What do eggs have to do with Easter?

Unlike the Western culture where I grew up, in Thailand we had none of the traditional reminders that Easter was approaching.  There were no decorations in the stores, no jelly beans to buy, no advertisements for egg hunts in the park, no chocolate bunnies in the market, no baskets overflowing with plastic grass.  Honestly, many times I forgot it was the Easter season all together. 

Most Thai people have never heard of Easter unless they are Christians (only 1.33% of the population according to Joshua Project), have Christian friends, or have had extensive Western exposure.  If they have heard of Easter, they usually are more familiar with the eggs and bunnies than the real meaning.

A full class for Sunday School on Easter

On Easter morning, when I asked the kids in Sunday School, "What is Easter?"

It was no surprise to me that they hesitated then responded, "Eggs...and rabbits!"

So I asked them a question that many of my Thai friends, both Jesus followers and not-yet Jesus followers, had asked me in the days leading up to Easter,  "What do eggs have to do with Easter?"

I got a lot of blank stares, so I helped connect the dots.  "Inside an egg is a baby chicken, right?   A new life.  When Jesus died and rose from the grave after three days, he had a new life, and if we believe in him we can have a new life too."

The kids helped read the full story in Thai and then illustrated the main points.  By the end of class they could retell the Easter story, and they had a new connection between eggs and Easter.  

Guards at an empty tomb!

Jesus made time for children, so my team and I want to do the same.  Our hope and prayer is that God opens the hearts of these children to truly understand His Word and through them, their families also come to know Christ.

The Power of Short-Term Teams

Our Thai friends helped us take the short-term team on a first-day tour of Bangkok. 

9 American high school students joined us this past week, taking their spring break to come serve alongside our LifePoint Bangkok team. Their energy and enthusiasm pushed them through jet-lag  and into a week full of English/Bible camp for kids in the Com110 community, visiting an orphanage and home for kids with disabilities, adult and university student English classes, and lots of relationship building. 

One of my favorite memories from this past week was the last days of the kids' English/Bible camp.  Thai kids are on summer break this month, so the timing was perfect for gathering them together for games, stories, crafts, songs and English lessons. 

As with many groups of kids, we had a few who preferred to draw attention to themselves instead of follow along with the activities. One of the short-term guys and I took on the challenge of reigning in this group of rambunctious kids.  Once we got them sitting down in chairs, they actually started paying attention. 

They could remember the English lessons from the day before and really listened when we shared about the clean heart Jesus gives us when we trust in Him.  This group of boys didn't try to deny that they were sinners.  All hands quickly went up when we asked if they had ever told a lie.  The cool thing was, some hands also went up when we asked if they wanted to believe in Jesus, the only One who can cover our sin and make us clean in God's eyes.  The sneaky, button-pushing boys from the hour before had become wide-eyed and seriously attentive.

Of course there's a lot more than just Bible stories and explaining how Jesus makes our heart "beautiful." And yet at the same time, I had to remind myself that we don't need to over complicate it either.  In Matthew 19:14, Jesus himself said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."  If Christ was calling the children to himself, he must have had a message that they too could understand. 

After a long talk in our small group time with the kids, lots of questions, explaining, and a time for them to pray if they wanted to, we split up for games.  Before we left that day, the 12 year old boy from our group came up to one of the short-term team members and pointed at him then pointed back at himself.  "Brothers."  He said, just like we had assured him earlier in the day.  If he chooses to follow Christ, he joins the biggest family in the world. 

Our team will continue pouring into this community and following up with the kids.  We have been serving in this community for over two years and hopefully will continue to be present and available until members of the community are Christ-followers and raised up to take over the job. 

Experiencing different types of transportation including tuk-tuks, the sky train and riding the river-taxi boat (above).

English classes were divided into small groups and led by the short-term team, a great time for extra conversation and building relationships.

Sharing in the joy and celebration of J's baptism.

American and the Thai friends joined Friday's UniteBKK activities including building a tower out of straws. (This one actually stood on its own and won the competition for tallest tower.  How?  We are still wondering that ourselves.)  

