Karl & Sun Dahlfred

Dear Friends and Family,

Even in the midst of an uncertain world situation, we continue to press forward with life and ministry here in Thailand.  Here is what’s been happening with us recently.

Sowing and Reaping in Sunday School

A few weeks ago at our Thai church, I (Sun) was teaching Sunday school about one of the fruits of the Spirit: faithfulness (Gal 5:22-23). I illustrated the concept by sharing the story of Zacchaeus who was faithful to align his lifestyle to the teachings of Jesus by being honest. Zacchaeus knew he had grown prosperous by charging more taxes than he should have and by pocketing the difference. So when the onlookers began to complain how unbecoming it was that Jesus would go stay at the house of a “sinner”, [namely, his house], he had to confront the issue. Right then and there, Zacchaeus told Jesus he was willing to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay four times whatever he cheated anyone (Luke 19:1-10). By his actions, Zacchaeus showed Jesus that he wanted to be a little “Christ” (Acts. 11:26).

In what way do you want to show your faithfulness to Jesus this week? To this question, the six students shared their responses: to not show favoritism, to be more obedient to my mom, to help with caring for my baby brothers, etc. One student who clearly and verbally said he was not ready to follow Jesus six months earlier said that he wanted to put his trust in Jesus. Praise the Lord! I shared this good news with the other Sunday school teachers, who also found it encouraging. Please pray he will truly be faithful to Jesus in his day-to-day living, and understand what faith, repentance, and trusting Christ really mean.

Family Group at Chiang Mai Grace Church

This year, Sun and I (Karl) will work with a Thai couple to lead the young families group at Grace Church Chiang Mai. We really want to help the parents to acquire the desire and skills to disciple their children.  When our group got together this past month, we practiced an easy method to read the Bible together as a family each day.  In future sessions, we will learn about praying together as a family, asking for forgiveness in the family, kids and devices/screen addiction, etc. Sunday worship is essential but kids only receive so much by coming to gathered worship once per week.  Daily discipleship in the family is essential.  Pray for us, and for the families at Chiang Mai Grace Church as we learn and fellowship together this year.

Fuel Uncertainty

Here in Thailand, the war with Iran has begun to impact us. The Thai government has said they have 90 days of reserves and there is no fuel shortage. However, some gas stations are closed with posted signs saying they are out of gas. Other stations are rationing fuel. After initial hoarding, some stations prohibit filling extra fuel canisters. The Thai government centrally controls fuel prices and recently pushed out 20-30% increase overnight. These type of things are happening all over Thailand. Besides personal travel, concerns about fuel price and availability is beginning to affect people’s ability and willingness to travel for church and ministry events. There are obviously much worse impacts of war than oil prices, namely human suffering and loss. And for that primary reason, we pray for a resolution to the current war in the Middle East. But the secondary impacts that many of us are feeling at the pump matter as well.

Thai Church History Book Project and Videos

The school year at Chiang Mai Theological Seminary recently came to a close and I (Karl) am on break until the new term starts in June. But that doesn’t mean time off. Currently, I am pushing through a mountain of grading from this past semester with the aim of moving on to my book project. A missionary colleague and I are researching and writing a new one-volume Thai church history survey book.  Our goal is to see it published in English and Thai in time for the 200th anniversary of Protestantism in Thailand in 2028.  There is a lot of work to be done between now and then.  As such, I want to pour a lot of time into reading, research, interviews, and writing while the seminary is out of session. Please pray that I can make some solid progress over the next few months.  If this book comes out well, it could be a key resource for missionaries and Thai seminaries for years to come.

One of my main reasons for writing books, articles, blogs, etc. is to help fellow missionaries, mission supporters, and Thai Christians to gain knowledge and insights for effective ministry in Christian living. But not everyone enjoys reading or has time to read.  With that in mind, I’ve recently done some videos, with more to come. 

Last month I sat down with my seminary and OMF colleague Larry Dinkins for a video interview. He has been doing ministry with Thai people since 1980 and will likely be retiring soon. I wanted to hear his observations and insights on life and ministry in Thailand over the years, and to share them with younger generations.  Click here to watch “46 Years of Ministry with Thai People: An Interview with Larry Dinkins” on YouTube. 

Also, my friend Stephen Debbarma recently interviewed me for his podcast. We talked about Protestant missions in Thailand, both my personal experience and the broader history of Protestant work in Thailand. “Episode 1 Protestant Missions in Thailand Conversation with Dr Karl Dahlfred” is now available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Smoke Season in Chiang Mai

Please pray for our health and the health of everyone here in Chiang Mai.  Every year around March and April, the air pollution becomes incredibly bad as farmers burn field and smog gets trapped in the lower elevations of the city.  As I am writing this at the end of March, Chiang Mai has the number 1 worst air in the world according to the World Air Quality Index.  You walk outside and can literally see and smell the pollution. Pray we will have wisdom about how much to adjust our activities accordingly, and that we would not become ill.  Personally, people tell me it is a bad idea to continue running outside but I find the treadmill so dreadfully boring.

Thank you for partnering with us as we serve God in Thailand!

by Christ's grace,

Karl & Sun Dahlfred

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Health and Provision in the midst of Fuel Uncertainty and Air Pollution
• Wisdom for Karl to cut out stuff to write Thai church history book
• Joshua and Caitlin start at local university in Chiang Mai in June 2026
• May God open hearts of people in Thailand to the gospel and build His church

PRAISES

• Kids hearing the Gospel at Grace Church Chiang Mai
• Completion of another school term at Chiang Mai Theological Seminary
• Good financial support level during first quarter of 2026