Bridging Cultures, Embracing Faith

A Season of New Beginnings: Easter 2026 Update

Happy Easter, Friends and Family!

This past Easter weekend was more than just an event; it was a powerful move of God right here in our community in Phuket. Over a beautiful three-day celebration, we opened our doors to everyone—starting with our vibrant youth, followed by a moving day for women, and a joyful gathering for families. It was a weekend filled with laughter, shared meals, exciting raffles, and inspiring plays. We were also blessed to host missionary brothers and sisters from the USA and Europe, whose presence added so much depth to our time together.

Harvesting the Seeds

The most humbling part of the weekend was seeing the Holy Spirit at work. Over 100 people stepped forward during our altar calls, choosing to surrender their lives to Jesus. Seeing that many hearts turn "toward home" is a moment I will never forget.

The English Bible Program Takes Flight

The momentum didn’t stop there! We had a wonderful response to our new English Bible program. We actually held our very first class last night, and the energy in the room was incredible. It is such a privilege to see people grow in their language skills and their faith simultaneously.

A New Place to Call Home

On a personal note, God has provided for me in a big way through the kindness of our congregation. I have officially moved into a new home offered by members of the church. It is a beautiful upgrade and a true sanctuary. While I’ll (mostly) miss my former "roommates"—the daily visits from the local dust, geckos, and spiders—I am so grateful for this fresh start and a peaceful place to rest after a busy day of ministry. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We are seeing lives changed, and I am so honored to be a part of what God is doing here.

He has RISEN!

Hello Everyone, 

Greetings from Phuket! I can hardly believe I’ve already been here for a week. I’m happy to report that I arrived safely and am now navigating the process of setting up my long-term visa.

A New Chapter for The Phuket Vision

The past seven days have been spent in close fellowship with the pastor at House of the Lord Church. I’m excited to share that we are starting a weekly English cell group! This small group will be a space where we can learn  English through the lens of Scripture, seeking ways to apply the Word to our lives. While it is rooted in the church, we are opening it to the public, and we’re already seeing interest from the local community.

This feels like a beautiful "next step" for the work we started last year. By using English lessons as a bridge, we identified key leaders within the church who share our heart for reaching Phuket with the Gospel.

How You Can Partner in Prayer 

As we develop this curriculum and settle into a rhythm, your prayers are so appreciated. Specifically, please pray for:

• Wisdom for the pastor and me as we build the lesson plans.
• Guidance to ensure the classes are culturally relevant and appropriate for the local community.
• Open Hearts for those from the neighborhood who are considering joining us.

Question1. What do you think might be a barrier to sharing the Gospel in your context?

Thank you for your continued support!

Tyler

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates and special moments from these past few weeks here in Phuket. It’s been a busy and encouraging season, and I’m so thankful for all of your love, prayers, and support along the way.

Preparing for My Trip Home

As I mentioned in my last email, I’ll be returning home for a few months in November. During September and October, I’ve been busy updating and creating new lesson materials for our team to use while I’m away. I’ve also been training a new teaching assistant who will help continue the work during my time back home.One of our goals here at Phuket Vision is to raise and equip local leaders to teach the ESL classes and share the gospel. Having them step in while I’m gone will give them a wonderful opportunity to grow in their skills and confidence, and it will also help us identify new potential leaders within the congregation. 

A Special Night of Worship

I also wanted to share something truly special that happened last Friday. The worship team and youth went up to a mountaintop overlooking the whole landscape, where we had a three-hour worship night. It was a beautiful evening of fellowship—worshiping Christ together and praying over the land. Moments like that remind me of the power of gathering in unity to lift HIS name. 

We got big plans for year 2

We’re so excited about what’s ahead for Year Two of the program! God has been opening doors, and we’re dreaming even bigger about how we can reach more people, equip more leaders, and make a lasting impact in the community. We can’t wait to share these plans with you as they unfold—and we’re grateful to have you alongside us on this journey.

Looking Ahead 

Since I’ll be home from November through late January, this will be my last email update until I receive one from the team back in Phuket. I’m also preparing something special to share with everyone at Life Church Canton when I return—I can’t wait to reconnect and share more in person!

We truly wouldn’t have made it this far without your prayers, generosity, and encouragement. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in what God is doing here. Your partnership makes all the difference!

