“I don’t know how many more years I may have, but I want every one to count for Jesus as only he knows how.” Christopher Ash
Changing Seasons
Our first season as mission workers was a whirlwind: language study, pioneering work with IFES in Central Thailand, marriage, and the arrival of three children! In 2011 we moved to Bangkok, and the last fifteen years have been a season of serving under Thai leadership – teaching, training, and mentoring while juggling the rhythms of growing children. In 2024, with our three children now in the UK, we realised that we were entering a new chapter. We began to ask: how should we best use our grey hairs and experience for the glory of God in Southeast Asia?
Challenging Needs
In April 2025, Johnny supported a Langham Preachers training week in neighbouring Country L. The spiritual needs there are staggering: a single Christian bookshop, bi-vocational pastors, no registered Bible college, frequent persecution.
… the ground is hard and the harvest slow.
Country L also shares a border with Isaan, Northeast Thailand. Isaan is Thailand’s largest and poorest region. Many families are tied to subsistence farming, often sending their children away for work or education. While mission workers have served faithfully here for years, the ground is hard and the harvest slow. Today, Isaan is still the least-reached region of Thailand.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)
Standing on the banks of the Mekong River in April 2025, Johnny felt the Lord stirring his spirit for these two places where millions still do not know Christ. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Ann was regularly praying with colleagues at the International Community School (ICS) for our small campus in Udon Thani. Started in 2020, this school sits just forty minutes from the border of Country L.
Could the Lord be calling us both to this region to work alongside the next generation of mission workers, pastors, and teachers?
Confirmation
Over six months, the Lord confirmed this calling. Doors opened at ICS Udon Thani for Ann and with Langham Partnership and the mission team for Johnny. In November 2025, after much prayer and consultation, we received the unanimous support of our home church and UFM for this new season.
From July 2026, Ann will join ICS Udon Thani as a mentor and support for their young teaching staff. Johnny plans to continue his work with Langham across East Asia, while also working alongside local pastors and mission workers to develop a preaching movement across Country L and Isaan.
… we are humbled by what the Lord has done.
“Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoured.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1–2)
As we leave Bangkok, our home of 15 years, we are humbled by what the Lord has done. It has been a privilege to stand side by side with Thai brothers and sisters through many joys and sorrows. We are also so grateful for every prayer partner, supporting church and financial donor who has stood with us over so many years. Your support has played a huge role in our ministry here – thank you for being on this journey with us.
As we move from Bangkok’s concrete jungle to the rice fields of Udon Thani, our prayer is that we will continue to press on in seeking to glorify God by encouraging the church, equipping pastors, and spurring on the next generation to love the Lord with all their hearts.
Resources to help you pray for and support the work in N.E. Thailand
Long-term UFM mission workers Johnny and Ann McClean are transitioning from Bangkok to Udon Thani in Northeast Thailand. After years of church ministry, student outreach, and leadership training – including Johnny’s work with Langham Preaching and Ann’s role at ICS – they are now beginning a new season of gospel service in Udon Thani. (June 2026)
Quotation: Ash, C. (2025) Not Old, Not Young, Not Done: Following Jesus in yours 50s & 60s, The Good Book Company
Photos: (Banner) Picturesque landscape of rice terraces in rural Thailand with misty mountains (Bottom) Book cover ‘Not Old, Not Young, Not Done – Following Jesus in Your 50s & 60s’ by Christopher Ash
