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!

Karen Mission Trip

Our first morning...it was COLD! 

After driving all night, we pulled up to Shakinah as the sun was peeking over the tops of the green mountains. The ten of us tumbled out of the van, blinking sleepy eyes and stretching cramped legs. Then we heard the sound. Pounding feet and shouts of "Hello!" Running toward us down the hill were the smiling faces of almost 40 kids.

The school room, church building, and multipurpose area for learning and playing.

We followed these smiling faces back to the school room where they had just begun morning Bible study. Like everyday, school was next on their agenda. The students, ranging in age between five and seventeen, broke into their grade levels to begin their studies. A few of us accompanied each grade to teach English and Thai. 

Our Thai friends had a chance to share their testimony with the kids with the help of one of the teachers translating into Karen.

Although they live in Thailand, many of the children don't  speak Thai. Karen is the main language used at Shakinah. English and Burmese are also understood among the older children.  The afternoon and following two days were filled with singing, games, acting out Bible stories, crafts, more games, and more singing.

The kids really enjoy playing volleyball and badminton. 

As the first mission trip for most of our Thai friends (many who grew up on Bangkok), there were a lot of new experiences.  The first time to eat Karen food, be without cell phone service and internet access, cold showers, sleeping on the floor, no luxuries of city life. But I didn't hear any complaining. The kids set a good example.  It was obvious that they are familiar with this life. It is a much better life than the alternative of being taken into the Burmese army and used to clear the fields of bombs.

Part of Karen culture is using a natural powder paste as skin care and to decorate the face.  Of course, we had to try it out too.  :)

The songs that the kids sang each morning and evening filled their hearts and went with them throughout the day and night. Their attitudes of thanksgiving and joyful hearts left the biggest impression on our Thai friends.  Our trip went quicker than any of us anticipated.  As we said tearful goodbyes after church on Sunday, the kids shouted out, "See you next time!" And our Thai friends asked,"When is the next mission trip?" 

Shekinah means "God's manifested glory" or "God's presence"

God's presence was evident throughout this entire trip, from safety on the road to the warm welcome we received.  Praise God for His work in the lives of our Thai friends from Bangkok, the Karen kids from Burma, and the children's home staff/teachers from all over.  

Lots of smiles and hope for the future.

Many of the children are the first believers in their families.  After they graduate, some of the older kids want to go back to their villages to tell their family and neighbors about Jesus.  Other kids want to continue studying so they can come back to be teachers at the children's home.  Praise God! 

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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Chachoengsao...Where?

Tuk Tuk in the rain.  We are taking a pickup truck to Chachoengsao.  Hopefully the rain will hold off until we get there.

 
I've found my life's adventure with God is sometimes like my average trip in Thailand.  It usually begins with a side conversation ending with something along the lines of, "Will you join us?"

"Sure."  Then I hesitate.  What did I just agree to?   "Umm, I mean... Where?  When?  How much will it cost?  Who else is going?  When will we return?  How are we getting there?  What do I need to bring?"

 "Chachoengsao."

"Bless you!"

"I didn't sneeze."

"Come again?"

"Chachoengsao, a province about three hours east of Bangkok, for an English camp and to visit a children's home." My friend clarified.

"Okay.  Sounds good to me." I agreed.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

About five years ago, God asked a similar question of me, "Will you join My work in Thailand?"

My response was about the same,  "Sure."  Then hesitation as my mind began to process what I had just agreed.  I tried to stay afloat in the details of my drowning thoughts.   

Thailand?  When?  How much will it cost?  Who will I go with?  How long will I stay?  A ONE-WAY ticket!?  What do I need to prepare?

By His grace, I made it to Thailand.  I didn't know all the details, but as deciding points came and went, I always had the answers I needed or enough direction to make a choice in faith.

"Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, 

what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 

waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God..." 

2 Peter 3:11-12

 
Other than Chachoengsao (and I'm still trying to figure out where that is), I have no idea what God has planned for this week's adventures.  But I know we want to use our time well.  This may be the first time these kids have heard of Jesus.  The seeds we sow may be the seeds that God grows into a well-rooted ceder tree. 

