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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (July 20, 2018)
FAITH Friday, July 20, 2018 East Oregonian Page 7A After rescue, soccer boys pray for protection at Thai temple By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA AND KAWEEWIT KAEWJINDA Associated Press CHIANG RAI, Thai- land (AP) — The youth soc- cer teammates rescued from a flooded cave began their first day back home with their families Thursday by going to a Buddhist temple to pray for protection from misfortunes. Eleven of the boys and the Wild Boars coach kneeled and pressed their hands in prayer to the tune of chanting monks at the ceremony meant to extend one’s life and protect it from dangers. They were joined by relatives and friends at the Wat Pra That Doi Wao temple, overlooking Myan- mar on Thailand’s northern border. Only one member was absent, Adul Sargon, who is not Buddhist. The team has already said they would ordain as Buddhist novices to honor a former Thai navy SEAL diver who died in the cave while making preparations for their rescue. On Wednesday evening, the boys and coach were released from hospital and spoke to the media for the first time since their ordeal, describing their surprise at seeing two British divers rising from muddy waters in the recesses of the cave. It would be another week before they were pulled out of the Tham Luang cave. “We weren’t sure if it was for real,” 14-year-old Adul said. “So we stopped and listened. And it turned out to be true. I was shocked.” In one poignant and emo- tional moment at the news conference, a portrait was displayed of Saman Gunan, the Thai diver who died. One of the boys, 11-year-old Chanin “Titan” Vibulrun- gruang, the youngest of the group, covered his eyes as if wiping away a tear. “I feel sad. And another thing is I’m really impressed with Sgt. Sam for sacrific- ing his life to let all 13 Wild Boars to be able to live our lives outside happily and normally,” said Coach Eka- pol “Ake” Chanthawong. “When we found out, every- one was sad. Extremely sad, like we were the cause of this, for making the ser- geant’s family sad and hav- ing to face problems.” The Wild Boars had entered the cave on June 23 for what was to be a relax- ing excursion after soccer practice. But rain began, and water soon filled the cavern, cutting off their escape, and they huddled on a patch of dry ground deep inside the cave. Ekapol said the trip was meant to last one hour, sim- ply because “each of us wanted to see what was inside.” When the hour was up, they were pretty deep inside and already had swum AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit Coach Ekkapol Janthawong, center, and members of the rescued soccer team at- tend a Buddhist ceremony that is believed to extend the lives of its attendees as well as ridding them of dangers and misfortunes in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand, Thursday. through some flooded areas in the spirit of adventure. But in turning back, he dis- covered the way was not at all clear, and he swam ahead to scout the route, attach- ing a rope to himself so the boys could pull him back if necessary. He said he had to be pulled out. Ekapol said he told the boys: “We cannot go out this way. We have to find another way.” The boys told reporters of their reactions at that point. “I felt scared. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to go home and my mom would scold me,” said Mongkol Boonpiam, 13, prompting laughter. Ekarat Wongsukchan, 14, said they decided “to calm ourselves first, to try to fix the problem and find a way out. Be calm and not shocked.” The group had taken no food with them and sur- vived by drinking water that dripped from the cave walls, Ekapol said, adding that all the boys knew how to swim, which had been a concern for rescuers. Titan said he tried hard not to think about food. “When I’m starving, I don’t think of food otherwise it’d make me more hungry.” Adul said they were dig- ging around the spot when they heard the voices and Ekapol called for silence. He recounted how Eka- pol told them to “‘quickly get down there, that’s the sound of a person, or else they’re going to pass on by,’ something like that.” But he said his teammate holding the flashlight was scared, so Adul told him “If you’re not going to go, then I’ll go.” “So I quickly took the flashlight, and quickly went down, and I greeted them, ‘hello,’” Adul added. Psychologists had vetted the journalists’ questions in advance to avoid bringing up any aspects of the rescue that might disturb them. The dangers of the complicated