Hello everybody!
Last blog I shared with yall the difficulties of bar ministry. Now, let me share with you some of my success stories.
At first, the language barrier was a major hindrance and frustration for me. However, I learned how to communicate in different ways. I laughed a lot. I showed them pictures and videos of myself, my family, and friends and looked at their pictures. I smiled a lot. I communicated love by showing up again and again and again and by giving them gifts. To girls who are used to being taken from, it was miracle enough that I gave them love without expecting anything back. I didn’t have to say anything—my actions spoke for me.
Also, the Lord did bless me with some friendships this month. One friend is Mr. T, who owns a food stand along bar street. I visit him every night I go out, and we have pleasant chats. He is a very sweet and generous person and has given me free food multiple times. Tonight, I will be giving him some going-away gifts, including the book of Matthew in Thai. Another friend is Djao, a girl who speaks very little English, but is very warm and sweet. Last night I gave her a going away gift and the New Testament in Thai, and she was literally stunned by the gift. I’m so thankful for their friendship.
There are many more stories to tell, but for now, let me leave you with some highlights from Thailand:
1. I gave a Thai Bible to two friends I met in the bars. Please pray that they will read them and accept Jesus.
2. I learned how to cook Pad Thai and green curry from a real Thai!
3. I grew in strength in spiritual warfare. Satan has been trying so hard to slow down Q squad, and we won’t have it. We rebuke him in the name of Jesus, at whose name Satan must retreat.
4. My heart broke over little girls dancing for money all day at a Buddhist temple.
5. I was reminded of the importance of prayer, which opens the door for God to do things
I could not do on my own.
6. I learned that in ministry I might be sowing seeds, watering, or harvesting, so I shouldn’t expect only harvest every day.
7. Squadmates called out strength in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself.
8. Mango became my new favorite fruit.
9. I learned how to love people who are different from me.
10. I let fish nibble the dead skin off my feet.
11. I celebrated my 23rd birthday 😀
Are there any highlights from your month? I would love to hear about them!
Love you all,
Katie
P.S. I also sampled pig intestines this month. Not too bad, just a bit chewy :p
