Here I am, sitting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. My face is dripping, my body is sticky and I sometimes find myself praying, “Jesus, please be a rain drop or central air…” However, I have learned to embrace this. But what exactly am I doing this month in Thailand? Well, I am on the Unsung Heroes (UH) team… again. UH is all about finding new ministries and supporting them whether through prayer, blogs, or being able to partner with them to send racers there in the future. It is a month of relying on the Lord and letting Him guide you each day. Really, it is an amazing opportunity to be able to hear the hearts of missionaries who have left everything behind to further the Kingdom here in Chiang Mai (CM). It all sounds wonderful, but if I am being honest, I was less than thrilled to be doing it again this month.
When I imagined what I would be doing in Thailand, I thought I would be working in the red light district, talking with those currently being trafficked or working at a safe house with those who were formerly prostituted. I thought I would be able to hear powerful testimonies of how Jesus brought freedom in their lives and that I would be able to witness and further that. So as you can imagine, my expectations and anticipation of what this month would be like were let down at that moment. Then, I got here and realized that people were not lying when they said that Thailand was hot. It feels like it is 95 degrees out with 100% humidity every single day. You can step out of the shower and immediately be filled with sweat again. This, coupled with the “let down” of expected ministry, started off my month with uncertainty. As you can see, it was NOT love at first sight.
It wasn’t long before I recognized my heavy heart and made the decision to give all of my disappointments, expectations and frustrations up to the Lord. Once I surrendered all of these to Him, my eyes were opened and I had a fresh perspective and positive outlook for this month. Our first day of ministry started out with a meeting right off the bat. We met with a man who is a part of an organization called Asians for Christ. Their ministry is aimed at sharing the Gospel with people from the Lisu tribe, while approaching them with grace and cultural practices they respect (used as a common ground to share). I also got to meet two women of God from a church service we attended and hear what they are doing in CM. They each have beautiful hearts and a passion to see revival in this broken place. We have been able to hang out with them a few times and build relationships through fun activities, intercession and common interests.
No, I am not working with victims of sex trafficking, doing prison ministry or even playing with kids in the slums. But I have gotten to see God work in crazy intricate ways that have aligned us with so many different ministries throughout northern Thailand. Sometimes you realize that ministry does not always have to be with a certain group of impoverished people; but it can be as simple as fellowship and discipling other missionaries here in CM. God has torn down the walls in my heart and has exposed it to the beauty and love that Thailand and the people here have to offer. I know this is just the beginning of what all He has for me and my team this month and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
*Be sure to keep an eye out for my next blog about the Garden of Hope: a ministry dedicated to providing holistic care to women and children who are/have been exploited, abused or at risk for trafficking.
Team Victorious Secret