operation, in which the boys were extracted in three sep- arate missions with div- ing equipment and pulleys through the tight passage- ways, were not discussed. Doctors said the 13 were physically and men- tally healthy. Although they lost an average of 9 pounds during the more than two weeks they were trapped in the cave, they have since gained about 6 1/2 pounds on average since their res- cue. They were treated for minor infections. Asked what he had learned from their experi- ence, 13-year-old Mongkol Boonpiam said he felt stron- ger. “I have more patience, endurance, tolerance,” he said. Adul said it had taught him “not to live life carelessly.” While many of the boys wanted to be pro soccer players when they grow up, at least four of them said they hope to become navy SEALs, so they could help others. All expressed their apol- ogies to their families. “I wanted to apologize to my parents. I know that I will get yelled at by mom when I get home,” said Pornchai Kamluang, 16. BRIEFLY Mighty Fortress builds kids’ fun Paving the way for Jesus IRRIGON — A vic- tory celebration is featured during the Mighty Fortress vacation Bible school in Irrigon. Open to ages 5-13, chil- dren will learn that in Jesus, the victory is won. Partici- pants will learn what God’s word has to say as well as singing songs, creating crafts, playing games and enjoying snacks. The event kicks off Mon- day July 23 from 1-4 p.m. at the Irrigon Seventh-day Adventist Church, 205 Tum- bleweed Blvd. It runs daily through Friday, July 27. There is no registration fee. For more information or to register your child, con- tact 541-922-3895, irri- gon7thdayadventist@ yahoo.com or visit www. myvbs.org/irrigonSDA. HERMISTON — Fac- ing much-needed capital improvements at Hermis- ton Church of the Nazarene, a member is taking to the streets to raise money. As part of a GoFundMe campaign to raise $3,000 needed to complete pay- ment for the church’s park- ing lot resurfacing project, Patrick Temple will depart by unicycle from the Eastern Regional Airport in Pend- leton on Thursday, July 26. He will ride the roughly 30 miles to the church, located at 1520 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston. The first leg of the jour- ney will take Temple via the Barnhart-Airport extension road before taking Interstate 84 with a flashing chase vehicle close behind for rider safety. The idea grew SUNDAYS Morning Celebration - 10am Morning Kids Place - 10am Evening - 6pm Adult - Study Youth - Small Group Kids - Rangers & Girl’s Ministries Contributed photo Patrick Temple, a member of the Hermiston Church of the Nazarene, is pro- moting a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to complete payment for a parking lot resurfacing project at the church. after months of generous donations by members and friends of the church. With a balance remaining, Temple decided to use a bit of imag- ination to help raise the rest needed for the project. Temple will be doing Facebook Live broadcasts en route every half hour — look for them via #NazUni. To donate through the fund- raiser, visit www.gofundme. com/unicycling-for-herm- naz-parking-lot. For more about the church, contact 541-567- 3677, hermistonnaz@gmail. com, search Facebook or visit www.hermistonnaza- rene.org. Heppner church discovers Jesus HEPPNER — The Hep- pner Christian Church is gearing up for “Discovering Jesus from Eternity Past to Eternity Future.” The vacation Bible school kicks off Monday, July 23 from 6-8 p.m. and runs daily WORSHIP COMMUNITY THURSDAYS Celebrate Recovery - 6pm Celebration Place - Kids - 6pm The Landing - Teens - 6pm WEEKLY AN ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 1911 SE Court Ave. 541.276.6417 • pendletonfi rst.com LCMC Sunday worship at 10:00 AM Pastor Michael Smith 420 Locust St. • Boardman, OR 541-481-6132 Grace Baptist Church 555 SW 11th, Hermiston 567-9497 Nursery provided for all services Sunday School - 9:30 AM Worship - 10:45 AM 6:00 pm Wed Prayer & Worship - 7:00 PM “Proclaiming God’s word, growing in God’s grace” St. Johns Episcopal Church 401 Northgate, Pendleton Celebration of of Worship Celebration Worship Sundays 10:00 am Youth: 0-6th grade Midweek Service Midweek Service Wednesdays 6:00 pm Youth: 0-6th grade Overcomer’s Outreach Jr./Sr. High ’ Pastor Sharon Miller 541-278-8082 www.livingwordcc.com Pastor Sharon Miller no participation fee. Those planning to attend are asked to register by Fri- day, July 27. To register, visit www.pendfmc.org/ vbs-registration. For ques- tions, call 541-276-6015 or 541-969-3635. Destiny Theatres Fri - Wed, July 20 - July 25, 2018 Subject to change. Check times daily. Hermiston Stadium 8 It’s Game On! at the Free Methodist Church PENDLETON — With a focus on gearing up for life’s big game, all kids enter- ing first through fifth grades are invited to vacation Bible school at the Pendleton Free Methodist Church. Game On! is Monday, July 30 through Thursday, Aug. 2 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the church, 1711 S.W. 44th St., Pendleton. There is Hwy 395 & Theatre Ln - 567-1556 MoviesInHermiston.com M AMMA M IA ! H ERE W E G O A GAIN (PG-13) T HE E QUALIZER 2 U NCLE D REW (R-17) (PG-13) H OTEL T RANSYLVANIA 3 (PG) S KYSCRAPER (PG-13) A NT -M AN & W ASP I NCREDIBLES 2 (PG-13) (PG) $5. 