Property Purchased for Bangkok Outpost
For those of you who do not receive the Atwells’ updates, We are happy to share that the purchase of the Outpost Property for the Bangkok Center of Influence has officially gone through, and the Atwells are beginning to develop the property!
The purchasing process took a bit longer than expected, but it provided an opportunity for The Atwells' team to lift up God and stand up for their beliefs.
The previous landowners were a set of siblings who received the land as part of their inheritance. When they organized the meeting to complete the sale, they requested to meet together before going to the land office.
“The Headman that has been helping us came over and told us that they were going to ask us to report a cheaper selling price for the land so that the taxes would be less. He actually recommended us not to do it,” Brian Atwell said. “We had no intention of lying but this is significant as I have yet to meet any kind of official here that is not in support of lying, cheating, or corruption. It gave us a great insight to see that he is genuine. We explained that we are Christians and would not lie.
"Then came the meeting; the oldest brother is a high ranking police officer who led out and informed us of his plan. My Thai staff member, Jun, who was with me looked a little unsure, so I spoke up and informed him that we followed the Bible, and God’s Word declares that we shall not lie. The man looked at me and then chuckled. He looked at his wife who said that Buddhist precept number 4 says we should not lie either. They respected our stance and it ended there.“
Later, at the land office, one of the government officers tried to collect a bribe to process the paperwork, a common practice in countries like Thailand, and Brian was proud to see his staff speak up and tell the officers they would not give out any bribes. Eventually they were able to leave with the title, no bribes paid.
The property has all sorts of wildlife, from lizards to bugs to birds; plenty of fresh air, and a beautiful view of a nearby mountain to draw the minds of its visitors toward their Creator.
After this, the Atwells began working on the property, adding small bamboo bathrooms and cabins. The rainy season started month a early which revealed an area of the property that is subject to flooding and thus not suitable for building. They are considering turning that area into a pond/water retention area among other options.
The Atwells have many decisions ahead of them as they and their team continue to develop the property. Please pray for wisdom to know how best to set up the new facilities.
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To read more details about the new property, and see more pictures and videos, visit the Atwells' blog byclicking here. Brian also shares a recent story from the COI in Bangkok and more prayer requests for their ministry.
We are excited to see what God is going to do with this new property. If you would like to give toward its development, please click the button below.
<—Check out this brief tour of the new bamboo bathroom and shower house on the property. Watch more videos on the Atwells' blog.