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.

Graduations, Babies, and Beyond

BJD students and two of the founding leaders on our weekend trip (River Kwai bridge in the background)

Graduations, engagements, interviews, new countries, marriages, "grown-up jobs", babies... A lot has happened in the lives of the girls who invited me into their home, the BJD dorm, almost four years ago.

Over the weekend, five girls from the original group I lived with and I went to visit some of our friends who have already moved on from BJD.  They are now living in a small farming community in western Thailand.  On the farm land is a building where they and others from the community meet for worship and Bible teaching every week.

Baby "Piggy Bank"

Our plan to visit A, "just happened" to line up perfectly.  Although we expected to spend the day with a pregnant mother, that morning we got news that A was heading to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital three hours after she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.  "This wasn't an accident.  It was God's intentional plan."  Pang reminded us as we smiled about the opportunity to meet this new member of the family.
 
Of the girls who I was traveling with, all have studied a five-month Discipleship Training School and two just graduated from university last month.  In a few weeks, one will begin school to be a nurse's assistant and another will begin her job as a full-time kindergarten teacher.  One will be staying with YWAM as full-time staff in Bangkok.  Others want to stay involved serving as volunteers and discipling the younger students.  Last year, a student headed to Europe to work as a nanny, and another is currently serving with a YWAM ministry on the Burmese border.  I am so grateful for this ever-expanding web of relationships! 

Congratulations to the university graduates!

The work God has done in these students' lives is so encouraging.  When I first met some of them, on my short-term summer trip almost six years ago, they were smiling freshmen, just recently moved to Bangkok from upcountry and unsure of what lies ahead.  Since then, God has grown them closer to himself, given them a heart to serve, lead, disciple, and be a witness wherever they go.  Praise God!  It has been such a blessing and privilege to be involved in these lives!

I am now looking ahead, expecting to start a new season after this summer.  No matter where God leads, I know he will continue the work HE began in these students.  Please pray with me for details to come into more clarity, and praise God with me for transforming so many lives over the past years!

Picking fresh cilantro on the family farm.

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! 

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!)

God Is...

As we rolled in a few more chairs for the meeting, the chatting quieted down.  All eyes turned towards "Ned."  I gave him a friendly smile, and he began.  

"I don't really know how to start. This is my first time.  Let's pray."  His quick sentences were undoubtedly nervous, and yet an underlining confidence that God would guide the time was evident.  

Ned was a third year university student when I arrived in Bangkok three years ago.  Since then, he graduated, studied a 5 month Discipleship Training School that included outreach to different provinces in Thailand, and began working as YWAM staff, a chef at the base.  What a privilege it is to see God grow and lead students through university and into "grown up" life.  

It's a shift for me as well.  A good shift, from often being the one teaching or leading to being one of the learners.  Sitting in the learner's chair, I can see Christ from new perspectives, from Thai perspectives. 

Ned led the group in studying some of the Hebrew names for God.  We then used these names to encourage each other.  He talked about using the names in prayer as well. 

I was inspired.  I was reminded why I love my Lord so deeply.  I was encouraged to see God growing us all in so many direcitons.   

I'll share the Hebrew names below, in hopes that they are encouraging for you too.  

 Elohim

God our Father, the All Sufficient, Nourisher and Life Giver.

Genesis 1:1

El Shaddai

God, the Almighty, True and Faithful God.

Genesis 17:1

Adonai

Lord, the Master.

Isaiah 6:1

El Olam

The Everlasting God.

Genesis 21:33

El Berith

The Lord of the Covenant.

Deuteronomy 8:18

Elohei Ma'uzzi

The God of my strength.

2 Samuel 22:33

Jehovah Jireh

The Lord will provide.

Genesis 22:14

Jehovah Shalom

The Lord my Peace and Fullness.

Judges 6:24, John 14:27

Jehovah Rapha

The Lord my Healer, Doctor.

Exodus 15:26

Jehovah Rohi

The Lord my Shepherd.

 Psalm 23

Jehovah Nissi

The Lord my Banner, Banner of Victory.

Exodus 17:15

Immanuel

God with us.

Matthew 1:23

Ministry Glimpse: Ruth Center

Lately I've been impressed by how many amazing ways God is working in Thailand.  I'd like to highlight some of these ministries occasionally on my blog.  My hope is to give us more opportunities to celebrate God's goodness and the passion he has given different people for different areas of ministry.

The Ruth Center is in its fifth year of working in slum communities on the outskirts of Bangkok.  Their heart's burden is "to improve the quality of life for the elderly and seek long term solutions to their care."  Just in this district, there are 14,000 elderly people.  Many of those live alone with little to no income. 

Take Yai Noi for example.

Her broad, missing-tooth smile fills her face as we knock on the wood post that is the corner of her house and poke our head in the open door.  She lives alone and doesn't have the mobility to get out much, making visits from familiar faces extra special. 
 
Yai Noi calls a small shack built over a swamp "home."  She regularly prays for God to keep the snakes and poisonous bugs out, and she has many stories of God answering those prayers.

