April 6, 1998 Monday Evening 11 P.M.

Dear Family,

Remember Joseph in Genesis 39:22 when the chief jailer committed to Joseph's charge all the prisoners who were in the jail? The Thatdam Prison guards had no idea they were following a wonderful Old Testament example of God's providence. They selected Bounlerth to be the warden over the prisoners at Thatdam Prison! The outstanding man of this hated sect that created turmoil serious enough to effect Lao/USA relations, send government cabinets into secret sessions, and cancel trips by the American ambassador is now the prisoners' warden! Phonsawan took John David Joseph (we added the third name for Dad) to see Dad again last Friday. Dad is thinner and darker, but doing fine as a Christian in an awkward situation. Duangmanee, Bounlerth's sister, is getting fatter as she runs the prison kitchen and food shop. She told Phonsawan not to bring food for her, she has plenty. Khamsaweang and Khammiang are now regular prisoners and out of solitary confinement.

Phonsawan took materials by for the appeals lawyer but he was at a meeting. She called him at home and he reported he has begun the appeal process and said to be patient. All the necessary papers are filed for all ten Christians. He said to tell Ken Fox this is not America. Lao law is not a strict black and white law but a guide. He will work with the judge to accomplish the release of all ten for time served but it may take up to 21 days for the appeal.

One rumor on the street is that Somsuk, the policeman spy that was baptized the week of our arrest, is driving the confiscated Partners in Progress motorcycle as his reward for successfully taking care of the Christians.

Thomas Kweekul continues to open doors of communications. We are now getting eye witness reports of conditions, more details of the trial and legal process, and a better picture of the families effected. Tomorrow we hope for even more news.

As the Laos 10 situation continues to unfold according to God's will and His timetable, we are praying that one other aspect of Joseph's life will be true. In Genesis 45:5, Joseph tells his brothers that even though they meant to do evil, God sent Joseph to jail before them to preserve their lives. It will be wonderful if everyone involved in the Laos 10 dilemma sees God's hand at work for His will to be accomplished in Laos. Four nights in jail for a Fox and two Canfields wasn't terrible compared to sixty-seven days without your new baby, your family, your mate or your children. Your family deprived of their father, your vehicle still impounded, any or all of these could leave deep scars in new Christians if we don't see God at work in the affairs of men.

Rejoice with us, Joseph lives again in Vientiane!

Ken & Jean Fox
Udorn, Thailand