Something that God has taught me day in and day out is that He is in control. He is in control of every position I’m put into and He is ultimately in control of what is to come.
Recently, my squad was informed that instead of staying in Thailand for 3 months as planned, we are going to be spending the third month in Cambodia. I am very sad to be leaving this amazing ministry and loving family but I’m so very excited to see what God has in store for Cambodia. Although this is so bitter-sweet, God has non stop been telling me that He is in control. I know without a shadow of doubt that His plan will far exceed any expectation I have.
So you may be wondering what the heck I have been doing these past 2 weeks? Well, I’m here to tell you!
Two weeks ago we held a week long summer camp type thing for a school of 14-18 year olds with about 25 students. The days included playing sports, sharing the Gospel, teaching bible stories, playing games, giving testimonies, singing karaoke and LOTS of laughter!! My team and I were able to build relationships with not just the students but with the teachers as well. It was such an amazing experience being around older kids and having them thirst to know more about our Creator.
So after a week long summer camp, our pastor took us to help out at a family camp at the zoo about 4 hours away. This was a family camp for Christian families to come and worship together, grow together and experience God in new ways. I would say there was approximately 150 families from ALL over Thailand that attended this family camp. 150 may not seem like a lot but Thailand’s population is over 95% Buddhist so being surrounded by this many Christian families is not a common occurrence. I can’t tell you how refreshing it was to be surrounded by this many Christians and seeing God’s love amongst them all!
While the adults were in sessions and teachings, my team was in charge with taking care of the children. We sang songs, played games, did crafts and ate snacks together. The love in these kid’s hearts overflowed and spilled out so much joy onto my team and I. I feel so honored to have been able to experience God in this way and see just how vast He really is.
From the zoo, we took a 7 hour bus ride to debrief which was in Pattaya Beach. Debrief is a time to rejuvenate, refill and rest. We will have a debrief in the middle of each month with our entire squad so we can talk about what God has been doing through our teams and how He is moving. I had no idea what to expect going into in but like always, God went above and beyond.
To be honest, I didn’t know how much I needed this week until I arrived. I went into debrief with the assumption that I was just going to sit through boring sessions all day long and rest occasionally. I went into debrief with a negative attitude and thought it was going to be absolutely pointless. I thought what I was doing was good enough and that I didn’t need anything to change in my heart. (Ironic because it was just what I needed. Obviously)
Debrief was everything I needed and more. It was filled with worship, community, sessions and one on ones with our amazing mentors that flew from the states to our debrief. (also hot showers, beds, ac, toilets and American food) I was encouraged, inspired and filled back up. I wasn’t just filled back up with rest, I was filled back up spiritually. The Holy Spirit was oh so present and was working in my heart in more ways than one. God is so cool and knows just what I need before I even know I needed it.
Few things I learned.
- Being active in listening prayer with God is necessary day in and day out. I need to take time to be quiet and listen.
- Expect the unexpected always. When you meet with The Divine, you will have divine appointments.
- I have to first let God work in me, so He can work through me. Walking in the spirit and giving everything up to the Lord.
Well and now here I am, back home in the village of Sikhoraphum. My team and I have about 8 more days here and then we are off to Cambodia for a new adventure with The Lord! This is going to be a HUGE transition for my whole squad with a lot of unknowns. I know that we are all fully trusting in God and knowing that he is bigger than all of this.
Prayer requests:
My whole squad as we prepare our hearts for this huge transition.
For my host family and their church that they will be able to grow closer to God and expand His Kingdom.
For grace, understanding and patience in miscommunications with the language barrier.
Last but not least, prayers for safe travels to Cambodia!
Love you all so much!
Bethany