With gratitude,Tyler

Happy September, Everyone! I’m excited to share a few quick updates with you about August. When we last connected, classes were on pause due to some important church events. Now that those have wrapped up, we’re thrilled to have restarted classes again! It’s wonderful to see everything moving forward, and I feel grateful for God’s guidance in these steps.

Looking AheadI’ll be returning to the USA in November for a couple of months to spend time with friends, family, and the Church. We’re already planning how to keep everything running smoothly while I’m away. On top of that, we’re welcoming new members to our team as we continue to grow and reach even more people—an exciting step forward! I’m truly looking forward to what God has in store for the upcoming months and into next year, trusting that His plans are full of blessing and purpose.

Life in the Neighborhood Living in a very local apartment has been an adventure of its own. From everyday interactions with neighbors to navigating little surprises, it’s been a great way to experience life here authentically. For example, I came home after a few days away to a tiny ant invasion—yikes! Thankfully, after a week of effort, they’re mostly gone. And, as part of apartment life here, geckos have made a few appearances, too. They’re harmless little creatures, and funnily enough, they actually help keep the bug population down. It’s a small but meaningful reminder of how God’s care is present in all parts of life, even the little daily adventures! Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. I’m excited for the journey ahead and the opportunities God has in store. Here’s to a September filled with growth, learning, faith, and everyday blessings!

Happy August, everyone!

We hope you're doing great and staying refreshed as we head into a brand new month. Can you believe it's already August? Time is flying — and so much has happened over the past few weeks that we can’t wait to share with you.

Before we dive into the exciting updates, we would like to inform everyone that our ESL classes were briefly paused at the end of July. But don’t worry — they’ll be back in full swing soon! The reason for the break? We had two incredible events that brought our entire community together in powerful ways.

HARVEST MISSION RETREAT 2025
At the end of July, we had the amazing opportunity to gather for our annual Harvest Mission Retreat — one of the most anticipated and impactful events of the year! Our church came together for a weekend of worship, teaching, fellowship, and rest.

There was laughter, there were tears, and most importantly, a strong sense of God’s presence throughout the entire retreat. I had the joy of capturing the retreat through both photos and video, preserving those moments so we can continue to reflect on what God has done.

Here is the link for the video: Facebook

A BEAUTIFUL CHURCH WEDDING
Right on the heels of the retreat, our church hosted a joy-filled wedding celebration! It was such a beautiful day, filled with smiles, heartfelt vows, family, and community. I had the honor of photographing the entire event.

These are the kinds of moments that remind us how vibrant and full of life our church family is. Seeing people come together to celebrate love and faith is always a huge encouragement.

ESL CLASSES – COMING BACK SOON!
With both of these big events back-to-back, we needed to take a quick pause from our regular ESL schedule, but we're excited to get things rolling again this month! We’ve got fresh energy, new ideas, and a heart to keep creating a space where people can grow in both language and community.
Thank you for your patience and support. We’re looking forward to seeing your smiling faces in class again very soon!

WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What was the best part of your July?
I'd love to hear what God has been doing in your life.

Happy 4th of July from Thailand! Happy Independence Day, everyone! I hope you're enjoying this special time with friends and family as we celebrate the founding of our nation.Apologies for the late June update—I was able to take a short vacation for the first time in a few months, but now I’m back and fully recharged.

Ministry & Class Updates We’ve just wrapped up our first month of classes and are now moving into the second. After the first few weeks, I gave both classes a feedback survey to help tailor the lessons more effectively. I reviewed the feedback and made adjustments to better meet the needs of each group.Overall, both classes have expressed that they enjoy learning English and feel more confident in speaking and interacting with foreigners here in Thailand. One common suggestion was to include more speaking practice during class. While we originally balanced reading, writing, and speaking, we’re now shifting more toward speaking activities based on student requests.

Why does this matter? Thailand is a diverse and globally connected country, and English is one of the primary foreign languages used here. Helping Thai people improve their English opens doors—both economically and relationally. Many of the students work in places where they regularly meet foreigners. Being able to communicate not only helps in daily life but also creates opportunities to build meaningful relationships and share the gospel.

Community Outreach The church is actively working on building a larger space to better serve its members and the surrounding community. One of House of the Lord Church's main goals is to expand its community outreach programs—and English education is at the heart of that vision. We are continually discussing ways to connect with and serve the broader community through these efforts.

A Question for You As we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy in America this 4th of July, how has the ability to communicate—especially through language—opened doors in your own life, whether in relationships, work, or faith?

