A Visa, a Tent Camp, and Exams

September 2026 was a full month: visitors, a new project, a long-awaited answer, exams and a sports week.

On 7 September an American family came to see the Moken work, and Philip shared a photo of a barbecue with Dan and his family. "They were very encouraged by everything that is happening here," he wrote. "We can only hope and pray that they also hear His calling to the Moken."

On 11 September came a new step. With the water factory permit taking a very long time to get, the decision was made to build a tent camp for tourism, and Philip shared the first example of what it will look like.

In the same weeks there was progress with ID cards: some Moken have recently received theirs, others are in the process, and Philip has applied for more of the children. You can read more about this work under citizenship registration.

Then, on 16 September, came the news Philip had been waiting for: "Great news. My visa was approved today. Thank you for your prayers."

Mid-September also brought a week of very heavy rain on the island. On 18 September there was no power or water, and the road to Philip's place washed away.

On 19 September Philip wrote exams again, and he was so grateful that most of the Moken came to write too. He has one more term left before he completes Thai grade 12. On 22 September the churches of Ranong province met with the Department of Religion and Culture, which wants to make closer contact with all the religions in Thailand. "It was a privilege to be able to share there."

To close the month, the Moken schoolchildren spent the whole week in Ranong for sport, taking part in soccer, athletics and petanque. In petanque the boys came second, the girls third and the mixed team third, with 16 schools taking part.