Tucked within a small settlement on the outskirts of Mae Sot, Thailand sits a long concrete building. A few windows sprinkle the walls and the tin roof provides the structure’s only color. The building is not much to look at and certainly wouldn’t attract attention. But inside is a priceless treasure.
The school hosts eighty-two elementary students. Seventy-nine of these are Buddhist, the other three Muslim. But the three teachers and headmasters who work there are Christian, and they have a true heart for these gorgeous kids.
One of the teachers there, Marian, has a bright smile and a huge heart. She has given her life and talents to serving these children, giving them both an education and a beautiful example of Christ’s love.
Despite her family’s failing health and her inability to visit with them in Myanmar, Marian has a joy that is contagious.
She beams as she talks about her faith. Her eyes light up with excitement when she learns that we, too, are Christians and are in the area to speak with people and to show them Jesus. She’s thankful for our visit and for our prayers.
What Marian doesn’t realize is that she’s impacted more lives than just her students. Her love for the children, her desire to share Christ’s love, her obedience to follow Him wherever He leads has impacted me as well.
She is bringing joy to a place that chases momentary satisfactions and everlasting love to a community that knows only the temporary. And she brought hope to my heart today.
Marian is showing the world what it means to be a Christ follower, a lover of those He loves and a giver of herself. Even in the midst of darkness, His light shines.
I’m pretty sure just the thought of her brings a smile to Jesus’ face.
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
