Thailand’s word for me was community. My team, my hosts, Thachatchai. God blessed me with rich community last month and spoke to me louder about what community in his kingdom looks like.
It looks like servings those around you, even when you don’t want to or feel under appreciated. It looks like dropping personal barriers and not being offendable. It looks like sacrifice for others. It looks like picking up neighbors when a tsunami warning is issued. Community looks like a safe environment for vulnerability, the kind that allows for hearts to open and grown women to share their deepest and darkest sins with each other, and see how God redeems and blesses that confession. Community looks like lunches and dinners eaten at Ting’s laughing about old memories, and talking about the Lord’s presence in Thailand.
Dana and Cindy’s obedience to God’s calling to live in Thailand still amazes me, especially when I get tired and homesick after 8 months of being away. Seeing the way they intentionally put the entire community before themselves and love them all the best they can revealed to me how much more love I am capable of with Jesus. Stepping into the village that they have already loved on, and being able to soak and give in to that through service was such a blessing. Raking jungle leaves and painting a church have never been so satisfying, knowing it is all Jesus’ love.
I had the honor of being immersed in a rich sisterhood last month as well. The Lord revealed hurt and chains that sill had a hold of my heart, and set me free, to further be the woman I am in him. He allowed hearts to open and soften with his love, so that we could push each other to be more like Christ. I believe this is just a taste of what community looks like too. Just an appetizer for what God has for all of his children. He believes in community, so much. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – all as one in community.
I cannot express how beautiful Thailand is, and the print the Lord has left upon my heart from last month. I am so thankful for his blessings and the opportunity to be a part of the movement of his heavens.
