Happy LOVE Day

LOVE is on our minds.  Even in Thailand. 

We gathered to show God's LOVE. Sure, it was a Valentine party. But really, we gather like this every week, and our intentions are the same. 

This Friday night, five countries were represented.  Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, and none-of-the-above. Prostitutes, computer techs, missionaries and som tam vendors.  Mothers in wedlock, mothers out of wedlock.  Students, kids, retired people.  Lesbian, gay, single, married....the list could go on and on.

But our similarities outnumber our differences. We are all God's creation. We are all in need of his LOVE and mercy.  We are all sewn into God's plan, whether we like it or not. 

Earlier in the week, during English class, I asked students to complete the following sentence about their life.

"It wasn't part of my plan to..."

My student from Japan continued, "...get married in Thailand."
My student who came in late said, "...sleep in so long this morning."
Another shared, "...be in an accident." 
"...see the sidewalk sign for English class."
"...have foreign friends." 

What if God uses that sidewalk sign and those foreign friends to forever alter a life's "plan."  Am I ready for that?  Am I ready to adjust my plan so that His plan of LOVE can shine forth?

One year ago we were just throwing around the idea of English classes.  There was no coffee shop.  We had no pastor.  We knew a handful of students, but none of them were involved in a small group Bible study.  M, P, N, A, P, and G weren't Christians. 

When I am reminded of God's plan, I am in awe.  To try to take credit for any part of those things happening would be ludicrous. 

What if in the next year some of my students could say, "It wasn't part of my plan to meet God, but I did, and He is AWESOME!"

So this Valentine's Day, an expanded idea of LOVE is on my mind.  LOVE that  can see ahead to the bigger picture.  LOVE that counters my plan and pushes on towards His.  LOVE that spans the differences, so that He can be treasured more deeply.

From Sister to Sister

BJD students enjoying dinner together.

7 Months Ago...

"A new girl is joining us at BJD."  One staff member told me.

"Have you met our new BJD sister?"  A student asked.

"She came last night."  Another student added.

"She's kinda quiet."  A third pitched in.

After two days of hearing about our new mystery student, I finally met P. 

As warned, I only got a few words out of her.  And I felt like I was pushing just to get that many.  I took the hint, tried to give her a warm welcome and then gave her some space.  Understandably, a dorm of 15 girls who know each other well and like to laugh loud, could be a bit overwhelming.

As time went on all the girls and I invited P to lunch, invited her to dinner, invited her to the market, invited her to watch TV, invited her to sit and chat, but P declined each invitation.  She preferred to spend time alone or sleeping.  "She's a tough one." An outside friend warned. 

We weren't daunted.

By month two, we knew the answer would be "no" before an invitation was extended, but we kept inviting.  I don't know if it was more of a cultural thing, or if it was our only way to try to make P feel included, but we did.  Maybe what gave us hope was that every once in a while, in a long long while, she would agree to join.  Probably because she had run out of food in her room, but the reason didn't matter to us. 

On arrival at BJD, P wore a Buddhist bracelet around her thin wrist.  The bracelets are  given for long life and good luck.  I'm not really sure when, but it eventually disappeared.

And she, like all students at the dorm, attended Bible class twice a week.  While she showed up grudgingly at first, God, like he so often does, was at work. 

This past week he did something really special.

"It's hard to explain, but there were many things.  The main thing is that I know is that God loves me a lot, more than anyone else in the world."  P shared.

P has gone from dorm sister to eternal sister.  We are all praising God and celebrating with her!

This morning while eating breakfast together, our younger sister joked along with all the other girls.  Smiles extended around the table.  Christ's freedom and joy was abounding. 

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.

Wonderful Whirlwind ABCs (Part 1)

whirlwind (hwûrlwnd) noun : 2. a confused rush

That's the best word to describe the past couple of months for me.  It has been a wonderful confused rush.  Really wonderful.

A Biasi family tradition is to remember a time by making a summary by choosing a word for each letter of the alphabet.  So here's my alphabet summary:

A - Ahan (Thai for "Food").  Lots of delicious, home-cooked American and Thai food. 

Grandma and me making bagels.

B - Boiling Bagels and Baking pies, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and holiday desserts.

