Greetings from Thailand!
This is actually our last day here, but before we left I had wanted to give you a quick update.
Things have been going really well. It’s been so hard being away, but God keeps reminding me of why I am here and how He has called me to this. Month one was so good. I find myself everyday thinking back to month one really missing the country and people. It definitely made its way into my heart. In the Philippines, I was able to work at a children’s home. We loved on the kids, played games with them, taught them about Jesus, and took them swimming. I had the privilege of delivering two beautiful babies. It was such a sweet moment, something I will never forget. I was able to love on the mothers and minister to them. I worked in the birthing clinic where we would give mothers checkups, I bathed a few babies, I learned so much. I had the opportunity to go into the slums every day to pass out food and share the truth of God’s Word and what He has done in my life. I spoke at women’s bible studies, I shared Jesus with the kids. Moments like that are what I live for. I saw so many hurting people, I saw things I had never saw before. I felt broken, I wanted to do more. My heart ached seeing the way people lived and how little they had but man the joy that they had was so refreshing. Regardless of their living circumstances, regardless of what they had or didn’t have they didn’t let that determine their joy. It was so sweet. I learned so much about genuine, lasting joy just by watching the children live life. They were always smiling and full of so much laughter. It lite up my heart. Outside the community where we stayed I was also able to build relationships with the street kids. These children are so near and dear to my heart. The first time I met them was at Bible study were I instantly fell in love with each of them. Every day they would wait outside the gate for us, where we would hang out with them. When I would walk up and down the streets they would yell my name and come running to me with arms open wide ready to receive a hug. Seeing them and the excitement that ran across their face when they saw me made me realize just how good our God is. I am so thankful for the moments we spent together and the times God gave me to speak into their lives.
Month two looked a little different. We were together with our whole squad in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This month we didn’t exactly have a set ministry to work with. Thankfully I had connections from back home and was able to work with them for the month. It was such a blessing. I worked at TawSaeng which is an after- school program for children located in the red-light district. We did crafts, taught them the Bible, went ice skating, and taught them English. While working at TawSaeng I was able to meet a dear sister in Christ, Angela. She was such an inspiration and I loved that me and my team were able to get to know her and build a friendship with her. Overall this month looked a lot like building relationships and loving on people. I did construction, I had the privilege of talking to a deaf person, I talked to monks at the temple, I went into the red-light district and brought light into the darkness, I interceded for Chiang Mai. So many people in this city are hurting and are in need of Jesus. Please remember them in prayer with me.
It’s hard to believe that we are already heading into month three. In the morning, me and my squad will travel twenty plus hours by train to Malaysia. Please pray for safe travels and that we are able to get a sufficient amount of rest so we can be prepared for our ministry when we arrive in Malaysia. In the next few days I will be posting about month three so stay tuned. Love you all and am so thankful for the work the Lord has been doing not only in each country but in my life as well.
God bless,
Calin
Prayer Request:
- Pray for our dear friend Angela. Last week she was in a car accident and for the last several days has been in the hospital. This morning she was able to come home so we praise Jesus for that but we still want to remember her in prayer as she continues to heal.
- Pray for one of the little girls at TawSaeng named Faa. This week they found out that she has a tumor behind her eye. Pray for total healing and that when they remove the tumor, it won’t be cancerous and that the removal won’t impair her vision.
- Lastly please pray for safe travels as we head to Malaysia.