50 Bargain Tuesdays** **ALL DAY TUESDAY, MOST MOVIES. W ED &T HUR : C APTAIN U NDERPANTS (PG) Doors Open: 9:30 AM Movie Starts: 10:00 AM Check ONLINE for more information! Seventh-Day Adventist Church Saturday Services Pendleton 1401 SW Goodwin Place 276-0882 Sabbath School 9:20 am Worship Service 10:45 am To share your worship times call 541-278-2678 Groups For All Ages Good Shepherd Lutheran Church through Friday, July 27. The church is located at 293 N. Gale St., Heppner. The pro- gram is geared for kids that are 3 years old through sixth grade. The fun crescendos with a barbecue dinner on the last day. For more informa- tion, call 541-980-9391 or 541-561-8881. Join Us Join On Our Journey With Jesus. Scripture, Tradition and Reason Family service 9am Sunday N.E. Gladys Ave & 7th, Hermiston PH: 567-6672 We are an all inclusive Church who welcomes all. OPEN HEARTS – OPEN DOOR www.graceandmercylutheran.org Sunday Worship 8:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Fellowship, Refreshments & Sunday School Check Out our Facebook Page or Website for More Information Community Presbyterian Church 210 NW 9th, Pendleton 541-289-4535 14 Martin Drive, Umatilla, OR 922-3250 Tom Inch, Pastor Grace and Mercy Lutheran Church, ELCA (First United Methodist Church) 191 E. Gladys Ave. / P.O. Box 1108 Hermiston, Oregon 97838 Worship: 10 AM Sunday School at 11:30 241 SE Second St. Pendleton (541)276-3809 www.pendletonepiscopal.org Sunday Holy Communion 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Holy Communion Noon Weekly Adults Spiritual Life Group All Are Welcome Sunday Service: 10am & 6pm Tuesday Kingdom Seekers: 7pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm We off er: Sunday School • Sign Language Interpreters • Nursery • Transportation • & more! Pastor Dan Satterwhite 541.377.4252 417 NW 21st St. • Pendleton, OR 97801 www.facebook.com/ PendletonLighthouseChurch Service of Worship - 10:00 am Children’s Sunday School - 10:20 am Fellowship - 11:00 am www.pendletonpresbyterian.com Open Hearted... Open Minded Worship: 9:40am Fellowship to follow Offi ce 541-276-5358 M-Thr, 8:30-12:30 www.fccpendleton.org Sunday Worship 9am • 541-276-2616 Worship Broadcast on KUMA 1290 @ 11am on 1290 KUMA noon each Sunday FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH PENDLETON BAPTIST CHURCH in Mission for Christ LCMC Sunday Worship.........9:00 AM Bible Study......10:00 AM Red Lion Hotel ( Oregon Trail Room ) www.faithpendleton.org Worshiping God Behind These Stone Walls Beat the Hearts of Some of the Warmest Most Sincere, Most Caring People in Pendleton. We Invite You to Come Get Acquainted! Pendleton 352 SE 2nd Street, Pendleton OR Worship Livestream at www.facebook.com/FUMCPendleton/ Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Rev. Dr. Jim Pierce, pastor Faith Center Church FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH -Presbyterian Church (USA)- 201 SW Dorion Ave. Pendleton ELCA Join us Sundays 9:30 am Sunday Worship 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Fellowship 11:00 am Sunday School & Adult Class ~Come and be at Peace ~ PENDLETON LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH Redeemer Episcopal Church P eace L utheran C hurch First United Methodist Church Loving People 108 S. Main • 276-9569 Special Guest Speaker Pastor Jeff Geesey Worship Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 9:30am pendletonfaithcenter.org Come meet Jesus at 3202 SW Nye Ave Pendleton, OR 541-276-7590 Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM Sunday Bible Classes 9:45 AM Sunday Youth Group 6:00 PM Mon. Community Women’s Study 9:30 AM & 6 PM Awana Kids Club (K-6th grade) Wed Men’s Study 6 PM MOPS meeting the 1st Thur of the Month 6 PM The Salvation Army Center for Worship & Service Sunday Worship Service 9:30 - Sunday School 10:30 - Worship Service Wednesday Bible Study 5:30 Family Fellowship Meal • 6:00 Bible Study COME AS YOU ARE 150 SE Emigrant (541) 276-3369
