Hi!
Here’s some updates on my month in THAILAND!
My team is on the island of Phuket just steps away from Patong Beach. We’re pretty lucky.
This month we’re working with the Nelsons. They’re a family from California. They have previously been missionaries to the Philippines and are now in Thailand. They run one of the very few churches here in Phuket and also provide free English lessons to the community. They use the English class as a resource to do more ministering and to love on the community that they live in. They’ve developed some amazing relationships with the people who live nearby and it’s cool to take part in that this month. When we’re not teaching English were baking yummy things to take to friends around the island just to encourage them and let them know they’re being prayed for each day. Another big part of ministry is volleyball! I can’t play. At all. But that’s ok because beach volleyball has been yet another way this family reaches out into the community and makes friends with anyone and everyone. They kinda remind me of my mom, lol. But it’s really cool to go play volleyball on Wednesday night, meet some pretty cool people and see them in church on Sunday morning. It’s a completely different approach but it works here and it’s awesome!
This being an island, we work on island time. Meaning that ministry doesn’t usually start until 6 pm or later. And I usually crawl in bed around 3 am. It’s been an adjustment to the rest of the race schedule I’ve been put on and it’s definitely going to take some time recovering from. But this month has been a lot of fun so far. What makes it even better is our host family themselves. I won’t lie, being around more Americans is kind of refreshing. It’s also cool to see how some of our own take on international missions full time. Joe and Sarah Nelson have 4 kids; Joey, Jacob, Tyler and Marissa. I’ve become pretty close with Jacob, Tyler and Marisa. Tyler and Marisa especially. Tyler reminds me of my little brother, Stephen. So it’s a lot of fun to be around him. Marissa is the little sister I never had. We’re basically besties now Leaving this family in just a couple weeks is going to feel like leaving my real family all over again.
Please remember this family in your prayers. I know first hand now how hard it is to be away from family and home and they do it full time. Pray for their finances, resources, over all health and success here in their community. Another thing you can pray for is Thailand as a whole. Thailand is one of the largest sex trafficking and prostitution hubs in the world. Just a few days ago I got to walk down the infamous Bangla Rd and I walked out crying. Girls literally walked around with signs expressing which nationality they are. They danced on bars as men didn’t bat an eye at them until they were ready to go. Some women were put up for display and nothing more. And their faces showed how much they did not want to be there. Sex trafficking is a real thing. And it’s a very large problem. Not just here but all over the world. These girls are devalued and dehumanized. They’re forced into slavery, even if by choice, because it’s the only way they know how to survive. They have no hope and they need Jesus. Please, pray for them. Sometimes that’s the most you can do, but Jesus is the absolute best thing you could ever do for them.
Now awkwardly transitioning, if you read my last blog you know that I’ve been struggling with whether or not to continue the race. As much as I’ve loved this month, it’s been a real thing. But I’ve chosen to stay. I’ve chosen to continue and finish what the Lord has asked me to do. That’s not always an easy decision to stick with everyday, but I am. I know that asking for your help is asking a lot, especially with my uncertainty. But I ask that you take a chance on me. Believe that you’re sowing into someone who is at least honest enough to admit where I’m at, but also strong enough to keep going. I have 23 days to raise just under $4500. Please, if you believe in me I ask that you show me through your support of my mission. Please donate, any amount to keep me on the field.
I love all of you. I wish you a very Merry Christmas! God bless!
