“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.” -1 Timothy 4:7
(I felt like everything was in chaos. I was running across a dam with balls of fire coming down all around me, and I could not get away. But then I saw bridge that crossed over to what looked like a dome building. Shelter. Protection, in which I was so ecstatic to see. As I run, the grounds shakes but I make it to the door and fling it open. As I enter I see him, Poppa John, he was a light in the darkness. I ran and hugged him as tight as I could and he asked if I wanted to go HOME, and as I thought about it, I replied yes. He has this look of understanding but turned his head slightly over to a door as if to show me something. As I looked at the door I felt an overwhelming feeling of peace in my heart, knowing things will be alright, and there was so much more God had in-store for me, it was not time to go HOME.)
You see, Poppa John, a longtime family friend and someone I considered like a father, had passed away a year before that. He has always been a wonderful influence in my life and many others that have had the privilege to meet him. I not only have been able to work with him the last 7 years prior, but he was also my Muay Thai Kickboxing instructor since 7th grade. Beside his children, my sister, brother, and I were one of his first students in which he taught out of his home, and then he later started teaching at my home church opening it up for the community. His love for God’s people, Muay Thai, and Thailand was evident. He was known as “The Flame” not because of his flaming red hair, but because of the love for God, His people, and Muay Thai burned bright in his heart.
Ever since I heard I would be going to Thailand on the World Race, I have been extremely excited. Not only to do ministry but it also to see the culture in which he loved and hopefully see a Professional Thai fight or find a gym. Guess I was looking for something more that would remind me of him.
Time passed by in Thailand and no gym to be found and no fight to be see. I was encouraged the first couple of weeks getting to experience wonderful people, but by the end of the third week I was getting discouraged not being able to find anything that really reminded me of Poppa John. Then one day as I was discussing my discouragement with my teammates, my teammate Hannah mentions that our host family talked about seeing a fight. Say what!?!…I got so excited!! I had just written in my journal about it and the next day God’s surprises me. Metee, our host, came to the center, and found out I had done some kickboxing, and brought out the bag. We talked about Muay Thai and I was able to share about my experience and the influence, John has been to me. I even got to practice some moves with Metee. He loves Muay Thai, has been practicing for years and best of all he also has had it in his heart to start a class for the local children in the village. This has reminded me even more of Poppa John. Metee has such a heart for the children and his community and sharing the love of God. Currently he is leader of the Tamar Center that works with the local children and surrounding community. He has started a soccer team with some of the boys and would like to begin a Kickboxing team also.
I’ve been learning that God has my heart in his best interest and His timing is perfect. Seeing a gym or going to a fight would have been great, but even more do I see Poppa John in Metee’s love for his community, and God’s people. God’s love for his people is so great, but we have to open our eyes and hearts to see it.
I also have been given the opportunity to come back to help with teaching the children. Hmmm maybe one day. I never know where God will lead, but his steps are always great.
Practicing with Metee
I have also created a Facebook page for the Tamar Center Chaiyaphum if you would like to donate. Currently they are in need of transportation (van) to bring the children back and forth for soccer, outing, etc. If you would like to donate go to:
Facebook link for more information or YWAM Link
Poppa John aka “the Flame”
Where I am at with my fundraising?
Currently I am at about $11,000 mark, but still need about $5,000 more to go to be fully funded. My last deadline to stay on the trip and continue with the full 11 months is March 1st.
If you would like to donate you can click the “support me” link.
Thank YOU!!!
