This week we really began ministry here, we spent the beginning of the week teaching English to middle schoolers, then over the weekend, we went to a village in the mountains of Thailand. It was, as you can imagine, BEAUTIFUL!
God has been teaching me so much, but mostly that for the short time we are here, we are just vessels. Vessels to be used and then leave. What we do, how we act, what we say, all of it is either creating opportunities for the missionaries who have been and continue to invest their lives here with these people. I have a few stories to share, that explain a little better.
First, teaching English. I had no idea the impact 9 college girls from America could make in three days, only spending an hour a day with each class until the last day. We had finished our first class, saying goodbye to the students, one of the girls said ‘see you tomorrow teacher’ and I responded, ‘no, we won’t be here tomorrow’ immediately 4 girls were hugging me, and one of them began to cry (see image below). As I stood there hugging this student, I realized how God can use even three hours of time to show his love.
The next story is from our time in the village. What a beautiful place, surrounded by trees, mountains, and an encyclopedia of animals, we met a community of people who love the Lord deeply. I got the opportunity to help the woman who cooked for us to make dinner. She taught me how to correctly cut lettuce and chicken by showing me first, and then correcting me when I was doing it wrong. The fact that we spoke different languages was at times confusing, but it did not keep me from seeing Jesus shine through her. I learned from our translator that she was a mother of 4, her husband worked long hours, and she had two other children she cared for and that lived with her. Joy overflowed from her. It was a small glimpse of Jesus in the most unexpected of places.
Pictures from the mountains
Finally, Monday was our off day and we went to a Thai beach. We were able to rest and enjoy fellowship before beginning another week of teaching. On our van ride home from the beach, some of my teammates began to talk to our van driver and her husband. Before I knew it we were making a ‘quick’ stop at the rock mountain. Honestly, I don’t think any of us knew what we were doing, but they really wanted to take us and we were up for the adventure. We eventually pulled up to this beautiful place, that was rock mountains. They showed us the views and we talked to them and learned a little Thai. When we got back into the van our translator informed us we were going to their home, because they wanted to show us the restaurant they are building. To make an already long story short, we got to go and they asked us to pray for them there (I later learned that they are Buddhist, yet they asked us to pray! How neat!). It was an amazing experience, and I have lots of stories that all serve as the same reminder. Ministry is not a box, it is simply living a life that says yes when opportunity arises. Despite feeling tired, despite being hungry or moody, ministry is putting all that aside and doing our best to show others Jesus.
I am so blessed to be here and find myself constantly reminding myself, I am in Thailand, I am really here, this is really happening.
Prayer Requests:
** Opportunities and willing hearts as we teach, play with kids, and live life here
**That Jesus will stir the hearts of the people in Thailand
**that the local church will be encouraged and strengthened