Hi friends! May has been such a full and beautiful month, and I’m excited to share a few highlights with you. In the middle of may, House of the Lord’s Church hosted our very first English class—and wow, what a joy it was! We laughed, learned, and made new friends along the way.  It was such a heartwarming experience, and seeing the smiles, curiosity, and connection in the room reminded me just how powerful something as simple as language can be. This class marks a meaningful step forward in our vision at The Phuket Vision—to bridge cultures, embrace faith, and connect Thailand through English and the love of Jesus. I truly believe God is specially using this, and I can’t wait to see how He continues to move through it. This is just the beginning! Here’s a short video I put together from our first class:

Facebook

Class Info / StructureWe were blown away by the response. All 30 spots were filled within the first day! We had 15 people in the beginner group and 15 in the intermediate, plus a few who showed up even though they hadn’t registered. In total, 34 people participated across the two classes!The group was about evenly split between men and women, and most were in their 20s and 30s, with many being single. It’s been a great opportunity not just for learning, but for building community and connection. 

Personal Health Update If you noticed the bandage on my elbow in the photo or video, yes, there’s a story behind that. About 30 minutes before I was supposed to leave for church and teach for the very first time, I slipped in the hallway of my apartment and landed hard on my right elbow. It was a rough fall that nearly sent me to the hospital. The timing couldn’t have been worse, but by God’s grace, I still made it to church (just bandaged, bleeding, and very sore).And if that wasn’t enough, the week before that, I had a close call at the beach and nearly cut my foot open, which kept me off my feet for a while. But fast forward two weeks, and I’m doing much better—healing well and feeling thankful. It’s been a humbling reminder to slow down, trust God with the unexpected, and keep moving forward (even if a little bruised and bandaged along the way).

A Quick Question for YouAs we continue to use language and learning to build bridges here—How have you seen God use everyday things like conversation, culture, or community to draw people closer to Him in your life?
I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories!Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your prayers, encouragement, and support mean more than you know. With love and gratitude,

Tyler Johnson

Happy May, friends!I’ve got some exciting updates to share—things are moving fast here in Phuket, and God is opening amazing doors!

Celebrating Resurrection in Community

Last month was full of momentum. As I continue pressing into Thai language learning and cultural understanding, we had the joy of celebrating the resurrection of Christ in a big way—through an all-day music festival that brought together hundreds from across Phuket and local churches. It was a powerful time of worship, connection, and experiencing the vibrant presence of Jesus in this island community.

Big News for the English Program

As many of you know, since arriving in October, we've been building the foundation for an English Program that doesn’t just teach language—but opens hearts. The vision? To use English as a bridge to build meaningful relationships and ultimately share the message of Jesus. And now, we’re seeing the fruit begin to grow.Here’s the exciting part: A local church in Chalong—The House of the Lord—reached out through a mutual friend last month. After some prayerful and energizing conversations, we’re officially moving forward with launching an English Program there in late May!This is a huge answer to prayer and directly aligns with our mission: connecting Thailand with English skills and the message of Jesus. Every class is more than a lesson—it’s a seed planted. And every new partner church is another step toward our vision: that all of Phuket will know Christ.

Thank You

I want to take a moment to thank each of you who have supported this journey so far—through prayer, encouragement, giving, or simply staying connected. Your partnership is making a real impact. The seeds you’ve sown are bearing fruit here on the ground, and I’m so grateful to be doing this with you.

Let’s Talk

As this work continues to grow, I’d love to hear from you:

What’s one way you've seen language open a door for connection or transformation in your life or community?

Send me a message—I’d truly love to hear your story.

Happy March, Everyone! Wow, what a month it’s been! March has been both challenging and rewarding, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m still deep in the adventure of learning Thai (sometimes my tongue gets twisted, but I’m getting there! ). Every week at Seed Church is an opportunity to connect, make new friends, and hear incredible life stories.And speaking of Seed Church—God is moving in amazing ways!  Over the past few months, we’ve seen incredible growth, especially among the younger generation. Many have been surrendering their lives to Christ, and it’s been a front-row seat to something truly special.

Thai people are deeply spiritual, and over the past few years, through connections with locals and fellow missionaries, I’ve noticed a shift. The younger generation is searching—questioning the traditions they grew up with and looking for something real. And guess what? That’s where Jesus steps in. This is a powerful moment to share the love of Christ, and I’m excited to be part of it. Keep praying, keep believing, and let’s keep planting seeds! #GodIsMoving #ThailandMission #NewBeginnings

Question: What’s a moment in your life when you questioned what you believed and went deeper with your faith because of it?