As Gif and I discussed yesterday, we will be flexible and ready to say "yes" when God gives the opportunity. We know the outline, a children's home and English camp.  And God knows the rest. 
 

Ministry Glimpse: Child Sponsorship Program

Mem* dreamed of going to university. She dreamed of becoming a nurse. She dreamed of earning enough to help her little brother go to school so her parents didn’t have to work so hard, and so her little brother could finish school.

They were just dreams until Project L.I.F.E.’s Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) team came to her village.  As her family was so poor they often didn’t even have enough food to eat, Mem was quickly accepted for their sponsorship program. 

Wanting to prove herself worthy of their trust, Mem studied hard and then studied some more. CSP’s caring staff stood with her, encouraged her to ‘go for her dream’, and sought extra funding so she could go to university.  Next year, she graduates as a nurse! Her parents are proud. Her village is proud. And the CSP team smiles and smiles and smiles. They love helping dreams come true. That’s Mem. That’s what L.I.F.E. is all about.  
(*not real name)

Education – to the poor, it is the way out of poverty. But how can a family that has barely enough to eat, send their children to school? Project L.I.F.E.'s Child Sponsorship Program is there to help, providing funds, counseling and general support to needy children in Bangkok slums and poor rural villages. Working hand-in-hand with 3 churches, 41 schools, 4 centers, 25 villages,   Child Sponsorship now helps 612 families in 5 provinces throughout Thailand. Child Sponsorship has opened “Baan Chu Jai”, a Social Development Center for teens in crisis. These teens are in very difficult family situations, but with Baan Chu Jai’s help, they will be able to finish their schooling.

www.ywamthai.org/childsponsorship

Kanchanaburi

Here's a photo trip of our visit to Nid's home province...

We left early in the morning to catch a train to her aunt's house. 

 

On the 4 hour train ride, we slept, enjoyed the views, and sang/learned fun songs.  The kids on the train had free entertainment on this ride.  :)

 

 

The sights were beautiful and riding the train was a perfect way to see them.  Nid would ride this train everyday to go to school through middle and high school. 

 

Us and the family we stayed in front of their house.  

Don't they have a great view?!

 

We set up tents inside to sleep.  I would have chosen outside under the bright stars, but we were the guests and they wanted us inside.  

Out of this simple kitchen came a lot of great food.

 

Two of the boys went snail collecting for dinner one night.  

  

Here's what we gathered from the fields, papaya, bananas, lotus flowers, green eatable leafs, and the boys' contribution...snails.  The snails were cooked up in rice porridge and didn't taste fishy at all.  :)

 

The family wanted to make sure we ate well, so the boys were in charge of catching, killing, and defeathering 3 chickens.   They tasted good. 

  

 

The family we visited is still Buddhist, but the kids joined us for worship and Bible reading under a tree in the front yard. 

 We spent one afternoon at a lake near the family's house. 

  

Another day we went to "climb up the mountain."  

But...

We only got about an hour into it before people were joking that we were about to cross the Myanmar border and needed to head back.  :)

 At least we found a rock to climb,

 

jungle vines to swing, 

 and lots of great views.

 

Another day brought us to a Thai-style water park.

(a.k.a. waterfall)

 Gorgeous and giant!

 People were floating, splashing, jumping and exploring over the whole side of the waterfall. 

 

Near Nid's house is a clearing with a lot of wild monkeys.  I don't know why they gather there, but it was fun to see.  

 

One of Nid's neighbors was making these very intricate, traditional Thai hats. 

I'm glad I don't have to dance with this on my head...the Thai women who do are very talented!

We enjoyed fresh coconuts that were cut down by the aunt from a tree near her house.  They were filled with refreshing coconut water and soft flesh that could be scooped out with a spoon. 

 Even our Thai friends said they had never seen a bug so colorful.

 The fruit on some of the fruit trees is kept covered to keep bugs and birds out.

 Kids and puppies brought smiles to our faces the whole trip!