A Reflection by Pastor Loke Mun Tai, Faith Community Baptist Church

The 14-16 July 2011 G12 Conference at Bangkok Liberty Church – How to make disciples like Jesus – was in many ways a resounding success! Let me share three factors that impressed me about this awesome trip!

Firstly, the Ambience
The conference was hosted in the premises of Bangkok Liberty Church that saw a turnout of more than 800 people. Both the main auditorium and balcony were packed at every session and this contributed greatly to the vibrant and engaging atmosphere throughout the conference. The large turnout was something that Pastor Anunparp – the Senior Pastor of Bangkok Liberty Church, was pleasantly surprised about.
Although Thai was a foreign language to me, the praise and worship songs chosen during the sessions were not. Thus, the songs became a great boost to the ambience and it was such a wonderful and awesome experience to be part of.

Secondly, the Speakers
The key speakers were Pastor Rich Witmer from USA and Bishop Oriel Ballano from Philippines. Besides the two of them, other speakers were Pastor Bert Pretorius from South Africa, Pastor Leo Carlo Panlilio and his wife Pastor Zhaleen from Philippines. All of them delivered powerful messages that really inspired and motivated the participants. This could be seen by the encouraging and hearty responses from many of them. Each speaker shared about their personal life-changing encounter with G12 and the revelations they received from the Word of God.
The jokes of Pastor Rich Witmer, the candor of Pastor Oriel, the inspiring delivery of Pastor Bert Pretorius and the endearing personalities of Pastors Carlo and Zhaleen all lent much to inspire and encourage the participants, and to sow the seed of the G12 Vision in their minds and hearts.

Most importantly, it would be an injustice not mentioning Pastor Anunparp! Not only was he involved in much of the interpretation of the various sessions, he was also adding his own testimony at the end of every session to exhort and encourage the different participants to adopt and engage with the G12 Vision. His dynamic energy shone through and he is truly a man after God's heart.

I am positive that in the days to come, Thailand will be impacted by the Vision in the same way that other countries like Philippines have been impacted. It is no coincidence that Pastor Oriel and Pastors Carlo and Zhaleen from Philippines were invited to be the speakers and shapers at this conference. There is a bond that is shared by these two nations in hope that more non-believers will come to know Christ.

Thirdly, the Hospitality
I cannot end this reflection without mentioning my personal gratitude to Bangkok Liberty Church, Pastor Anunparp, his wife Pastor Weena, their church staff and members who hosted Pastor Patrick Chew and me throughout the duration of the conference. Their hospitality was incredible!
Right from picking us from the airport to the hotel where we stayed, and sending us to the conference venue and back each day, the fabulous VIP meals provided to us, as well as many other small and significant caring gestures displayed by different church volunteers – all these point to the third and last factor, that I believe made this conference a resounding success – the warm and excellent hospitality of the host church!

Many have said that Thais are very hospitable people. This is true, but I believe the hospitality displayed by this host church went beyond that. This is a church that has caught the G12 Vision. The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated by their eagerness to serve others at this conference show that the spirit of the G12 Vision is on fire in Pastor Anunparp and in his church. Pastor Anunparp repeatedly mentioned his availability and commitment to help the other churches within Thailand who were interested in the G12 Vision, even making available free resources to help!

Praise God for what He is doing in Bangkok Liberty Church! Praise God for the fire of the G12 Vision that has been fanned in Thailand! Indeed all glory to the name of Jesus!