area with a Christian population of only 0.4%. In line with our Vision and Mission, the OMF Issan Team’s goal for every ministry that we have, is to evangelize the people of Isaan and plant churches, wherever we can.
Equipping and Training Local Churches
Since 2006, for more than a decade, our team was scattered throughout six provinces in Isaan, in areas where there are no churches, and often where there is little or no Christian presence. We entered communities and villages as pioneers and lone missionaries, evangelizing people and planting churches. Many of these churches are no longer under the direct guidance of missionaries, but we continue to work alongside these local churches. (Including the provinces of Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Mahasarakam, Kalasin, Khorat, Khorat, and Udon Thani)
Partnering with churches in evangelism and Church planting
We find like-minded churches, whom we can partner with and work together in doing outreach and other ministries that will eventually lead to church plants.
Udon Thani – In Udon Thani we partner with local churches and other mission organizations. We organize outreach programs, follow up on the contacts that are made and bring them together to form cell groups/house churches.
Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) – In Khorat the ministry includes evangelism through outreach programs and also partnering with a Christian school, where the missionaries regularly have Bible study with the non-Christian staff and teachers.
Student Ministry and Church Planting
The team in Mahasarakham consists of dedicated missionaries, who teach English to the students of the two universities in Mahasarakham. They opened a student center called 180 degrees Student Center, where the students gather for Board/Card games and to converse in English. Apart from teaching English to students, which is an academic requirement for the students, the missionaries also teach English through Bible stories and other activities.
In partnership with a Thai couple, the team has begun a new Church plant in Mahasarakham. Another ministry there is the community outreach near the University, which they have on a regular basis. On Sundays, students, other Christians and missionaries gather at the center to worship together.
Training
As many Isaan Christians come to faith as adults, we train them to lead the churches, to evangelize and to disciple new believers. One of the programs we use to train them is Theological Education by Extension (TEE), which is a theological course for lay leaders in the church. We partner with The Center for Leadership Development in this training ministry.
Mentoring Theological Graduates for Church Planting
We partner with young theological college graduates in areas where there is a need for church planting. Missionaries provide mentoring the new graduates and assist them in evangelism and church planting.
Sports and Youth Ministry
Our heart is to reach not only the older generation, but also the youth of society. One way we want to do this is through sports, teaching English and other skills.
OMF Isaan Team 