Here’s the deal. Thailand was a month jam-packed with assurance of God’s love for me and his beautiful people around the world. My brain is scattered as I try to piece all these things into an eloquent, well-flowing blog. So, I’m not going to fight it. Scattered-brained joy it is. Enjoy!
This is Emmi. She is the founder of Lighthouse In Action, the ministry my parents and I were blessed enough to work along-side while in Thailand together. I heard previous racers talk about Emmi and let me tell you, there was some serious hype built up. Yet, after meeting her, I’m unable to express just how much each person would benefit from being in the same room with her. So yeah, the hype was totally legitimate. The Lord has worked in amazing ways through this woman and she fully embraces the call she’s been given. Go Emmi! Now you need to watch the video. Don’t be lazy. Lazy is stupid. Watch it.
During PVT, the racers and parents were able to experience three different ministries, all organized by Lighthouse in Action. The first was “monk chat”. A couple pairs of racers and parents went to one of the many Buddhist temples together and spoke with a monk. It was a really neat opportunity to be able to ask questions and share a bit of our own faith. Very unique experience, for sure.
Second, racers and parents went to a nearby slum village that had recently been destroyed by a fire. We were able to sit with adults and children of the village and simply hang out, play games, and share some laughs. I think this was a great chance for the parents to see a snip-bit of what a day on the race may look like.
The other ministry we were able to partake in was bar ministry. Unfortunately, sex-trafficking is a huge problem throughout many different cittes in Thailand; Chiang Mai being one of them. In the evenings, some parents and racers would stay back and pray over those who were going out to the bars to love on the people of Chiang Mai. Others would wonder the streets, praying for guidance and eventually find themselves in a bar loving on a specific group or girl. There was opportunity to revisit these girls and also go on “dates” with them, whether it was lunch or pedicures. This was an extremely powerful form of outreach for racers and parents to experience together.
These ministries make up just one of three branches of service that Lighthouse in Action provides. What a powerful testament to what God can do through his disciples when obedience and perseverance are present. Go Lighthouse! Feel free to check out their website and see how you can support, especially prayerfully. Ready, GO.
Learn More About Lighthouse In Action
My dad is able to love in a way that allows the person receiving the love to never doubt the sincerity of the act. I’ve realized that this is rare and beautiful characteristic. Monk chat was a struggle being that the man is partially deaf, but won’t admit it. (Sorry, Dad) He was, however, a natural in every other setting. We had only been standing with the people from the village a couple minutes before he had a baby in his arms. Girls reading this get it – tender with a capital T. But our week together was more than that. It wasn’t about the way he loved the baby or even the way he encouraged the girl in the bar to believe she was beautiful. It’s the way his heart evidently desires to be more like Jesus. The way he desires to lead his family. The week with my Dad, and Mom, was about deciding to consistently chase after the Lord’s heart together and supporting one another in whatever that may bring.
I’m going to go ahead and make an assumption that if you are reading this, it’s probable that you know me. If you know me, you know how much I adore my mother. There was no part of me that was surprised when I saw the way she loved the women in the bars. She specifically made friends with a deaf young lady who was trying to raise money for school by walking bar to bar and selling teddy bears. I watched as the young woman’s eye lit up with excitement while playing what looked like an extremely animated game of charades with my mother. That’s one thing I’ll always love about Miss Peggy. She will never know how big her heart is. I’m fairly certain she assumes everyone would love that naturally, but it’s SUCH a gift. I’m so blessed to be able to continuously learn from such an incredible woman.
Baptism! It’s a big deal, y’all! I’ve always known there was God. I’ve always know that Jesus, His Son, came to this broken world to die on the cross for our sins. My head knew theses things, but it must be a matter of the heart. I have such victory with Jesus walking the road before me as the pioneer and perfector of faith. Truly, just give me Jesus. Also, as you can see, my parents baptized me together! I believe this was a moment in which my parents went from being my mother and father to my brother and sister in Christ. Man, am I pumped for what’s to come!
The sex-trafficking business is real. It’s a hard fight, but there is hope. There are millions of people mixed-up in the mess of it all. The enemy’s only focus is to kill, seek and destroy.. but the light is here! And it will continue to shine. My heart hurts when thinking of all the young women and lady-boys who don’t know their precious worth, but I know the love of God transcends all the brokenness I’ve seen. This is a spiritual battle. Please join me in praying for the city of Chiang Mai and all those who are trapped in lies they’ve been told by the enemy. They are all worth more.
I hate to say that anyone stole a piece of my heart, because I was definitely looking to scatter pieces of it around the world. But these girls are special, really special. I’m fairly certain I was their ministry last month because I left feeling more filled with love than ever before on this journey. They each have a story with one thing in common, hope.
(If you watch one video today, have this be the one)
The second half of the month was spent looking for new ministries who are doing kingdom work and may be in need of support through future World Race teams. It’s a really awesome process that takes a whole lot of trusting the Lord to lead. One day, a couple of my squad mates and I were able to visit a home for children living with HIV/AIDS in Chiang Mai. To get a better feel for what a day at Agape Home looks like, we were able to join a pre-school class just in time to make foam-ball masterpieces. I’m fairly certain the laughter of a delighted 3 yr. old is one of the top 5 noises my two ears have ever heard. I was so encouraged to see those little nuggets being loved on and cared for. Oh, and many are available for adoption… So, just saying…. check it out…. share with friends…. you know….
Nikki’s Place Agape Home – Check it out!
As we were getting a tour of the Agape Home, I happen to lay eyes upon the most precious baby I’ve ever seen. I felt God telling me that I was going to sponsor this child and be his prayer warrior. Before this year began, I prayed that God would reveal a child in need that I could sponsor and specifically pray for as the little boy or girl grew up. So you can imagine my excitement upon finding the little booger! Long story short, I was unable to successfully connect with Agape Home (because technology can be difficult) and was disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to sponsor him. Because, well, dagnabbit, I really felt God speak to me the moment I saw him. Well today, June 12th 2015, I found out that I will be able to sponsor him! Of course I read through his information immediately and when was he born? June 12th, 2014. Good one, God.
Happy Birthday, little man!
I celebrated my 23rd birthday, better known as the year of twenty-freeeee. Boy, is that true. To be honest, I’ve never really been huge about birthdays. Just another day, huh? Well, that’s not how J-Squad works. No doubt, the best birthday to date. Goodness, I love these people. Thank you, all!
WE LIT LANTERNS OFF A BRIDGE IN THAILAND. It was neat. You should watch this.
And that concludes this blog. Thanks for stickin’ with it!
LOVE YOU ALL AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT 🙂
