In a very real demonstration of how we are all connected on this planet, I share with you this video, taken by Yupa (and Suradet who is driving), showing the long line ups for gas that are happening in Thailand right now.
This was taken along the highway between Chiang Mai and Hot Springs.
She tells me that people are waiting in cue from 4 a.m. to 12 noon. And that there are purchase restrictions from 1,000 THB to as little as 500 THB per visit in some locations. For perspective, it cost close to 1,500 THB for a fill up when Ken and I were last there in January.
And yes, this is in response to the energy crisis precipitated by the conflict in the Middle East, specifically the issues blocking the passage of oil in the Strait of Hormuz. A Google search of "Thai energy crisis" will produce no end of news articles that talk about how the Thai government is responding, and as a result how the Thai population is responding. And while there is communication of decent stores of oil in Thailand, it is clear from the line ups and 'panic buying' that folks are anxious. And I can't blame them.
For us at New Family Foundation, there is a sliver of good news in that, at the moment and for the next two months, our children's school is closed for 'summer' holidays. This reduces the gas expense for us to get them to school and back again each day, at least for the time being.
Longer term, of course this is a concern. We have recently set the 2026 Budget (fiscal year April to March), and felt we had allotted sufficient funds in the category of transportation costs. We'll see.
There is a lot to pray about these days. Of course, in the biggest picture, the prayer is that peace will prevail. Such complex mechanisms barreling through. So much loss of life and liberties! Even so, Lord Jesus come!
Next level down, closer to home, is prayers for cool heads to prevail in the daily living of the Thai people (and other southeast Asian countries in similar circumstances), so that anxieties at the pumps do not spread out to infect the decency of human interactions in other social spaces. Desperation tends to lead humans to turn inward and self-protective. Remember toilet paper shortages during COVID? Only so much worse.
And then, bringing it right down to our own hearts and minds, the prayer is for the strength to remain steady in the face of our own anxious responses. To stay fixed on the promises of God that He will never leave us or forsake us, and that He knows what we need.
"Do not be anxious," Jesus says, "about what you will eat or drink, or how you will clothe yourselves...Look at the birds of the air...are you not more valuable than they?...your heavenly Father knows what you need." Matthew 6:25-33 paraphrased
And I guess we can add prayers that Suradet and Yupa and other followers of Jesus in Thailand who live and move amongst so many anxious folks, can themselves be messengers of peace and stability as they rest in these promises for themselves.
Me too.
I learn so much about unwavering trust from them.
Thank you always for your faithfulness to stay in tune with what it happening in different places of the world than where we live, specifically with the needs of our gathered family on the other side of the planet.
Thank you for your prayers and support that keep us keeping on in the care of these precious children entrusted to our home.
