Family Beyond the Borders

Friends dressed up for a traditional Thai dance.

"You are my heroes." Said our national director.  

No, wait.  We aren't the heroes.  It's the other guys.  The people who came before and braved Thailand without internet.  It's the people who will come after and battle the challenges of the new generation.  It's the people who served for 30+ years and gave their whole life.  

Dressed up Thai style!

 "You are my heroes." Our national director repeated.

This year is YWAM's 40th in Thailand, and God had some powerful words to speak to us.  Just as Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness before entering the promise land, we believe God's promises and inheritance is at hand for Thailand.

As we step into this next season, we were encouraged to think beyond Thailand's borders.  How is God planning on sending out Thais to reach the nations?

A few points that apply to any season, any country, any area of service stuck out to me:
* We are not responsible for the outcome, we are responsible for being obedient.
* Identity is not in what we do but in Christ.
* Look at what you have, don't focus on what you are lacking.
* Security is found in Christ.  He will always be faithful.

A couple days were spent just with our YWAM Thailand family, a meager 450ish people who were able to come, with many more back home, keeping things running.  Before that, we spent a few days as the whole Asia-Pacific region.

Sitting in a room, surrounded by about 850 people from 20 or so countries, family wasn't on my mind.  But as the conference went on, I began to see why it was being called a "gathering" instead of a "conference."

As a family we worshiped together, in many languages yet to one faithful God who understood each voice.

As a family, we prayed over and commissioned the new leaders for YWAM Taiwan.  Being the first Taiwanese couple to be the country's national leaders, it was a beautiful moment and one many people have been looking forward to for years.

As a family we took an offering and received bills and coins in 12 currencies. 

As a family we celebrated the years past and were challenged toward the future.   We heard from YWAM's founder, influential people throughout the years, and our newest generation of leaders.

It is a great privilege to be a part of such a beautiful and diverse family.  A family that is so ready to listen to God's voice and follow his leading.