The days of staying in Thailand thus far have been so hospitable. This part of our leg to Thailand we had the privilege to work with a ministry of YWAM (Youth with a Mission). We stayed at their housing in Bangkok…great showers, hard beds (but that is the way many Thai mattresses areJ), a marketplace right around the corner to get food and internet at our disposal, and an amazing view of the surrounding town from the rooftop (perfect for prayer and quiet times)! We also were trained in a 2 ½ hour seminar giving us input on Thai life, customs and other helpful insights such as ordering food and equipping us with a cheat sheet of Thai vocabulary as to make our stay a bit easier to communicate!
YWAM also provided our ministry/church sites for all of our team to work along with. And after an eight hour bus ride team Ignite landed in Sikhoraphum at 5:30 am Friday morning. We were greeted by pastor Sutad‘s friendly smile, were shown our housing and we were able to catch a few hours sleep before the daybreak really occurred. That day seemed to fly by! Breakfast—rest—lunch—pastor Sutad’s testimony—rest—dinner—and then attended a cell group (small group bible study) at a home. That night I was flooded with memories of my time in Brazil eight years ago. The Lord really showed me back then that He crosses all cultural barrier s and that His spirit can be seen and felt anywhere despite our language differences. I had the best worshiping times and feeling of His presence when I was in a Portuguese speaking church. And in the small Thai home I was again overwhelmed with God’s love and presence during worship time. The pastor and his cell group worshiped with such a heart of praise and passion. This spurred me on and was an encouragement to my spirit.
The next days were our opportunity to be servants to the neighborhood and church. We found ourselves leading VBS and teaching English lessons to the Compassion International kids of that area. It meant a lot to work with this amazing organization that feeds tutors and presents the Gospel to the needy children all over the world. Also, it was plain fun to see our team singing songs, dancing around with hand motions, giving a bible lesson, and playing games such as the limbo, the number game and fruit in a basket with over 60 kids. I am finding it encouraging that we as a team have enough creativity and insight into the minds of children to come up with our own VBS material. But in reality God is truly the one who is living in us and outpouring His creativity, we just get to tap into it and let it pour out.
On Sunday, the Sunday school service with the youth and women, along with the main service was ours to plan. Molly, Traci and I talked with the women about living a praise filled life, Aaron helped lead worship, and Seth did the preaching to the whole church about community. I t was a true honor to be presenting our hearts through a message. After the service we ate lunch together. It so reminded me of one of the smaller home churches, Harvest House, and our potluck Sundays. What a great time for food and fellowship.
With only a few days of Thailand under my belt, I know that I know and have experienced very little. I can walk to the shops, point and order food from the market, say thank you and hi in Thai, and give a loving smile to everyone I encounter. But one thing is for sure is that the Pastor Sutad, his family, and the church love the Lord with their whole hearts. Their joyful, peaceful presence has defiantly spurred on my faith. And for that I am grateful.
