Bill and Francoise Merry

Mobilizing Prayer for East Asia

When Bill Merry first went to Asia with OMF, he didn't have much of an interest in Thailand - but it has proven to be God's place for him.

Bill grew up on a farm in Scio, New York, and became a Christian through the ministry of Youth for Christ. Being more interested in electrical things than farming, he studied to become an electrical engineer. After graduating he worked for two years, then studied at Columbia Bible College for his M.Div.

It was at Columbia that God challenged Bill to serve Him overseas. He joined OMF, and after a year of language study and orientation Bill felt his place was in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bill and a colleague started a hostel for Christian students, and later, with another colleague and some keen Thai Christians, started the New Life Makason Church. This church grew rapidly and now there are several churches in this group.

About this time he met a missionary from Switzerland who changed his life forever. After their marriage, he and Francoise, along with some Thai students, started the Hua Mark Church. This church has grown and matured into a missionary-sending church. It also planted two daughter churches. Bill's role was that of teacher, counselor and friend to the leaders and Thai members.

For many years, Bill also taught at Bangkok Bible College. He has been especially used in discipling several Thai men, both in the college and in the church. During his last term Bill worked with a church-planting team to start a new church in Chiangmai in North Thailand. Grace Church is reaching out to professionals and key students in this strategic city.

Fran brings music, joy and good sense to the family. She grew up in a minister's home in Switzerland and became a Christian at a Scripture Union camp. Her heart was soon drawn toward missions.

Fran often works with Thai Christian ladies, befriending them, teaching them, encouraging them and just loving them. She seeks to reach out to neighbors wherever she is. In this past term Francoise, as MK Care Coordinator for the Mekong field, had many opportunities to develop expertise in MK/TCK care issues. She is now serving as the MK Care Coordinator for the U.S. Bill is working with OMF in the States to mobilize prayer support and to challenge North American Christians to get involved in the many opportunities to evangelize East Asia's peoples. Fran and Bill have two daughters, Anne and Karen.