My, oh my, where has the time gone?!? It is hard to believe that we are a few days from leaving this wonderful place of Thailand and headed to Cambodia. It feels like our team just arrived and that there is still so much work to be done here. Our time here has been great and God has been at work as we help our contacts build relationships with children and encourage local churches.
(We built a bench out of bamboo)
So, you probably expect me to say that God is working in powerful ways here, and he is no doubt moving mightily, but I am also learning that it can be a true challenge to be a missionary here when spiritual blindness and darkness are rampant throughout this nation, especially the city of Ubon, where our team has primarily been located.
(Gotta love the little ones, and they love us. We signed a million autographs)
It is not that there are protests against Christianity or people do not get along. Thai people are super friendly, but the belief of animism is everywhere and people let this fear of good and evil spirits govern their everyday lives. Also, it is hard for people to accept Jesus into their hearts because this would cause great dishonor among their families, which is everything in their culture. Some of the few people who do claim the name of Jesus do so in order to become more “Westernized” or different, but do not truly understand “grace” and the “cost” associated with their belief.
(Life in the village. My teammates were jealous of my mosquito net/doghouse)
So, our team was prayer-driving around the city Monday, and the area we were driving around was completely dry and the sun was beaming down on us. My heart was being consumed with just how similar this was with how dry and blind our city of Ubon is spiritually, and how God was desperately crying out to a people who just were refusing to listen. I am amazed that these buddhist temples are everywhere, adorned in gold and protected by statues of lions and sorts, sparking similar contrast to the Israelites who worshipped the false idol of the golden calf (Ex. 32). These Buddhist monks have had their minds taken captive by a foolish philosophy that is filled with nothing but empty deceit (Col. 2:8). Their hearts have become darkened and they have exchanged true worship of God for foolish and silly idols of no value (Rom.1:21-23). 
(Preaching at an amazing little church)
As I rode on the side of the truck’s trunk (yes, transportation is not always the safest), the situation was looking pretty grim from my humanly perspective, as the heat shone, sweat began to pour and thirst set in. Then, all of a sudden, I started to realize just how strong the wind was hitting my face and body, as it had become so strong that it was almost knocking me backwards out of the truck without me even realizing it. The wind, symbolizing God’s power, was overpowering despite the hot and dry conditions, spiritually speaking as well. In that moment, it dawned on me that God was still the God of this city. The King of these people. The Lord of this Nation. His sovereign will was being accomplished, and even though I could not see it in every moment, his power and Spirit were being poured out over Ubon, and our prayers and ministry were being more abundantly filled than we could even possibly dream of (Eph. 3:20).
(We were blessed by Ma’s excellent cooking. Nothing too spicy!)
No, all blogs will not be totally uplifting and cheerful, but that is the reality of the world we live in. As I was praying and the wind hit my face, God was telling me that He was still in control. He was the light in this great darkness and our ministry was the spark to ignite these nations on fire for God. His glory does not depend on me or my ministry, however, I am blessed beyond measure to call myself the Lord’s servant and warrior.
(We did have snake one night for dinner. One word, bony, just like the frog. Not something I would like to have again, but the food overall has been great. Praise God for sticky rice haha!)
God’s voice is being heard here, and Christians, though few in number, are passionately in love with their Creator. Give me a few true and authentic brethren, rather than multitudes of lukewarm and flaky pretenders. Though we are on the frontline of spiritual warfare here, the true battle has already been won and the price paid with our Savior’s blood. I take refuge in the future (Rev. 7:9), yet I run the race now with all the endurance within me (Heb. 12:1).
(Cambodia)
Be praying for God to soften the hearts of those we encounter in Cambodia. Appreciate the prayers!
We learned the below song in Thai and sang it for church last Sunday. I am not sure if the congregation could understand what we were singing, but I know that they were at least moved by our effort!
