A few blog posts ago, I wrote about the Abounding Change taking place on my World Race journey and the reaction I had when things didn’t turn out the way I expected them to.
When I found out that the ministry I would be partnered with in Thailand was not the one I had hoped for, I was disappointed and sad.
Like a spoiled child who didn’t get their way, I threw a tantrum … in my mind, of course!
I was upset with God for not giving me what I wanted.
But I was quickly convicted of my ungratefulness and shifted my attitude to one of gratitude – being thankful, simply for the opportunity to travel the world and share God’s love.
What I didn’t know is that I would soon be surprised with the opportunity to visit Zion Cafe during our squad’s Leadership Development weekend (LDW) in Chiang Mai!
God is a God of good gifts and His timing is perfect.
Before the foundation of the world, God knew that on Sunday, May 25 at 8:00 a.m., my team and I would say goodbye to our ministry host in Kanchanburi and take a 2-hour van ride to the train station in Bangkok.
He knew that at 10:00 a.m. we would arrive at the train station and wait.
At 7:00 p.m. He knew that we would board the overnight, sleeper train taking us to Chiang Mai and that at 9:00 p.m. I would get a call from one of our squad leaders inviting me to attend a fashion show held at Zion Cafe.
He knew that on Monday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m. we would arrive in Chiang Mai and hit the ground running, having lunch, getting fish pedicures and enjoying the city.
He knew that at 5:00 p.m. me and a bunch of other fashionistas would gather in our hostel lobby to head to Zion Cafe.
And at 6:30 p.m. He knew that I would arrive at Zion Cafe and be at a loss for words of His faithfulness.
A month ago, I had no idea that even though I wouldn’t get to partner with Lighthouse in Action ministries, I would have the opportunity to visit Zion Cafe and meet Emmi, the founder.
But God knew.
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 MSG
It turns out that a different World Race team on a different squad, was partnered with Lighthouse in Action ministries for the month of May. This team spent the month planning this fashion show and creating the “She’s Worth More” movement. “She’s Worth More” exists to eradicate the commercial sex industry in Chiang Mai by giving a voice to the women, men and ladyboys trapped in prostitution, and educating people about their worth and value found in Christ.
Though I didn’t get to spend the month at Zion Cafe planning a fashion show, I got to spend one evening having a blast, drinking Thai tea, meeting Emmi and supporting God’s work through this movement.
It was all a part of God’s perfect plan for me to travel down this road which led me straight to Zion.
“Shout and celebrate, Daughter of Zion! I’m on my way. I’m moving into your neighborhood! God’s Decree.” Zechariah 2:10 MSG
