My parents had the opportunity to come to Thailand for a week to get a glimpse of the World Race and partake in multi-generational ministry! A once in a lifetime experience and they seized every possible moment which created an unforgettable week! Hands down probably my favorite week on the race!
There was an abundance of home style comforts plus an abundance of ministry!
I am pretty sure during that week I had at least 2 fresh smoothies and a 90 minute massage daily. A new Thai wardrobe came into existence too, and I don’t think my squad mates could be more appreciative of that change! After some “normal” dining experiences (aka spending over $2 on a meal) plus a hair cut, I started to feel like a new man again. Refreshing week that had the feel of America in the middle of Chiang Mai!
More importantly what happened that week was an ABUNDANCE of ministry! Not going to hold anything back…. my parents completely DOMINATED relational ministry! I definitely learned a lesson or two on how to do life and invest in people that are already apart of your life.
My parents came to Thailand a couple days early and hit the ground running. Hitting up every major tourist thing to do in Northern Thailand. While doing life in Thailand they created relationships with people far from God. One in particular was a tuk tuk (taxi) driver, Korn, whose life will be forever changed because of my parents. They discovered Korn on their first day in Thailand and never looked back, calling upon him daily for all of their tuk tuk needs. Through Korn’s ever improving english speaking skills and my parents persistence of asking questions a friendship was created!
By the end of the week, our friendship with Korn was beyond any of our expectations! He came and had lunch with us one day. After numerous conversations about Korn’s daughter and seeing her picture on his phone, he brought her by one day so we could meet her! I think my mom about lost it that afternoon when we were sitting at a cafe table and Korn came in with his daughter. Also Korn choose to bring us to see his home and meet his wife as well! How crazy is that….in the span of 10 days in a foreign country, a country where people don’t typically invite people over….we got invited into his LIFE! Only God! Having effectively loved on Corm, shared the love of Jesus with Korn, and left knowing that Korn is that much closer to having a relationship with Jesus Christ! I could not ask for nothing more!
Korn and his daughter!
God worked through my parents in Thailand and altered someone’s life for Christ!
Korn is just one of many though! My parents built similar relationships with the people at the massage place, the laundry place, and with other parents that came to Thailand! All this was accomplished outside of the scheduled “ministry” time!
During the course of this week I definitely learned a ton in the power of relationship based ministry. That every conversation you have with anyone is either going to draw them closer to Christ, push them away, or leave them lukewarm. My parents demonstrated consistently how to draw people in and show them the love of Jesus! The best “ministry” is not necessarily during structure times or when you choose to serve at church or another organization but it is a LIFESTYLE!
Ministry is surrendering your plans and investing in the open door opportunities that are presented in everyday life. To go outside of your circle of comfort and extend love and grace to the people you have everyday encounters with. It is about engaging in relationships with the cashiers, waitresses, sales person, store attendant, or whomever God puts in your path that day.
Don’t underestimate the power of creating a relationship with someone…even if it is only for 10 days.
ABUNDANCE! That is how God showed up and showed out during the week in Thailand my parents came which is formally called Parent Vision Trip. I definitely gained a fresh perspective in the “vision” of reaching people far from God through a relationship!
Yes, I am very proud and grateful for my amazing parents!
