THE GOHS FOR THE GOSPEL

YOUR MISSIONARIES TO THAILAND

4 June 2007

Dear friends, and prayer partners

I just received the following update on my dad's situation.

The infection is very severe as the coagulation of the blood is very abnormal. I think the lumbar puncture, even if it can be done, will not be of help, as all the antibiotics used will prevent the bacteria (if any) from growing in the laboratory.

Hopefully the infection is not at the left hip where the prosthesis is, as the only way to arrest the infection is to remove it surgically. At this point, your father will not be able to go through another surgery.

The acid level in the blood is high, again reflecting the severity of his infection. His latest blood investigations today have shown no improvement in the coagulation.

I think you need to discuss among your siblings, whether you would like the doctors to send your dad to ICU if his blood pressure drops. Usually in such situation where the heart function is poor to begin with, the doctors may recommend that there should be no prolongation of suffering, i.e., the patient should be made as comfortable as possible, without any unrealistic expectation of increase in life expectancy.

It is a hard decision to make, you may want to talk to Dr Suresh regarding the course of action should his blood pressure drops (which will happen if the infection cannot be treated), instead of him deteriorating in the middle of the night and there's no clear instructions to the doctors on call.

I will be travelling back to Singapore to visit my dad tomorrow. Poh Lai (Valencia) will remain on the field. We urge you to please keep my dad in your prayers. God can do anything at this point. We have no doubt in His all-healing power.

Thank you so much for bearing this burden with us. God bless you.

In Christ,
Jason & Poh Lai

20 May 2007

Dear Prayer Partners

Many of you wrote words of encouragement to us, and assured us of your prayers. Thank you so much.

We are now back in Thailand, and today we had a good Sunday worship in the morning and afternoon.

A few minutes ago, I received a call from my dad. (Good sign). He sounded great on the phone. He told us that he is feeling better now, but is still confined to the bed. Due to his weak heart condition, he still has to rely on oxygen supply. His appetite is getting better but the sodium level is still not up to par. The doctor said she is hoping it will be up to the satisfactory level by the middle of the week.

God has answered all our prayers. Amen!

I still plan to go back to Singapore end of this month and spend a 4-5 days with him, then come back on June 2 to preach and teach. By then, I believe I should have a better assessment of the situation at home, and take steps from there.

Once again, Poh Lai and I want to thank all of you for your prayer support. It keeps us going.

In Christ,
Jason & Poh Lai (Valencia)

19 May 2007

Dear Prayer Partners

We are writing to seek prayers.

My (Jason's) father, Mr Goh Choo Peng, was admitted to the hospital on Monday. A blood test showed that my dad, among a host of previous medical conditions, is now suffering from low blood sodium or hyponatremia. He is in a state of lethargy and confusion and, he is experiencing shortness of breath. His heart ejection fraction (EF) is only 25% which puts him at a significant risk of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Yesterday, his blood pressure and oxygen level took a sudden down turn. The doctor told us to be prepared for any drastic change in his current condition. A brain and chest scan was done last night and we are now waiting for the result.

Beside asking you to pray for Jason's dad, we are also requesting prayers for wisdom in making some decisions.

After laboring for 2 years in the tsunami affected village in the southern part of Thailand, the momentum of the ministry is now picking up and seeing fruits. We have an average attendance of over 50 children, 12-15 teenagers, and around 15 adults. The villagers are feeling the impact of the ministry, and professions of faith are increasing. The programs and projects to plant churches through community development efforts prove to be an effective tool. Staff training and equipping is on-going, and growth in this area is well on the way too.

My wife and I have spent the last 4 days in Singapore (our home) with my dad. But, we are going back to the field this evening (Sat). My family is urging us to come back quickly to spend more time with dad. We are torn between the ministry and my dad.

We are specifically asking for PRAYER. Please pray for God's direction as we consider the following questions:
1. Should we remain on the field but stay in touch with situation at home; fly back only when dad's condition turns very drastic?
2. Should we go back to Singapore indefinitely and be with dad?
3. Should we be in Singapore on weekdays, and be in the field on weekends (90 mins flight)?

There are more things to consider and we wish we have a simple and straightforward solution. Any decision we make from this point may/will affect the ministry in Thailand, our emotions and family ties, and/or may put yet another strain on us financially.

Even since we began our ministry in the south, we have gone through miscarriages, house break-ins, financial challenges in the ministry, etc. We have not given up, and WE DON'T PLAN TO. The salvation of souls continues to motivate us. It is obvious that God is not done with molding us. Satan is definitely not backing away.

So, let's do the next best thing ... dwell in God's presence, and may His overwhelming peace rule in our hearts. We are sure He will show us what to do.

Thank you for your time and prayers.

Still having the joy, and not downcast,
Jason & Poh Lai (Valencia)
John 3:30