Hometown Faithfulness

From left to right, a neighbor, Ellen, K, and Mom

Ever since she became a believer in college, K has been praying for her family.  Sharing the gospel with her parents and siblings has been difficult.  But over 10 years later, she is starting to see the fruit of her prayers and boldness. 

At the beginning of our trip to her hometown last week K shared her heart, "I want to ask my mom to pray to receive Christ.  I've been talking to God about it, and I think this time is right." 

From that moment on, I knew my job was to be interceding for that time.  In the past, this conversation has come up between K and her mom, but Mom just dismisses the idea saying "not right now," "maybe later" or "our family is Buddhist."

On our first night in her parents' home, K found mom sitting on the patio upstairs.  She asked me to join them and asked her mom if she was ready to pray.  This time, mom said yes! 

As K led her in prayer, I prayed that she would truly understand the words she was saying and Christ's sacrifice for her.

We were overjoyed.  As we sat chatting, Dad came upstairs.  K had mentioned before that Dad is more of the skeptic in the family. 

Mom and Dad holding a picture of great grandma

The following night, in our small talk on the porch before going to bed, K suggested that Dad ask God for help.  Dad had reoccurring nightmares that he was fighting in his sleep to the point that he  would sometimes fall out of bed.  

Dad prayed on his own, and we prayed for him too. 

In the morning, Dad said he had no nightmares!  He couldn't deny that God had something to do with that.

K and I continue to pray for her family, for Mom to grow as a new believer (in a town that has no other Christians) and for Dad's heart to be softened and seek Jesus.  Will you pray with us?

K and I in front of a rice field near her house.

Lunch!  Sticky rice, grilled pork, fish, and vegetables.

Cutting fresh bananas off the stem.

K resting in the great weather and quiet town atmosphere.

Hanging out with neighbors.

Meeting new friends.

Watching the rice being separated from the stalk. (Stalk goes flying, rice gets poured into the white bags to be sold.)

Thankful Thanksgiving

LifePoint Team Thanksgiving 2013

"Today we are going to celebrate Thank God Day." We told our taxi driver as we piled into his car with yummy smelling, freshly baked pans of deliciousness.

"Have you ever heard of Thanksgiving?"  We asked him.  When he responded "no," we explained about the holiday.

"There's no holiday like that in Thailand."  He told us.

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Wouldn't it be awesome if "Thank God Day" became a Thai holiday too?

Wouldn't it be great for the holiday to be remembered and celebrated as it began?

I am encouraged and challenged by this reminder about Thanksgiving's beginning,

"The mission trip started with great hope. Their pastor wished the families well and prayed for them as they set out on this adventure.  But now their food supplies were critically low, there was no way to return home, no hotels for shelter and bitter cold would soon begin claiming victims.

"The Thanksgiving holiday did not start as a result of great abundance but in the midst of pain, loss, grief and sorrow. Though surrounded by the enemy on all sides these believers chose to look heavenward and express gratitude.

"They did not thank God because there were no challenges or because life was easy. They recognized He owed them nothing but they owed Him everything."
(www.rickmalm.com/thanksgiving)

I have so much to be thankful for.  Among many other things, I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve overseas, to see God's kingdom expanded and share of his great mercy.

What makes the top of your "Thank God" list? 

Loi Kratong

(Can you see the full moon behind us?)

Loi Kratong is celebrated on the night of the full moon in the twelfth lunar month, which is usually in November.  The celebration involves sending a "kratong" (a small float) into a river, stream, or lake.   Many people go to the large river flowing through Bangkok, but the students and I walked across the street to the lake in the university.

These "Krathongs" are for sale.  They come in many shapes, sizes, and styles.

Traditionally the kratong was made from banana leaves and decorated with flowers.  Now days, they can be found made from plastic, paper, leaves, and even bread (for the fish to eat later.)  The kratong will hold a candle, incense, and a coin, symbolizing prosperity in the year to come.

Enjoying dinner by the lake on the university campus.

Food and festivities are an important part of the night.  I felt like I was at the county fair, with lots of Thai snacks to taste and a few western snacks like popcorn and cotton candy.  Often there are games with prizes, traditional Thai dancing, singing, and a kratong decorating competition. 

Good times had by all!