It was a quick, energy-filled week, and I am confident that God will continue the work He has been doing here in BKK!  Thanks to all the extra hands that came to serve with us this past week!

From English Camp through Church Planting

A few of the university students who attended English Camp.

How is English Camp related to church planting you may ask?

Our team came to Thailand to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches, but you may have noticed, a lot of our activities go by different names.  We have kids programs, teach weekly English classes, meet for small group Bible study, share hobbies like baking, travel with students, and help with English camps.  However, without a doubt, I believe these activities and church planting are connected.

To begin with, a church is composed of people.  And before people are Christ followers, they are just lost people. "Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:10  These are the people we pass everyday on the street, the people who we go traveling with, the people who come to English camp.

New friends!

English Camp is a lake stocked with fish, a lake full of people who may be seeking a hope and Savior that they don't even know exists.  And for a weekend, we have their full attention.  Through lessons, activities, and discussions we share our experiences and the truth of the Word that we have seen proven in our lives. Through games, meals, and traveling together, we build relationships that open up conversations about what it means to follow Christ.

Our hope is that from these relationships, students will get involved in Bible studies, desire to follow God, and come to church.  Then maybe God will give some of them a heart to take His Word to other areas of Thailand, teaching, preaching, and church planting.  

I know some of that seems a long way off, but at one point, planting a church in Bangkok seemed a long way off too.  But God.  Nothing is too big, too far off, too impossible of an idea.  God has already made the Bangkok church happen!  I'm excited to be a part of the stepping stones of future disciples, leaders and churches, whether that's through building relationships in Bangkok or going fishing at English camp.

 

Working on a group invention...and only using English.

Teamwork, silly games, and lots of English practice.

Making fun memories as we pretend to eat the biggest wax ice cream cone that we have ever seen.

If you smile too much, people might think you're in love.

And while I'm bragging on our Small Group, let me just add that we have some great cooks too!

Usually the easiest way for me to explain is by drawing a picture. But I'm not a very good artist (my English students can attest to that), so I'll use words here instead.

We moved the chairs in the small cafe around so we could see each other while we opened up the Bible together.  This week "we" included three Thais, two Koreans, and myself, an American.  In the background, the worship team practiced, a customer ordered a sandwich, and the housekeeper swept the floor.

We started reading from Matthew chapter 5. 

"And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:  'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.'"

While this was a familiar passage to some, others had never read it before. As we looked at other verses that helped us understand each sentence more, we talked about the meaning of each group that was "blessed."  Then we took it one step further asking questions like, "How can we live out these characteristics?"

We talked about how we want to be dependent on God, loving and encouraging to our coworkers/classmates, willing to do the behind-the-scenes work with a joyful heart, pursuing righteousness, and showing mercy.  We all acknowledged that we have a long way to go in many of these areas, but encouraged each other that Christ is the one who makes these transformations possible.

One of our small group friends summed it up well when he shared,

"I am usually happy at work. I am grateful God has given me such a good job.  I try to encourage my coworkers with the gospel.  I smile a lot. Sometimes I smile so much that people at work ask if I'm in love. 'YES!' I respond.  'I'm in love with Jesus!'"

Our small group Bible study is awesome.  Praise God for bringing together such a unique group of people with a heart to learn more about Christ and live lives that reflect Him!

Our city (Bangkok) is desperate for Christ's truth, love, and mercy to be poured out into its streets.

Wan Makha Bucha

Buddhist temple near my house.

Many Thais celebrated Wan Makha Bucha on Friday.  It also happened to be Valentine's day, but the two holidays don't always line up.  Wan Makha Bucha falls on the full moon day of the third month in the lunar calendar (usually in February).

Part of making merit on this holiday is making a donation.  Money stapled to ribbons hanging from a string outside the temple.

Jacky, an English student, explained it as a Buddhist holiday commemorating the day that 1,250 monks spontaneously gathered from far and wide to be taught by Buddha. On the same day 45 years later, Buddha gave his final teachings and achieved Nirvana. 

