*Cue Mulan Music* Hopefully you finish reading the blog by the time it’s over.
Ministry has easily made its way into everyday life, but always looks so different. This blog is devoted solely to telling you what exactly I’ve been doing and how God has been working through me and my passions.
In the Philippines, we were blessed to have many different ministry opportunities throughout the day. A major one being the children’s’ home. Here we were able to simply be with the kids and help the caregivers in any way possible. This also included leading bible study a few nights a week. Which was fun to bring a little bit of camp to these guys and worship with them.
Another opportunity was doing construction for a new high school they were beginning to build. These days consisted of a few hot hours mixing concrete or moving gravel. Although very physically demanding, it was fun to see the progress we made from the beginning of the month to the end. Some rad tan lines were also acquired during this time.
One of the coolest ministry options was being able to help Kids International Ministry with their daily feedings. Each day at 9am and 4pm, KIM sends a few people with a tub of a rice and protein mixture to different areas of the community. Each time we were greeted with so many smiles of the children in the community, but also many heartbreaks as often times this was the only food they received for the day. A very memorable experience was a day we went to a place called trash city. Here people had to make a living on top of complete garbage. I sat before the entrance with bucket of water and washed many hands of the children. At one point a mother out her child in front of me and said ‘bath.’ So there I sat giving this child it’s probably weekly bath.
But the incredible thing, was God was known there and the joy in their hearts was inspiring.
Last but not least was the pregnancy center, which is where I spent most of my time. Here I was able to be apart of daily check-ups of expecting mothers in the area. This include getting their blood pressure, temperature, and weight. As well as their fetal heart rate and fundal height. I loved being able to bring a little bit of my degree to use here.
Another cool opportunity with the center was being able to help with births. AND GOLLY GEE this was an incredible experience. Each birth I was able to do something a little different whether it was cutting the cord, bathing the newborn, or even catching the baby. But I loved being able to be with the mothers as they welcomed new life into the world.
I loved my time in the Philippines, but after a short bus ride and flight, I am now sitting in Chiang Mai. Here in Thailand ministry is something called Ask the Lord. Each day we are intentional about asking the Lord where He wants us for the day. Sometimes this looks like walking the streets and creating conversations with local or foreigners. Sometimes this is going to a temple and praying over the area or a simple prayer walk. Other times it may mean staying back at the hostel to catch yall up with what I’m actually doing here in Thailand. We have also had the chance to partner with an after school program here in Chiang Mai and hosts kids whos family is in the Red Light District. This includes spending time with the kids and talking with them and playing games as well as english lessons and bible studies.
The final ministry that looks similar each month is doing logistical things. Last month we planned a mini debrief in Manilla, Philippines. This month we’ve been planning a full debrief for the squad in Bangkok, Thailand. For this we find a hostel for the squad to stay in together, hotels for our incredible coaches and mentor. As well as transportation to the debrief and then after to our next country Malaysia.
And let me say, I have found so much more joy in doing logistical work than I thought I would and I am excited to continue to do this ministry continually throughout the Race.
Ministry doesn’t always mean a structured job or labor, but it has been so cool to see God in every area that we work. The opportunities before me have opened my eyes to so much more and I am excited to see God continue to work through me and my squadmates.
