The Burson Family May 12, 2009 Dear friends and prayer partners, Ten years ago we were wondering what the future had in store for us. During this time, the Lord led us to minister three years in Thailand and so here we came knowing little about the country and what the work involved. What a surprise was in store for us! Here it is, ten years later. Three years have turned into ten, and now we are again facing the question, what does the future hold? Due to the pollution in Bangkok and Roy ’s asthma, we have been advised it is best to return home at this time. While we know it is right for us to make another change and return home, we know it will not be the same as when we left. Will we be able to maintain contact with our Thai friends? Will we ever see our Thai “daughters” again? Where will be find good, inexpensive Thai food? Will we be able to find fresh fruit and vegetables year round? These are questions that make us teary eyed. We know we will be leaving a part of our hearts in this lovely land yet it is with great anticipation of getting to really know our grandchildren once again that we look forward to returning home. We anticipate being back in the States by the end of June. We are leaving our work in good hands and for that we are thankful. Our lives have been touched by everyone with whom we have come in contact. We ask that you pray for us as we close down this part of our lives and as we pack our belongings to return home. We’ll be living in Ft. Worth where we will complete our stateside assignment with the mission board so if you are in that area we’ll love to see you. Roy and Doris Burson Bangkok, Thailand September 3, 2008 Roy and Doris Burson requests specific prayer for their prison ministry in Thailand. In the drug remand prison where Roy has been allowed to go, there is not a room where they can meet and hold services. They are presently meeting in the open area where there are hundreds of prisoners, some working--others doing nothing. Last Friday when they were singing, and during the message, Roy noticed that most of the prisoners around them went on about their activities; but there was a small group who were listening. Please pray that the officials will not move them into a room where they will be isolated from the main prison population. Also pray that as the Gospel spills over to those outside of the group, the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of those men and they will come to know the Lord. October 2007 Update from the Bursons in Thailand: "The last update many of you had from us was to tell you of the tree falling on our house and asking for prayer. We are happy to report that the tree was removed, the roof and walls have been repaired, everything has been moved back into the house, and we are now able to sleep in our own bed once again. During this stressful time in our lives, God was especially near to us. Roy had the opportunities to go into two more prisons that he is normally scheduled to attend. We were able to continue our English classes, Saturday night bible study and Sunday school class. Last Thursday both Roy and I went to the Chonburi Women’s Prison where we first began our prison visits. In the past 18 months, a different team has been leading the services there. It was good to see the ladies are still faithful in their attendance and for us to renew our acquaintance with them. We are thrilled to report that the building of the new House and Church of Blessing as finally begun after seemingly endless delays waiting for signatures. With the new building, we will be able to minister to many more former prisoners and help them as they get a new start in life. Thank everyone for praying for us." Roy and Doris Burson February 2007 Sunday, February 25 was the groundbreaking service for the new 'House of Blessing', a halfway house ministry to give aid and encouragement to former inmates in Thailand. Men and women are able to have temporary housing and training, both in life skills and morals, as they find employment and adjust to a new life. On Sunday there is a 'regular church service' attended by, not only residents but former inmates, family members and people who just like going there. We ask that you pray for this project as construction begins. May the neighborhood around be impacted by the gospel and another area be reached for Christ." Your fellow servants in Thailand, Roy and Doris Burson