While the students and I didn't buy a kratong and send it off into the water, we still enjoyed the night.  Thankfully we know Christ has already paid for our sins, and God has forgiven us completely.

Lots of people show up for the festival.

Before placing the kratong in the water, a prayer to the water goddess is said, asking forgiveness for past sins and making wishes for the future.  Often couples send the kratong off together as a symbol that they will stay together in the years to come.

Many kratongs floating in the lake. They really are a beautiful sight.

The following day, people come around to collect the debris left behind.

Kratongs can be as simple as a lotus flower or as complex and decorated as you want to make them.

Please pray with me for the many people who don't yet know the one true God who takes away our sin and hears our prayers.

Halloween Inspired

Dressing up with friends for a night of Fear Factor and Halloween fun!

 Halloween brought up some interesting conversations this year. 

"Have you ever seen a ghost?"  I asked some friends as we were driving away from the Halloween party. 

I've been in Thailand long enough to know I can skip the question, "Do you believe in ghosts?"  Spirits are so much a part of the culture that no one questions their existence.

Two out of the four Thais in the car said they had seen ghosts.  The other two were grateful they hadn't. 

My next curiosity, "Are you afraid of ghosts?" 

It was split down the middle again.  Half said they are afraid of these spirits.  The others said there was nothing to be scared of, that they would keep to themselves.

When the question came back to me, I knew my opportunity had come.  I responded that I believe in God and know he will always protect me, so I don't need to be afraid. 

Our conversation continued onto differences and similarities in the beliefs of Buddhists and Christians.  Buddhists have 5 rules, quite similar to 5 of the Ten Commandments.  People in both religions acknowledge that we can't keep the rules perfectly. 

From this common ground, I shared the gospel, the amazing fact that Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, and was sacrificed in place of our shortcomings, our sin.  No merit making, burining incense, or visiting temples necessary.

Throughout dinner and the rest of the evening, the topic kept coming up.  My answer was always the same. 

I believe the statistics that say many people must hear the gospel multiple times before deciding to follow Jesus.  So my goal is to take every opportunity God gives me.  Whether that is someone asking why I came to Thailand or if I'm afraid of ghosts. 

I have no idea how many chances I'll have to talk to these friends.  I don't know how God has already been moving in their lives.  I'm not even sure if they understood everything I said.  But those concerns, I leave with the One who called me here and gave me these relationships.  As I am faithful to do my part, I wholeheartedly believe he is doing the heart work he does best.

What about for you?  Who is God telling you to be more bold in sharing with?  What questions can you answer with God at the forefront?

Before you start making fun of my clothes line costume, I'll have you know, it was voted funniest by all our friends at the Halloween party (and for that, I won a prize!)

English Camp

We all came back to Bangkok on an English Camp high.  It was a great time of connecting with students, not only for improving English, but also for sharing our team's purpose for being in Thailand.

The English camp was long enough that we got to know the students, and they got to know us.  We were able to break down some preconceived ideas about Christians and Christianity while showing them Christ's love.  At the same time, we were open about what we believe. 

In one lesson about speaking, Tiffany gave a short speech, 3 Reasons Why it's Great to be Missionary.  In the closing thank yous, one student mentioned that speech.  We were all encouraged that God opened their ears and minds to remember what was shared.

Another morning, over a breakfast of omelets, toast and fried rice, Stephanie was able to share the gospel with a student. 

At lunch one day, a girl asked me, "What do you do at church?"  The whole table leaned in to listen as Liz and I explained not only about church, but about our relationship with Christ outside of the church building.

I'm hopeful that as God continues to work in the lives of these students and teachers, he will bring up more conversations and prompt them to get involved in small groups or come check out church for themselves. 

Traveling together on the bus.  About 45 university students joined the camp and 5 Thai teachers.

One night some students showed us around the night market after camp activities were finished (I still made them speak English...hehehe, what a strict teacher!)

Teacher Julia.

Listening attentively.

Practicing speaking by giving a short presentation about Cambodia, and dressing up Cambodia style too.

Working hard!

Enjoying the sunrise (but only one morning, the other mornings I was sleeping.)

We went to the beach on the last day to take lots of pictures, play in the water, and SPEAK ENGLISH in real life situations.

