One of the most amazing things occurred Tuesday night before we were about to head home during our first day of ministry in Thailand. But first let me set the stage for you. My team and I are working with an organization who cares for children who were at risk to be sold into sex trafficking. These children now stay at a children’s home with house parents. They are loved, educated, and taught about the love of Jesus in the best way possible because His love is shown to them as they were rescued from heart wrenching situations and they are being taught His Word.
Tuesday morning we went to a mountain top indigenous tribe where two children had been rescued. This village was incredible. They produced broccoli, carrots, and lettuce galore. There were chickens, chicks, hogs, and piglets all over. Their huts were made of wood and bamboo. We got to go into one and it was amazing. The bamboo floors kept the room cool and held all of us without even creaking. It was amazing to see how this village was self sufficient! The best part is that this village has agreed not to sell anymore children because they have seen how their children are flourishing being in the children’s home: how happy, smart, and healthy they are. I love seeing how God can change hearts!
Tuesday evening we got to go to one of the boys homes to play with them and have dinner. It was great to see them laughing and being kids. We got ‘schooled’ by one of the young ones in Uno and it may have taken me 10 tries, but I finally won a game of bingo. It was amazing seeing their spirits despite the family situation they came out of, God truly heals and restores.
The best part of the night was when the boys and all of us gathered around a leader to pray for his safe travels as he was leaving for The States to visit his parents. I wasn’t really prepared for what came next. Within moments ALL the boys were lifting their voices in prayer (something many of us are too shy or insecure to do). I’m not sure if they were each praying in Thai or their native tongue, either way I couldn’t understand what was said, but my spirit knew their hearts. As they ALL lifted up their sweet voices in prayer tears came to my eyes. I couldn’t help but imagine this HUGE smile on God’s face because He was beaming with pride hearing His children.
It reminded how God longs to beam with pride over each of us and smile over each of us! Every time we choose Him over the world He smiles and beams with pride. Every time we talk to Him or sing to Him He smiles and beams with pride! Every time we say yes to Him He smiles and beams with pride.
What did you make God do today???
Did you make Him smile and beam with pride? I can think of a few times where He was smiling and beaming with pride over me, but I can also think of times throughout the day where God may have shaken His head at me. In those times I’m so thankful that mercy and grace follows me all the days of my life. Tomorrow I want God to have more moments of smiling and beaming with pride over me than He did today and the next day I want there to be even more.