The students and I gingerly walk under the cover of her tin roof holding a bag of food to share for breakfast.  Yai Noi slowly lowers herself to the floor to sit with us.  She turns down the radio, her only companion some days. 

As we sit and munch on fruit, fried bread, and sip from bags of warm soy milk, we laugh at Yai Noi's stories.  We see her as a grandmother, and she sees us as her grandchildren. 

After breakfast, one of the students pulls out some bright red fingernail polish.  She spends the next hour clipping, filing, and painting Grandma's toenails.  This act of love and sacrifice of time means more than Yai Noi can express. 

Our visit was just a peek into the time and care that overflows from the Ruth Center everyday. 

Sometimes it's helping grandpa get to the doctor or pharmacy.  Sometimes it's an outing to a park.  Sometimes it's rebuilding a bathroom or replacing a pole that has begun rotting away.  Sometimes it's sharing a meal together or simply sharing some quality time. 

No matter what the activity, the genuine heart behind the Ruth Center's staff and volunteers is evident, ultimately showing and sharing Jesus' love with each person they visit.

For more information on the Ruth Center, see www.ywamthai.org/ruthcenter. 

Not Only a New Year's Battle

Whether on a tuk tuk, in a bus, or on a motorcycle, watch out!  You are a splash target!

"This holiday, you must expect to get wet.  If you get mad at them, you're wrong...not the people who splashed you."

Chao's words of warning echoed in my mind all three days of the New Year celebration.

Kids splashing from the side of the road.

As I got dressed each day, I consciously thought about what clothes I should wear.  Clothes that dried easily, wouldn't get stained, and wouldn't become see-through when wet.  

As I picked out shoes, the criteria was simple: water-proof.

As I decided what to take with me, I made sure I had my squirt gun (full!) and packed only the necessities, things easy to carry.  My phone was carefully zip-locked in a bag.  And my camera didn't make the cut.  (So thanks to other people for sharing some pictures!)

As I planned out my path, I considered which direction would most likely encounter the biggest splash scenes.  Sometimes I wanted to be there, sometimes I chose a roundabout way to avoid them.

I was ready for the New Year's Water War!

Sonkran is Thailand's New Year celebration.  There's no avoiding getting wet unless you literally don't come out of your house and let no one inside. 

Pouring water for blessings and merit.

The water splashing comes from the Buddhist tradition of pouring water on statues and people as a symbol of pouring out and receiving blessings.  The tradition is continued today as most Buddhist make merit during the New Year holiday, sometime in between the water fight. 

When I first came to Thailand, it was impossible to miss the fact that I was living in a spiritual war zone.  But now that I've been here for quite some time, it's easier to overlook.  As I reflected on the amount of effort I was taking to prepare for these days of water fights, I began to think about Ephesians 6.

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (verse 11-12)

The streets are full of people ready to splash!

Just as water could come from any angle at any time during Songkran, so does the spiritual battle come.  Just as I thought about my entire wardrobe and what would be in my hands before going out to get wet, I must remember the whole armor of God.  The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit.  

No amount of staying home with the doors shut and food stocked up will keep this war at bay.  Whether home is a dot on the map in Thailand, America, or elsewhere, there's no escaping the reality of the battle we are fighting.  

Eye protection on and weapon in hand...We're ready!

In Who's Hands?

Making carrot cake with small group friends, a great way to build community.

"I took a Muslim guy to Bible class."  B said nonchalantly as we all sat down for small group.

"That's awesome!  What did he think of it?"  I asked.

"He's open to learning new things." 
 ----

"A Cambodian man I had never met before sat next to me.  He struck up a conversation, and said he knew nothing about Christ then asked me to tell him about Jesus' life and what I believe."  Another group member shared. 
---

Snacks never hurt the small group atmosphere.

This is the type of thing we celebrate.  With new believers or not-yet believers making up over half, and sometimes three fourths of our small group, we are talking a lot about what living like Christ means. 

It means showing mercy, taking risks, trusting each other, being patient, showing love on the physical needs level, showing love on the spiritual needs level, stepping out of our comfort zones, serving, opening up, asking questions, and being ready when God gives the opportunity.  We are building our foundation in Christ and growing together.

Where do we even begin?

That question has daunted me on multiple occasions.  Becoming too overwhelmed by it could stop me from pushing onward at all.  I regularly have to hand back to God the concerns I have for each small group member, knowing they are out of place if they are in my hands. 

We take growing together a day at a time.  In seeking Christ everyday, we trust he will do what we can't, impact the lives of those we love or don't even know yet.  And ultimately we trust God with the miracle of the growth. 

Celebrating a birthday with cheesecake!

Wonderful Whirlwind ABCs (Part 2)

Here we are, continuing the whirlwind of memories from my time in the States.  Although I had a great time, I am glad to be back!

N - Not Forgetting Thai.  One of my strategies for not forgetting Thai was to review with my Thai kid's Bible story book.  It's great because the stories are familiar and the vocabulary is easy (but there are always new words to be found.)  Quiet coffee shops made for great places to do this.  On one occasion, a woman walking by noticed the letters in my book weren't the same as the letters in hers, and I got to share my story. 

