Let the Coundown Begin

"Next Stop...CHINA"

I've officially begun my countdown to saying goodbye to Thailand (for a season, hopefully not forever.)  The specific calling of helping my team get established in Bangkok while raising up Thai disciples, leaders, and churches has been accomplished.  After almost a year of praying about my next steps, I can see God clearly leading me into a time of serving in China, learning a new culture, and equipping through counseling classes.

With my time in Thailand coming to an end, each moment with friends has become even more precious.  Last weekend I joined the BJD students on their outreach debrief/island trip. We spent time as a dorm family enjoying God's creation, exploring the beach, climbing over rocks, hiking trails, playing card games, and swimming in the clear salty water.

First day at Samed Island

 
After the sun went down we gathered on the beach for a time of worship and reflection about the outreach.  As each student shared, God's work in their heart throughout the outreach was evident.

"It gave me a greater appreciation for what I have.  Sometimes I think I don't have very much, but when I saw how people on the border were living with almost nothing and yet they were happy, I realized God has blessed me with so much."

"There were so many nationalities represented in Mae Sot, and many people without papers from Burma.  It opened up my understanding of the world and gave me a bigger perspective."

"I come from a hilltribe where not many people know God and there are a lot of needs.  I used to think that when I graduate I want to return to my hilltribe to serve, but now I see the need in other places is so much greater.  I want to go back to the border to serve among the Burmese people after I graduate."

After a yummy seafood dinner with BJD students.

It's hard to put into words how much I will miss these students and all the friends God has given me here in Thailand.  At the same time, I can see many ways that God has prepared both me and others for this transition.

He has filled hearts with the desire to serve and share the amazing message of Christ's sacrifice and salvation with this nation and beyond.  He has raised up leaders and disciples to continue His mission of Kingdom expansion.  I know my Thai friends and all the people who call Thailand home are in the good hands.  They not only have passionate Christ-followers living in their midst, but more importantly, they are in the hands of the Father.

Riding the speed boat to the island.

Thailand, I will miss you.  Thai friends, I will miss you even more.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon!

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.

United at the Beach

Thai & international YWAM family

 

"For the body does not consist of one member but of many..." 

This passage from 1 Corinthians 12:14 and the following verses are quite familiar, but as we spent time together at the beach last week, they became real again.

It seemed someone from every part of the "body" was represented.  From the voices who answer the phones and the hands that clean the offices to the fingers that type information for the website and the eyes that spot the ministry opportunities.  From the minds who keep the accountants straight to the tongues that translate for teams.  From the  elbows that work on the cars to the body that sits in YWAM Thailand's National Director seat.

Our body is diverse.  And that's a good thing.  Just as Paul reminds us in Corinthians, we wouldn't be a useful body, actually we wouldn't be a body at all, if we were all an eye or everyone was an ear.  Praise God for diversity!

Before returning to Bangkok, we had some time to share how God had been speaking to us:

"When we say yes to God, we must say yes 100%."

"Thank God that I can serve in a family like this!"

"As I looked out at the ocean and prayed, God reminded me, he loves us that much!"

Proverbs 31: 8-9 "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."

"I feel like God has guided me here (to serve at YWAM) through every step."

"Relaxing like a family here is really important.  Every minute we serve together is important.  There is no job too small for God to notice or so big he is overwhelmed."

"God pressed on my heart this year that I need to be more committed to my church family, learning and seeking the Lord with them."

"I like to see the younger girls and remember when I was a young student like that.  It's good to encourage each other."

"God reminded me with Ephesians 6:5-8.  We are to serve with all our heart."

Praise God for uniting us together to serve him as one body and pour out his love on others in Thailand!  We couldn't do it without each other, and we definitely couldn't do it without him!