Thailand was quite the experience for me. From the breath-taking landscape to the culture dominated by Buddhism and “saving face”, God used this month to really shape my perspective and challenge me.
The ministry we were a part of is called Lighthouse in Action.
So where do I fit into this ministry? Great question!
This month we supported the Prevention part of the ministry, which means we got to be involved with the local community. A short walk from the hostel we lived at was the slums of Chiang Mai. Every weekday we went out to play with the children there and build relationships with their families as well. We then hosted a Vacation Bible School (VBS) of sorts and taught them lessons on who God is, how to talk with Him and how to ask Him into their hearts as their Lord. This was so much fun! We got to share the gospel, love on people and prayer walk throughout their little community.
The other part of our ministry involved chatting with monks at nearby temples and building relationships with them as well. You would be surprised at what that ministry looks like in reality versus expectations, at least I was. Some monks were formerly American Pastors, Jewish Rabbis, and Atheists (ironically, some still claim to be). All of these men had one thing in common, they were searching for truth and hope. The best part? I happen to know Truth and Hope personally! Getting to share that, along with my team was sometimes super difficult, but an often exciting part of ministry this month.
If would like to know more about this ministry or help support them, please check out their website!
This month I got sick with a Salmonella infection followed by a bad cough. Through that God really worked a lot in my heart in many ways. After a lot of prayer in antibiotics I am fully healed!
For all of you prayer warriors, THANK YOU. Your intercession and support has made this ministry not only possible but effective. May God bless and keep all of you who help make this ministry possible.
Stay tuned on Facebook for a video of what a travel day looks like on the World Race as we made our way from Thailand to our next country Malaysia!
Yours in Christ,
Andy
