Back in October I was in Thailand. I was in the city of Chaing Mai. I loved my time there. It was an enriching experience interacting with missionaries from the Western World.
Throughout the month I got to know their story and how they had been stirred by the Lord to ship off to Thailand. I was so moved by their deep level of abandonment.
Abandonment is defined by:
“a thorough yielding to natural impulses;
to give up the control or influence of another person or agent;
and to withdraw protection, support, or help from”
For us in the Western World, in Canada, we have been blessed to be born into a country rich in resources, education, health, safety and the list goes on.
We have the capacity to walk through life without having a hungry stomach based on poverty. We also don’t have to worry about not having a roof over our head. We can save our money….not to mention we have the ability to have a reliable job. A guaranteed salary, more or less.
When I interact with missionaries from Ireland, Australia, Canada, and USA who have committed their time, resources, life to the people of Thailand, I am moved. They have shipped off and said “Lord your will be done.”
They have abandoned the idea of a comfortable, safe and so called “secure” life. The “ideal” steps in life. You know them well. Graduate high school. Go to university or college. Get a job. Rise in the ranks. Get a better pay. Find a spouse. Have a mortgage.
Have kids. Go on vacation a couple times a year. Save for Retirement. Retire. Then live the rest of your life at the cottage.
It goes something like that.
One week in Thailand, myself and two other girls on my team were chosen to work at Niki’s Place Agape Home. It is an orphanage for abandoned and primarily HIV/AIDS victim children
The lady and gentleman who founded and continue to run the ministry are Roy and Avis Rideout.
They are both in there seventies and are from a small outpost in Newfoundland called Triton.
They both look young for their age, they are energetic, passionate, work hard and are filled with joy.
Here is the link to their story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UspTFxgMNoE
You may be moved to tears. I cried. Their story leaves me inspired and questioning my level of abandonment and commitment to the Lord’s will.
Wasn’t their story so inspiring? Doesn’t it have so many levels of the Holy Spirit’s leading? Isn’t it filled with a deep love?
Before we left on Friday October 16th, Malorie, Hannah and I got to hear more of Avis’s story. She had told us that a book will soon be published about her life. An Australian woman came to Agape to record her and her husband’s story for seven months.
Avis turned to us and asked, “ What do you think I called it?”
We all three were clueless.
It’s titled, “I could have missed it.”
Avis told us how God had called her when she was six to be a missionary. It was a deep, burning desire to set off overseas. She had things stacked against her. A discouraging family, no money and no degree. However she didn’t let that dissuade her. She obediently followed the Lord’s guidance and believed in His provision. She abandoned “her” view to listen to His view.
To Avis and Roy, missionaries in Chaing Mai and around the world, I am inspired by you. I am encouraged by your testimony of taking a resolute stance in following the Lord despite the obstacles.
God Bless,
Clare
