25 Years of Witnessing to the Word in Thailand 177 SVD. Although they are small in numbers, they have made a very positive contribution in Nong Bua Lamphu. Divine Word Missionaries first came to Thailand to care for persons with HIV/AIDS. More recently, they are teaching English and staffing a parish, which has many programs in the wider community. During the week, Peter and I taught English with Bro. Ron at Nong Bua Pittayakarn School. Since Bro. Ron is a native speaker of English, the students could work on improving their pronunciation. Peter and I were each given four classes a day, Monday through Friday. We were asked to encourage the students to use English and make them more comfortable and confident with the language. The kids were enthusiastic learners, fun to teach, and definitely not shy. Before we left, one teacher said, “We have had many foreign teachers come and go, but you are different.” Bro. Ron attributed this to the background we have as missionary seminarians. Perhaps it is more natural for us to approach a different culture with respect and with a willingness to learn as well as teach. On the weekends, Peter and I spent our time at St Michael’s Catholic Church. It is the only Catholic church in the province of Nong Bua Lamphu. The church was built next to the Mother of Perpetual Help Center orphanage and hospice,
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