This past month of February, my team was given the chance to teach english at a small village in the Chaiyaphum province of Northeastern Thailand. As a group of six, two were needed to teach 1st-3rd grade, another two to teach 4th-6th grade, and a final two to teach the teachers. Our assignment was to improve the english speaking ability of the teachers and students. After a few shoulder shrugs, and awkward glares between my team-mates and I, Brittany and I enthusiastically volunteered to teach the teachers. Little did we know that God would use this decision in an incredible way.
For three days out the week we spent two hours with the teachers. Teaching them how to properly greet someone, how to ask others about their weekend, the difference between past, present, and future tense, you know all the important english stuff. In such a short time we saw quick improvements in our teachers. At the beginning of the month some were not able to say “Hello, how are you?” but in a week many were able to hold a short conversation. It was remarkable!
As the month went by we were able to get to know each of our teachers personally. On several occasions two teachers by the name of Pranee and Dit would invite us over for dinner. Promising us delicious Thai food and cold drinks. Each visit was filled with hearty laughs and pleasant discussions. For there to be a language barrier we somehow had such wonderful conversations. In their broken english they would tell us about their lives and in our simplified english we would tell them about ours. Relationships were built. Lasting friendships were created. Love was the center and it’s exactly what God had in mind.
As their friends our team and I wanted so badly for them to know why we were there. We would say things to them like “God brought us here” “Jesus loves you” “We love you because Jesus loves you”. Most times they would nod their head and say yes…yes but we knew they didn’t really understand. These women were of the Buddhist belief. They didn’t understand the concept of God. Many had never heard of Jesus before. None I believe had ever heard the Gospel. Countless times we would pray for an opportunity to share the gospel with them. Hoping for a chance for them to hear the story of Jesus. Well guys I am here to tell you that our God is faithful.
The day before our last day at the school God orchestrated an appointed time to share the Gospel. It was perfect. Like any other day we began our lesson. This day however we began with vocabulary; asking the teachers how certain words were pronounced and the definition of the word. As the lesson progressed the Lord laid on our heart to put the word God on the whiteboard. After that we put creator. Then we put sin. As soon as we recognized the atmosphere among the teachers did not change, we knew that the Holy Spirit was in the room and it was time to share the Gospel. With God’s leading that’s what we did. From the fall of man in the garden of eden to Jesus’s call to believe in him; we shared. It was incredible. We even heard one teacher whisper under her breath “Thank You Jesus”.
Oh what a mighty God we serve. He loves his children so dearly. His heart for the lost is so compassionate. He will do anything to show his love toward us. He will even send a few missionaries from a thousand miles away to let one know he cares. Oh how GREAT his love is towards us. I am reminded of the scripture that says “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them” Psalms 8:4
He cares for us yall. He cares for you. Please be reminded of that. He cares for you. It says in 1 Peter 5:7 That we can cast all of our cares on him because he cares for us. Be encouraged my friends. There is a God that cares for you. A son he sent to die for you in order for you to have life and to have it more abundantly.
Lord I pray that your love will become clear to your children. I pray that your love will tear down the walls that surround our heart. Gain access to our harden hearts and soften them up lord. Forgive us for building those walls and blocking you out. We love you Lord. Amen
Thanks for reading!
P.S. My final financial marker is here (PRAISE HIM). I need to raise $4800 in order to meet my final deadline. Please consider making a donation to make this happen. For Example:
50 people x $96= $4800
100 people x $48= $4800
-Craig
