Month two has officially begun! We are in Thailand working with an amazing ministry here under Pi Emmi’s leadership with Lighthouse in Action. Over the last few days we have had opportunities to experience Thailand adventure, food, shopping, culture and people. We had a few days before moving into our ministry home to debrief and to hear from our squad mates about the way God worked in their lives last month. It blows my mind to think of the things we encountered as Hungry Youngsters was only 1/6 of what God was doing with Lsquad last month. As I’ve thought over last month, as we’ve had amazing worship opportunities as a squad and as leaders have spoken into my life; God continues to work on my heart as I discern His agenda for me. Debrief days were encouraging, eye opening and growing.
This month is going to look radically different that other months as it’s All Squad Month. Meaning, all 42 of us are living in one hostel, doing ministry along one another, eating meals together, and growing together. Although we will be sharing many things, our schedules will be aligned with our particular area of ministry. Our team is paired to engage in Monk Chats and visit the slums in a near by neighborhood. You might be saying, “what does Monk Chat mean?” We are having similar thoughts. I’ve got a lot to learn from this month, as I have limited knowledge in Buddhism. We were told to build relationships and see what The Lord has in store. Needless to say, and just as all months, we will be relying on the Lord’s direction and will. Pi Emmi told us to get rid of our personal agendas; I definitely need to work on this one. Also, she told is to wear Jesus on our skin. With both things told, I am hopeful I will more clearly rely on His Word and plan and sit more quietly to lean into His discernment.
We will also be visiting the slums, and hopefully provide constructive fun for the children. As often times children are sold or go out to the bars to work for their families; Pi Emmi wants to hit the stem of this brokenness. By educating the children and providing life, love and encouragement through this facet; the hope is to eliminate the relying on the bar work. We have yet to visit the slum but just as Christ demonstrated such strong joy and hope from the children I met last month; I’m anticipating great joy from meeting these children as well.
This month will have many new opportunities as we pray, worship and eat together as a squad. It’s so neat to see God at work here and to experience His hope; as Pi Emmi has reminded us of so greatly over the last few days. Please join me in praying over the hearts here to be opened, for us to wear Jesus on our skin and for me to lean into His voice.
Thanks for being on this journey! Hope this gives you a glimpse of what we will be up to this month, more stories to follow!
Fun fact: feet here cannot be pointed at anyone, as a sign of respect. Think of that the next time you sit cross legged or sit in a circle.. I’m workin’ on it.
