Having just completed my MSc in International Development, I am stepping aside from teaching in Ireland for a year to volunteer with UFM in Bangkok, Thailand. Throughout the year, I will be involved in:

- Working with students and local believers in Bible study sessions

- Teaching English as a foreign language

- Development work

During the year I will be working with students, pastors and the local church, learning from them as I use my skills in whatever way I can. I'm really looking forward to meeting local Thai and international workers, and am so aware of how much I have to learn from them. I am reasonably terrified (!!), but also excited and looking forward to stepping out and getting involved with what God is doing in Thailand.

I am so grateful to my school for freeing me to volunteer and for UFM for accepting me to work with them. I am also thankful to my family, friends and all who support me for helping make this year possible, as quite simply it wouldn't be possible without this support. Without it I wouldn't be able to do this, so I can't thank you enough.

In a nutshell, I am really looking forward to forming new friendships in Thailand, beginning to learn the language and understand the culture while serving God and others in whatever limited way I can. I ask most of all for your prayers and thoughts as I prepare to go and throughout the year. That is most important of all. Also, if you are able to give anything, I couldn't be more grateful - I wouldn't be able to do this otherwise.

Thanks for your help in this - you are absolute legends.

God bless,

Dave