As the new school year begins at the “It Is Finished” Bible Institute and Seminary, things look a little different. There are fewer students sitting in class due to some of the recent graduates serving in different internship positions around Thailand. The schedules are different as the missionaries stretch to translate new courses for the students continuing further in their Bible training. [slideshow=47]

Some things, however are the same; these students will not be getting a new set of school clothes or a bookbag full of fresh new school supplies – their old ones will do just fine. They will continue to trade off “cafeteria duty,” taking turns cooking for each meal. They will continue to hand wash their laundry in the afternoons and strategically dodge the threat of rain to try to dry their clothes – it’s rainy season in northern Thailand.

On the surface, “college life” at the Bible Institute may sound different from a typical American college experience. In many ways, it is. But these young students are just like many other college students. They enjoy hanging out with friends. They think about what they will do in the future. They face the same temptations as any young person.

You may be surprised to hear that on a typical Friday night during the school term, you will find a majority of the Bible students gathering together for prayer for the Church. Many of them have a desire to grow in the knowledge and understanding of Christ, recognizing their need for Him. Some are the only Christians in their families. These new Christians need prayer as they study to be the future leaders of the Church. Please join us in praying for the Holy Spirit to give them a desire to know Christ through the Word; for a desire for spiritual accountability; for protection from temptation; for perseverance in studying; and for a desire and opportunities to share the Word with their families and friends.