O - Outdoors.  In my free time, I got in as many hikes, bike rides, and outdoor adventures as I could.  Lake Tahoe was beautiful on a sunny afternoon, and it started snowing at Frenchman's lake on my way home after a good hike.
                                              Picturesque!  (Oh wait, that would be letter P.)

Lake Tahoe, beautiful even in the winter.

P - Prayer with the ladies at Community Bible Church.  Each week I looked forward to joining the group that faithfully prays for me and many others.  It was a precious time for all of us.

Q - Quiet time.  Even in the busyness, I really enjoyed having my own room/home to sit in the quietness before the Father. Compared to the 14 sisters I lived with (and loved) in Bangkok, it was quite a change.

Zoro Snowman in China

R - Rock Climbing.  While climbing as much in as I could in Reno, I met some new and old friends.  So fun!

S - Snow.  What's that strange white stuff falling from the sky?  (Especially cold coming from 90 degree Thailand weather.)

T - Thai Students.  It was great to practice a bit of my Thai language while some new Thai friends and I made Thai food dinner for 50 people, quite a bonding experience.

Thai noodles, yumm!

U - Unexpected. While living and working overseas has been an idea in my head for many years, I never thought I would be able to say I've lived in Thailand for 2 1/2 years.  In taking some time to reflect on all God has done in and through my life and the life of my team in Thailand I am humbled and in awe of our amazing Father.

V - Vending.  Praise God that about $500 dollars was raised through the selling of the Thai goods that I brought back.  Thank you to everyone who bought items!  This money will be used to support native Thais in continuing to minister and spread God's Word to others in Thailand.

On a drive somewhere between CA and NV.

W - Worthwhile Wonderful Whirlwind - A super busy two months, made worth it by all the fun memories, great conversations, long drives through beautiful western America, and very special time with special people.

X - eXtraordinary.  While I was away, everything in Bangkok continued (of course.)  My amazing team put on an extraordinary Christmas program, sharing the real meaning of Christmas with 80+ people, many of whom had never heard the life-changing message. Also two weeks in December we had Thais preaching on Sunday!  That's definitely moving in the right direction.  Praise God!

LifePoint Bangkok Christmas Program

Y - You.  Yes, you.  Thank you to each person who made time for coffee, invited me over for dinner, or just said "Hi" at church. Thank you also to those I didn't get to visit in person, hopefully there will be another opportunity!

Z - Zipping on as God leads.  One of the questions I got the most was, "How much longer?"  My only answer is, "It's up to God."  I really enjoy the life he's given me in Thailand, and I currently don't have plans to leave.  However, there's nothing etched in stone that says I will be here for the rest of my life.  For now I'll be taking it a year at a time and continue seeking him for direction everyday.

Multiplication, God Style

A fun part of small group is hanging out to play games afterward!

"I really enjoyed coming to small group with you last week."  NaamFon shared with me on Sunday. 

NaamFon has been a believer for some years and is involved in another church, so I almost didn't invite her to our Bible study.  She surprised me by being very interested and insisting on going, even though we meet all the way downtown. 

"I think I will start meeting with a small group of students to study the Bible too."  NaamFon continued.

Wait.  What?  Wow! 

Is multiplication that simple?

Well, of course it is, if God is doing it.

We model what the Bible teaches, gathering together with Christ as the focus and the Bible as our life guide, and God brings the people and does the work. 

So in the next few weeks, there will be a group of students meeting at Ram 2 university even though our team is focusing on Bangkok university.  God has shared the vision and passion with a couple other people from NaamFon's church, so they will be partnering in leading this group. 

Just imagine... What if God multiplies that group in the same way, to reach out and start another group at another university.  And what if other people from our group are lead to start a group at the other Bangkok university campus. How long would it take until there was a small group meeting at all of Bangkok's 30+ universities? 

And that's just the work God is doing through our church.  Wow God!  What a blessing it is to get a glimpse into God's bigger vision for reaching Bangkok and Thailand. And what a privilege it is to be involved!

Beach and Baptism

Friends from English class joined us at Bang Saen beach. 

Although not the same as the famous southern Thailand beaches, at an hour and a half away from Bangkok, this one is a perfect one-day get away. 

Under our tent-city, we could order food, buy beach toys, or just sit and relax.  

We couldn't enjoy the beach without enjoying some good sea-food...squid, muscles, and papaya salad!  (Can you guess my favorite...?)

Friends of all ages joined us, from an "Aunty" who has been retired for many years (third from the right) to Josiah, who at one and a half years old, we still had to keep from eating sand. 

The highlight of the day was definitely the N, who put her faith in Christ last week, was baptized!  It was perfect timing to make her proclamation to the world in God's beautiful creation.

Kyle, N, and me...so happy for the privelage to celebrate this special day together.

The Tennessee interns were very excited to celebrate with us too.

"I feel good." N told me afterward.  "I have peace in my heart."

Luckily Josiah didn't know that this man was selling cotton candy, otherwise he might not have let him keep going.  :)