Their First Pastor in 27 Years
Campus Outreach began within the context of a local church and remains firmly committed to ensuring that every ministry team operates as both a ministry of and a mission from its regional hub church. This was the impetus for a church to be planted shortly after the launch of the CO ministry in Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Brian Firpo, who has labored in Thailand for 35 years, was on the expansion team to Khon Kaen in 1998 and recently shared, “I've never met an ethnic Thai who has heard of creation. I have met thousands of freshmen in Bangkok and Khon Kaen, but I have never met a Christian.” Still, since the ministry began at Khon Kaen University (KKU) and Covenant Church was planted, the team has prayed in faith for a Thai leader who would commit to serving as a pastor—someone to shepherd the members and continue advancing God’s Kingdom.
Now, for the first time in 27 years, Covenant Church in Khon Kaen, Thailand, has that pastor!
Nai was introduced to Campus Outreach Khon Kaen (COKK) in 2001 and began following Jesus as a Junior two years later. After 16 years of serving as a Campus Outreach staff member, Nai has answered God’s call to shift his ministry and labor as a pastor and shepherd of His people. In Nai's own words, “My new role as a pastor is a privilege from God; it is a special calling to model, equip, and shepherd the flock of Jesus.”
And because our God commits to immeasurably more than we can hope or imagine, the same day Nai was ordained, Guy, who came to Christ with Campus Outreach staff in 1999, was ordained as an elder! What incredible fruit of faithful ministry.
Earn Tiwaporn Pukongchai, a member of Covenant Church and on staff with COKK, shared, “I rejoice that Nai has been ordained as the first pastor of our church, and Guy has been ordained as an elder. This is a significant step in the life of our church. Covenant Church is a key partner to Campus Outreach Khon Kaen, and this ordination strengthens the shared vision of building laborers for the kingdom.”
Being present for this ordination would have been a joy. Click below to view a short video and feel like you were there!