Ministry Glimpse: Hope Cards

photo from www.ywamthai.org/hopecards

What do you do if you live in a slum, have small children, and your husband leaves you? He doesn’t give any financial support, and you can’t get a job because you never finished grade 7. Even if you could get a job, who would look after your children? If you send them upcountry to the grandparents, it means you will only see them maybe once or twice a year. You certainly can’t afford a babysitter.

 

photo from www.ywamthai.org/hopecards

That’s when Hope Cards steps in. It is no accident they’re called “Hope Cards”. They’re called that because that is what they are. A place of hope. A place of caring.

www.ywamthai.org/hopecards

Hope Cards is located just a few blocks from Lifepoint Bangkok church.  It's great to get to know ministries in our neighborhood.  And it is encouraging to know other people are reaching out in specific ways to the families around us. 

If you are still wondering where you will buy Christmas cards this year, take a look at www.hopecards.net.  

Not only are the cards beautifully handmade, they directly support Thai women who are working to raise their families while being discipled and growing in their walk with God.

 

Beyond English Class

English students making cupcakes

University students wander in after a day of classes, some grab a game off the shelf to kill time before English starts, others relax on the couch and let their eyes close for a few minutes. 

Working professionals jump off motorbike taxis outside, making it through the door just before the evening rain starts falling.

Kids, with voices bouncing off the walls,  run to the back table for a fun lesson with Taam.

People from the cafe peek inside to see what all the commotion is about.  

English nights are crazy.

But with new students coming in almost every week, the craze is worth it.  New students mean new relationships and the possibility for these students to know who gave them their language. 

From English class many students will get involved with our Friday night activities, like making cupcakes (last week), a talent show, or engineering night.  And then from there they may be willing to join a small group Bible study or come to church. English class is just a small dot on the map, but one that draws in many people. 

In the quiet moments, usually after class as we head out to grab dinner together, God puts words to the craziness.

"This place seems more like a family than an English center."  Wat commented.

My heart smiled.  Even when we get caught up in the details, God is working. 

Our delicious cupcakes!

Homemade Peanut Butter (Wow! So easy!!!)

From roasted peanuts to peanut butter right in my mini food processor!

Wow.  I've known I could do this for a long time.  I just had no idea it was so easy and would come out so well.  

**While this isn't a food blog, I enjoy cooking and baking and have decided to occasionally share a few of the best recipes I come across while living overseas.  Hopefully they will be helpful or give you an excuse to try something new.**

Here's the scoop.

Peanut butter is expensive in Thailand.  Although I'm sure its price is increasing all over, $6 US just seemed like too much for a small jar.  Every once in a while I would find it on sale or just buy some anyways, but in general, I have gotten used to not eating it.  And that's okay with me. 

However, with my new-found revelation, the peanut butter option may be back.

The problem has never been a lack of peanuts.  One of Thailand's most popular dishes, Som Tam (papaya salad), includes roasted peanuts.  Which is how I ended up with a bag of peanuts in my cupboard.  A few days ago, my friends helped me make papaya salad.  It was great, and the leftover ingredients turned out to be great too.

So this morning.  I pulled out the bag of peanuts.  It was probably about 3/4 of a cup.  I tossed them into my mini food processor and pushed GO.  Then I thought I "might should" (as my southern friends would say) look at a recipe.  (Side note, I'm not just learning Thai in Thailand, my team is also teaching me "Southern" English.)

Okay, back to looking at the recipe, well actually, recipes.  One said I needed to add salt, honey, and oil.  Another said don't add anything.  I picked the one that suggested adding what you think it needs, but included that extra oil is unnecessary because the oil from the peanuts comes out as you process them.  I decided to add some salt and kept blending. 

The peanuts went through a few stages.  Big chunks, little chunks, dusty particles, dust clumping together in a ball, ball getting wet, paste. At this point I tasted it and decided I should have added less salt.  So I added some sugar and kept blending.  The paste went from chunky peanut butter to smooth peanut butter after another minute or so.

Another taste test confirmed that I should have done this peanut butter thing a long time ago.  It was amazing. 

Then I had an idea to make it more amazing.  I scooped out about half of the peanut butter, just in case my idea didn't work as planned.  Then I sprinkled some chocolate chips into the food processor with the remaining peanut butter and blended some more. 

