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HARVESTFORCE 2021 • 2
THAILAND
MISSION CONFERENCE declared This article was jointly written by:
Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng Col Quek is the MMS Area Director (Thailand & Vietnam). He is also the Field & Church Engagement Director. He worships at Charis Methodist Church.
Rev Henry Yeo Rev Yeo is the MMS Country Director of Thailand and District Superintendent in Thailand.
A
t its 16th Annual Meeting held on 16 March 2021, the Thai Mission of the Methodist Church in Singapore, also known as the Mettakij Church Association (MCA), was officially declared by Bishop Dr Gordon Wong to be a Mission Conference! This event marks a historical milestone in the journey of the Methodist Church in Thailand. The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) established the Thai Mission in 1994. And on 19 March 2005, upon the recommendation of MMS, the Thai Mission became an Annual Meeting in accordance with the decision of the Presiding Bishop and the Council of Presidents of MCS. This led to the official formation of the MCA. The plan was to declare MCA a Mission Conference in March 2020. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, we had to defer it. This was the first time that the Annual Meeting was conducted on a virtual platform with delegates from MCS, MMS and representatives from the partner Methodist churches participating online from Singapore. We thank God that most of our MCA members could meet at Shineforth Methodist Church, Chiang Mai and participate in the Annual Meeting. Rev Derrick Lau was instrumental in establishing MCA as a Missions Conference. In his address as our Mission Superintendent, he praised God for His sovereignty and grace in enabling MCA to fulfil His mandate in Thailand. He was heartened to learn of the many encouraging reports of progress made by our fellow Thai Leaders and MMS Missionaries. He placed on record his deepest thanks and appreciation to one and all who have contributed and committed their services. These included our national leaders, both clergy and laity, the many volunteers who are serving in the School Boards, the management of infrastructure projects, our missionaries, and the Home Team
