It’s a Tuesday night. The sun has just begun to set. We put on our nicest dresses and boys swap out their Patagonia shorts for khakis. The pickup truck backs out and we all pile into the back. We are headed to Maejo University for christian club. And we’re absolutely completely totally unsure of what we’re about to walk into. Which, for the Worldrace is such a normality. Ha. Life man.
We walk onto the campus and it’s dark. Almost everyone has gone home for the day. One room on the fourth floor had an open door and the lights on. It stood out amongst the darkness. Little did I know that would be a theme for the entirety of my night.
Every Tuesday night 16 Thai college students come to dig into who Jesus is. They sit in a circle in a small room after hours. This is what they choose to spend their evening doing. They open with songs of praise. Each and every one of them singing with their eyes squeezed shut- so reverently reaching out to Our Father. It is awe inspiring. And convicting. Then one of them comes prepared to share a message. And they sit. And they talk. And they ask questions. And they spend the following hour spending time with one another and with Papa. It’s such a beautiful example of what the church is. Who we are as the church. It’s so much more than four walls.
Since 98% of the bible study was in Thai and since I’m not fluent yet, I spent my hour chatting with Jesus. I felt like He was calling me to pray prayers of strength and power and boldness over my new friends sitting on the floor all around me. And in the quiet He whispered one word-
Disciple.
And all of a sudden, things became so clear. Don’t they always with Him? These 16 friends are modern day disciples. In every form and fashion. They are few and far between but so clearly set apart. They have the deep hunger to know more. To share more. To be different. They want to stand out for the sake of the gospel. When they were asked what they want for us to pray for, they said one thing. That we would pray for their club that more people would want to come. And for their school that it changes for Christ. Woah. They as not just followers of Jesus. They are following after Jesus. Hard.
One of the conversations we had was about prayer. We went around the circle and answered the question of, “What do you think prayer is?” And many of us said well, it’s communication with the Father. Or something along the lines of that. And then she said it. And it shook all of us to our core. Convicted us even harder. She said, “To me, Praying is like how I need breath. It is something I need every moment of everyday.” And man oh man does she have it right. While it is communication with our creator- It is so much more. And my new Thai friends from Maejo University get that. They see and know our father so clearly. Its so evident in their speech and how they carry themselves.
So, My prayer is that you will join me. Friends and family from home. In covering these sweet friends in prayers of empowerment. Boldness. Confidence. And safety. Being a 19 year old Christian here looks very different than it does at college campuses back home. Its hard. There is persecution. And you are a minority. But, you are strong. And are truly anointed. These 16 have been called to be disciples and lead others in discipleship. So as brothers and sisters, let back them in their race that they are so clearly running so well.
Thailand is unearthly hot but also one of my favorite places on this big beautiful planet!!!!! He is so good. He is so faithful to bring me here. With that being said, Please prayerfully onside donating $5, $10, $1000 (;??? to my journey. To my life. This is life now. Thai christian club is a normal Tuesday night for me. And I believe with my entire being that it’s exactly where He has called me to be. So financial support would absolutely change the game right now since I’m roughly $3000 from my final goal and I have 1 month to raise the funds. It is hard to do it from oceans away. But I know the Fathers heart is for me to stay here. So please, give.
I love you all more than you ever know. This thanksgiving might look a little different considering its 90 degrees and Im celebrating with 85 Thai friends. But regardless, In this season Im abundantly thankful for all of you.
