This past month we did ministry in Bangkok, Thailand! The month looked different because we did something called “manistry” and “womanistry,” which means all the men are on a team together, and all the girls are on teams together.
It was the first month I was on an all-girls team and I loved it! While I have enjoyed being on co-ed teams the past six months, it has been a lot of fun to spend the month with only girls. It has been emotionally and spiritually refreshing for me to have sister-bonding-time. There is another level of depth and freedom that comes from being on a team with the same gender and I’ve loved experiencing that.
From left to right: Julia, Lupita, Debbie, Carson, Taylor, Me, Mardie, and Gabe.
This month we worked with families who fled from their home countries due to religious persecution. We had the privilege of hearing their stories and being a part of their community while we were there. I was so encouraged and inspired by their stories and their love for the Father.
Many of them have been imprisoned, beaten, and persecuted for their faith. Religious persecution is something I have now witnessed the effects of first-hand and watched people’s lives be tremendously impacted by it.
Though their circumstances are hard, God’s word clearly says:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
I believe that the Lord will protect them and take care of them because of this promise. It was such an honor to spend a month with such a rich and loving community.
Our day to day ministry included teaching preschool to the younger kids (ages 2-6), teaching English to teenagers/adults, and doing home visits to encourage and pray for the families.
Preschool was fun, crazy, and exhausting! I was in charge of fun and games and I had so much fun with the kids! This is what a usual day at preschool was like during the fun and games part:
The kids are adorable and I love having fun with them!
Although not many of the people spoke English, I was able to bond a lot with the people in this community. Something I have learned since travelling around the world is – if you know how to have fun, you can build relationships with people even if you don’t speak the same language. Last month was a perfect example of building relationships through having fun.
I played soccer with the teenage guys several times throughout the month and bonded with them a lot just by playing a sport that we all love. We would all play soccer in the late afternoon and then go straight from the soccer field to the classroom for English class in the evening. It was so much fun!
At the end of the month, they had a going away party for us. They cooked delicious food and the whole community came together to say goodbye. I felt so honored by them.
After we finished eating, we started singing worship songs together. Before they began singing one of their songs, the translator announced “this song is about how we are all one family. No matter where we come from, we are all ONE in Jesus Christ.”
They began singing in their native language and it was the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. As I sat there and soaked in the Father’s presence, my sweet friend Debbie turned me and said,
“This makes me so excited for Heaven.”
I responded “I know, we are going to have so many friends in Heaven!”
She giggled and said “We are going to be so popular!”
That was one of the sweetest, most unforgettable moments of my life. I will never forget the love that was poured out on us this month. It was filled with so much fun, laughter, and love!
I will miss this community so, so much. They have forever impacted my life and will forever be in my heart.
