Remembering Somchai

We first met Ta Somchai in December 2021. We had asked one of our friends if she knew of any bedridden people whom we could bless with food and other gifts and for whom we could pray. Ngok came up with a list of ten people.

We found Ta Somchai in his house located near the base of the community water tower. Ta Somchai and his wife, Yai Prayun had very little means and the water company let them live there rent free. Yet their house did not have running water. Ta Somchai was suffering some kind of leg ailment, which made it hard for him to walk.

After Moe came to work with us in the spring of 2022, we would visit Ta Somchai every week to pray for him, share scripture with him, and as was our normal routine, we would bring some kind of food gift. Gradually, he got some strength in his legs and he was able to walk, albeit slowly. In spite of all the difficulties in his life, he was not one to complain and he had a ready smile.

Praying for Ta Somchai

Praying for Ta Somchai and Yai Prayun

Eventually, Ta Somchai and Yai Prayun started coming to our church gatherings. We would usually bring them in our car as it was hard for them to walk. When they were ready to get baptized, Ajan Nat got this big plastic tub we could use. When Ta Somchai went under water, he didn't come up right away. We wondered if something was wrong, but then he popped his head out of the water. He had not had a bath like that in so long (they had to carry whatever water they used at their house along way using a cart), that he was just enjoying being in the water.

Baptism

Ta Somchai was the first person in our church to pray publicly. He was a man of great faith. Since they had no family, they really enjoyed coming to our gatherings to meet with other believers. They were a very cute couple.

Ta Somchai and Yai Prayun shortly before we left Thailand

After we left Thailand, Ta Somchai and Yai Prayun continued to come to church gatherings, though he was often in a wheelchair. Our friends in Thailand always updated us with photos of what was happening, so we could continue to see them, even if not in person. It is from this collection I found many of the photos for this blog.

Early this morning, Moe messaged us from Thailand. Yesterday afternoon, Ajan Nat had gone to visit Ta Somchai. She found him in bed, where he had gone to sleep for the last time. We will continue to pray for Yai Prayun. She and Ta Somchai were very close, so it will be a big adjustment for her. Below I have posted some photos to remember Ta Somchai.

The older adults seemed to enjoy coloring more than the kids

Visiting Ta Somchai and Yai Prayun at home

Taking Communion last November

Portrait from January

Worshipping at House of Peace

Rebecca and Kapuk praying with Yai Prayun after Ta Somchai's passing.