 Happy February Update! This month has been a season of growth, connection, and seeing God move in incredible ways! My journey in learning Thai has taken a big step forward—i’m now translating basic Thai into English and speaking more confidently. Twice a week, I have language classes for two hours, but beyond that, I practice almost every day. It’s been humbling and exciting to see how God provides the perseverance needed for this journey.
One of the greatest blessings this month has been the deepening relationships God is forming within the church. I’ve been able to connect with amazing people and grow in faith together. Seed Church is also seeing beautiful growth—through simple acts of service and love, we are witnessing more people come to Christ. This reminds me of Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Even the smallest act of kindness can have an eternal impact!

A true highlight of this month was our one-night retreat with the Seed Church family in Phuket. It was a time of renewal, connection, and worship. From deep, heartfelt conversations to moments of laughter and reflection, we strengthened our bonds as brothers and sisters in Christ. As we lifted our voices in worship, we were reminded of Psalm 133:1: "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"This retreat was a time of rest, encouragement, and spiritual renewal. I truly believe it captured the heart of our church, and I’d love for you to experience it too! I’ve shared a video on the Facebook page—take a look and see the joy, love, and unity God is cultivating in this community. Here's the link
https://fb.watch/y3JoTGF543/

As I reflect on this month, I want to ask you: Where have you seen God moving in your life lately? It can be in big ways or small moments of grace—I'd love to hear about it!God is working, and I am so grateful to be part of His plan here. Thank you for your prayers and support. Let’s continue to shine His light, love boldly, and walk in faith together!"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." – Psalm 126:3Blessings,Tyler

This past month in Thailand has been both busy and rewarding. I’ve started my Thai lessons and am now learning to read and write. Here’s how my name looks in Thai: ไทเลอร์.Over the past month, I’ve also been spending time with the congregation and getting more community involvement. For Christmas, we hosted a big event at the church that welcomed many people from the area. The celebration featured delicious food, a Christmas service, plays, and gift giveaways. It was such a blessing to see everyone come together.


Although I wasn’t part of it, a small group from the church went caroling in the community—a tradition I didn’t expect to see here in Thailand. While Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, Christmas is still celebrated as part of the culture. From what I understand, Thailand has a syncretic culture, blending traditions and influences. Considering that tourism plays a major role in the economy, it’s not surprising that Christmas is celebrated, even in a more secular way.


Lastly, I’ve connected with a Thai national who is eager to help with the ESL program when it launches. We’ve been friends for over a year and understand English. I’m excited to share her story with everyone next month!
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas (I'm late sorry) and a Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving from Thailand! I can’t believe it’s already been two months since I arrived here. A lot has happened during this time, and I’m excited to share some updates from my second month in Thailand. I’ve been spending several days each week with the congregation, building relationships and getting to know everyone better. Every Wednesday, we gather for food, worship, and community, sharing how God is working in our lives. It’s very similar to small groups back home and has been a meaningful part of my week Last week, the church began setting up Christmas decorations. Everyone came together to prepare for the upcoming Christmas service in December. Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling well, so I missed being part of the decorating team this time around. 

Another highlight has been the Friday night Gideon classes. During these sessions, Pastor Tor leads the congregation through a specific topic, and everyone takes notes. It reminds me of how teaching was done in the past, where the priest would guide and the congregation would listen and learn together.

Visa Update I’m also thrilled to share that my visa has been renewed, and I plan to start Thai lessons in early December. This will be a huge step forward in connecting with the community and understanding the culture even more.

ESL Update After discussing plans with the leadership team, we’ve decided to postpone the start of the ESL classes until the new year. While this might seem like a delay, it’s the right decision. December is a hectic month for the church, and we didn’t want to add extra pressure during the holiday season. This extra time will also allow me to focus on building relationships with the congregation, which is important in Thai culture, where community always comes first.

New Partnership Finally, I have some exciting news to share! Earlier this month, I connected with a local leader from For Freedom International who has big plans for an ESL program. She is highly respected by local pastors and the congregation at Seed Church, and I’m looking forward to partnering with her to expand the impact of ESL in the region. This feels like a significant step forward for the work we’re doing here. Thank you for your prayers and support. I’m excited to see what God has in store for the months ahead!

With gratitude,
Tyler