Yep.  You guessed it.  Chocolate peanut butter.  Why I reserved some of the first batch, I don't know.  How could you go wrong with chocolate peanut butter???  It was even more amazing than the original.

I have a feeling the peanut guy at the market will be seeing me more often now, and not just when we are making Som Tam.  Even if you can buy peanut butter at the store, I suggest trying this.  It is so incredibly easy and so incredibly good.  Not to mention, it's a lot of fun too.

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Recipe:

Homemade Peanut Butter

Ingredients:
Roasted Peanuts, about 1 cup or as much as you want to make/your food processor can hold
Salt, about 1/4 teaspoon depending on your taste and preference (you can always add more, but you can't take it out)
Optional: sugar, chocolate chips, or other creative ingredients

Instructions:
Place roasted peanuts and salt in food processor.  Process on medium-high for 3-5 minutes, scraping the edges to combine peanuts evenly every 30 seconds.  Taste peanut butter and add more salt or sugar if necessary.  A longer processing time will result in more creamy peanut butter.  When the desired consistency has been reached, add chocolate chips or other flavoring if desired and process until combined. 

For creamy peanut butter with chunks (something like store-bought chunky peanut butter but SO much better), reserve 1/4 cup peanuts after the first 30 seconds to a minute of processing.  Continue processing remaining peanuts until smooth.  When the desired consistency has been reached, add the reserved peanut chunks and process a few more seconds until just combined.

Store peanut butter in an air-tight container in the refrigerator or cupboard, but it will stay fresh longer in the refrigerator.  Peanut butter will solidify more after processing and even more in the refrigerator, as the oil from the peanuts cools.

Ministry Glimpse: Timothy House

Welcome to Timothy House, a children's home in Thailand.  "Most of the children we have come from an abusive background.  Their stories are as varied as their personalities. We show them the love of Christ. They slowly heal and return to a child like nature. Only love can heal the broken heart."

Currently 17 kids between the age of 4 and 17 call Timothy House home.  Located on the edge of a national park, Timothy House has plenty of space for these kids to play and grow.

Rodney and Phimpha love the kids as their own.  Acting as dad and mom to 17 children is a big job though.  Volunteers, donations, love, and a lot of hard work keep Timothy House running. 

Playtime after school!

Catching dinner in the fish pond out front.

Making dinner in the kitchen.

The dish washing crew!

There's always work to be done, but doing it together makes it more fun!

Every night after dinner everyone comes together for worship (led by some of the kids) and a Bible study (led by Mom).  Every Sunday church is held at the home and members of the community join for worship. 

Praise God for the heart he has given this family, for the love that overflows to these children, and for the example they set for the community!

For more information or to make a donation, please visit:

www.lovecareproject.org/wp

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Blessings in the Spur of the Moment

The night before English Camp started the university students and I gathered together.  "The camp will be for about 180 students in ninth-grade who speak almost no English."  We were told by the leader who invited us.  "What will you do with them?"  

If it were up to me, that question would have sent my stress level over my head.   Instead, the university students jumped into brainstorming mode, turning the next two hours into a laughter-filled conversation that resulted in activities, games, songs, and lessons for camp.  

To teach the kids that they don't need to be afraid of making mistakes, I translated the camp rules into Thai.  They laughed at my mistakes, but we made a deal.  If I was going to try to speak Thai, they had to try to speak English.

Thai students are used to lining up and listening.  We tried not to keep them in this position for too long.

Some classrooms look very similar to a classroom in you would find in the States.

The school grounds look a little different though.

Practicing teamwork (using English!)

At one station, students learned about Thai herbs.

 

 

Vocabulary and art can go hand in hand.

Making people bookmarks helped us practice our colors and body parts.

See the picture of the king in on the right side of the whiteboard?  His picture is in every classroom. 

Camp wouldn't have been complete without some silly songs.  We also taught the students some worship songs. 

By the end of camp, students were asking for my Facebook name and taking tons of pictures.

Maybe the most encouraging part is that the school's English teacher is a Christian.  He will be at the school all year long and is connected with a Thai church in the area. 

May God work through these students and this community to make his name great in Chachoengsao!
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