Other people make merit by lighting candles and incense.

Nowadays, Thai Buddhists go to temples in the evening of this holiday to pay respect and make merit. In remembrance of the monks' long journey, people will walk around the outer perimeter of the temple three times.

Does that bring to mind a story? I'm always on the lookout for connections between our daily conversations and Biblical truth.  Bible stories are a great way to share that truth.

So I shared with Jacky (and whoever else was listening), the story of Joshua leading his army around the walls of Jericho. When I got to the part about the wall falling down, Jacky said, "Wow! That's amazing!"

"Yes! God does a lot of amazing things!" Was my response.

Jacky, my other Thai friends, and most of our English students have already heard us share about Jesus and his life-changing sacrifice.  However, opportunities show God's character through stories like these makes Christ more real. 

"Is it a true story?"  Jacky asked.

After I assured him that all stories from the Bible are completely true, Jacky was quiet for a moment.  I could see him pondering and prayed for God to continue to work in his heart.

Same Same But Different

Pathway into the community and M's house

It was the same living room where I sat cross-legged five and a half years ago.  The same pictures hanging on the walls, the same plastic covering the floor, the same tin roof overhead. 

The hearts in the home however, where different.  Radically different.
 
"How have you seen your family change since they began following Christ?"  A new friend from Korea/America asked M.

M thought for a moment, smiled, and began to explain.  The change started with her mom.  Mom used to be a hot-tempered woman.  Everyone in the community knew it.    She also collected idols.  The home was filled with idols, from the top of the rafters to the low spiderwebbed corners. 

When some new faces in the community began to speak of a God who doesn't require constant merit-making, Mom was willing to listen. 

God started working on her heart immediately, and she was the first to believe.  The transformation was radical.  Mom threw out all of her idols.  She showed more love, was softer, and began to go to church.

Enjoying dinner in the living room with M's family in 2008.

Over the next few months and years, others who shared the space under their metal roof began to follow Jesus too.  First her sister, then her daughter, cousin and husband.  Neighbors could see a difference and some also came to know Christ and began going to church.

Come to think of it, the pictures on the walls are different now.  In addition to the smiles from the past, new photos line the walls.  They are pictures of M's extended family, those from all over the world who have shared a meal, Bible study, or words of encouragement in her home. 

The Thai saying, "Same same but different," comes to mind. 
Same physical person, same physical place but entirely different heart.

New Year's Psalm

Doi Khun Tan National Park

 Green all around.  

Different shades of it.

Dark, light, yellowish, speckled with color.

Long skinny kinds, flat fuzzy kinds.

As I sat looking over millions of green things covering the hills in the foreground and mountains in the background, I tried to peer into the coming months. 

My eyes took in the words of Psalm 25 and my heart prayed out,

"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." 
(verse 1) 

You are the almighty God.  I come to you, crying out, falling on my face before you. 

"O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;

let not my enemies exult over me.

Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;

they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous." 
(verse 2-3)

I don't know what this next year holds, but I trust the Lord to lead and guide.  I will wait for Him.

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.  

Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long." 
(verse 4-5)

My salvation is in you. I walk into this year teachable, ready to learn, ready to follow, ready to wait. 

"Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,

for they have been from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

according to your steadfast love remember me,

for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!" 
(verse 6-7)

My heart finds confidence in your mercy, remembering your promises and holding fast to your unchanging character.   

"Good and upright is the Lord;

therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right,

and teaches the humble his way." 
(verse 8-9)

Cause me to follow humbly, quickly confessing sin, living with a clean heart because of Christ's sacrifice.  Capture the hearts of those who do not yet know you.

"All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,

for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies." 
(verse 10)
I praise you for your steadfast love and faithfulness.  I praise you for your everlasting covenant.  Thank you for seeing me and leading me into this next year. 

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.

- - - - - -

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!)

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.

~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~  ~  ~ ~ 

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.

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!
 .