“This blog entry is written by Katie Lehman, a lay worker on assignment in Thailand through the organization WELS Kingdom Workers. She shares her thoughts on the departure of Missionary Jud Krohn, who is being recalled to the United States because of synod budget cuts.”

Looking around us these days, it seems we’re in a season of global uncertainty. The wavering economy has had visible effects in our WELS synod and with our Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Thanks be to God that our assurance, peace, hope, faith, and purpose are not in our economy, but in the One whose kingdom is not of this world. It is Him we praise and look to for guidance in the days ahead. It is Him we praise and remember for the work He has done among us in the past.

This month the Thailand mission has heavy hearts as we say goodbye to Missionary Jud Krohn and his family, who have been our faithful friends and partners in Christ. Jud and Barb and their children Haley and Braeden have been serving in Thailand for the past 8 years, from the days following 9/11 through the election of President Obama. Their love for people has blessed not only the people of Thailand but also many among the western community as well. Respectfully known as “Adjaan Jud” (’professor’ or ‘teacher’), Missionary Jud Krohn’s ministry has been mostly in the Thai language. He has taught courses at all levels of the “It Is Finished” Lutheran Bible Institute and Seminary to upcoming national leaders. In addition, he has served as the Pastor of Promise Lutheran Church in Chiang Mai for the past several years. While not teaching or preaching, Jud works hard on translating courses into Thai, which he has learned to read and write remarkably well.

Barb Krohn has also found ways to use her gifts in the Chiang Mai community. Whether she is using her nursing skills or her eye for crafts and colors, she has loved and served the Thailand mission family, the Thai Village handicraft program, and her own ‘family,’ including anyone who didn’t happen to have a family around them at the time. Everyone knows Barb for her hospitality and sense of humor; the Bible students like to say, “When Barb’s here, it’s always fun.”

Please join us in praising and thanking God for His faithfulness to the Thailand mission, for the blessing of the Krohn family as partners in ministry, and for their 8 years of faithful service to the Lord. Please also pray for His guidance in the days ahead for the Krohns and for the national Christians in Thailand as we seek the Lord whose promises have never failed.