Bancha (Joe) Karonsontawong began his MTSD at Wycliffe in the winter of 2023. He grew up in a Buddhist family in Bangkok, Thailand. While taking his MBA at Louisiana Tech University he heard the gospel and accepted Christ. Upon his return to Bangkok, he worked for 23 years in finance and business while serving his church as the English language translator for visiting preachers during services and events. Bancha shadowed dozens of preachers over those years.
His life changed after hearing a sermon on Matthew 25:35–40. “I was full of pride. I as enjoying my life being a big boss with a team, making money,” he remembers. Yet God’s calling from those verses was clear: “I was to leave that life. God wanted me to use my professional experience for His kingdom.”
God answered one prayer after another as Bancha chose to obey, making the decision to pursue theological studies at Wycliffe College. Most importantly, Wycliffe staff affirmed his desire to enroll. “I had thought that Wycliffe had made a mistake in accepting me because I didn’t have theological training or background. I was afraid I wouldn’t make it.” His experience has been the complete opposite: "My professors invite me to drop by so we can review theological terms and talk through what I don’t understand.”
Bancha now pastors Ontario’s only registered Thai-speaking congregation. As part of the church’s outreach, he visits Harriston where hundreds of migrant Thai workers labour on the farms. “They don’t understand English,” he says. “They are lonely and vulnerable.” Once every two months, he visits the farms, leads Bible studies, and shares the gospel. “Wycliffe is giving me confidence and the tools to teach, preach, and offer pastoral care,” Bancha affirms.