C - China.  A quick stop in China to visit my friend Adrienne was an encouragement to us both.

Downtown Shanghai, China.

D - Decorating for Christmas.  It's been a few years since I have gotten to help put up the Christmas decorations and decorate the tree.  This year reminded me of my kid years of decorating, at almost everything I pulled out of the box, I exclaimed, "Oh, wow, it's so beautiful!  I forgot
about this one!  Look at this!"

E - Elephant, White Elephant.  Christmas at Community Bible Church wouldn't be complete without our White Elephant gift exchange.  Many laughs and another fun experience to share with a few international friends. 

Brother, me and Auntie at Christmas.

 F - Family.  The holidays were made extra special by the fact I got to spend them with my family.

G - Gathering.  Part of Thai culture is to bring small gifts back for your friends when you return from traveling.  This trip I had some special requests: beef jerky, taco seasoning, Almond Joy candies bars, sparkly lip gloss, and snow.  (Yes, I brought some snow back too...in plastic form.)

H - Hosting and Hospitality.  Each was visit special whether I was the host or I was being blessed by the wonderful hospitality of good friends.

First time gingerbread house engineers!

I - International Students.  Trips to the grocery store, mingling with 50+ people for Sunday Dinners, sharing holiday traditions like cutting down a Christmas tree and building gingerbread houses all made for great memories.

J - not Justify Just enJoy.  A relief and praise this visit was the freedom God gave me to enjoy the fact that I have two worlds.  I can enjoy my American world without feeling guilty or like I
have to justify my American home.

K - Kids' Sunday School.  When I got to share about Thailand for the kids' Sunday School class, we learned a few Thai words, about the 10-40 Window, and how the kids can be missionaries in their own city.

L - Life Care.  I got meet many people and share my testimony with the elderly people during the weekly church gathering. 

Taking turns cutting down the tree.

M - Mountains where Christmas trees live!  This was a first for the Chinese and Japanese student we brought along. 

N...

Next week part 2 


Thank you so much for your hospitality while I was in the States.  It was so good to visit with so many friends!

Vegetables, but Something More Important

It was a special day.  

The yellow banners in the market reminded our eyes.  And our noses quickly led us to the delicious aromas coming from stall after stall.  The annual Vegetarian Festival is primarily celebrated by Thai-Chinese who are wanting to cleanse their bodies from all meat and dairy to please their god.  However, everyone seems to enjoy the delicious dishes. 

This opened another conversation with one of my Thai friends with Chinese heritage...

"Why didn't your sisters come to church today?" I asked Lin.
"They had to go with my mom to the Chinese temple." She responded.
"Do they go every Sunday?"
"No, today is the first day of Tesagan Jae."
"The Vegetarian Festival, right?" 

"And what do they do at the temple?" 

"Pray to our god.  Today we celebrate because he comes to earth for the festival time." 

"What does he do on earth?" 

"Ummm...I don't know.  I guess to spend time among the people."

I asked if I could ask more, and with permission, our conversation continued on to her family's beliefs about sin, getting rid of it; heaven, getting there; god, and the unreachable standard of good he demands.  

After listening attentively, I was still confused.  And the more Lin tried to explain, the fewer answers she seemed to have. 

Lin has heard the gospel before (and again today as we talked), but still stands unsure, somewhere caught in between the pulls of family, a religion she doesn't really understand but grew up with, and the offer of a relationship with the world's Creator. 

Yummy vegetarian food!

A Fun First

    

Turbo speaking (and me translating) Sunday morning.

One thing about translating is that you must (at least I must) become a lot more familiar with the material than you would if your only responsibility was to listen.  Some points that stood out to me...

*There are about 360,000 Christians in Thailand, that's 0.58% of the population.

*Of those believers, about 150,000 of them are in tribal villages, which means only about 0.35% of Thai-speaking Thais are Christians. 

To put this in perspective, if you walk around Bangkok and meet 300 people, statistics show that only one of those will be a true Christ-follower.   

Doesn't that put some urgency into sharing the gospel.  

And when we share it, do we share like it is a chore or like news that we had just won the lottery?  (Cause isn't eternal life even greater than that?!)

We both had a lot of fun and are already asking when the next time will be.