He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of God may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I wept last night for the first time in a long time. Not just a few, silent tears, but hysterical sobs.
Thyvenn (pronounced T-ven), our contact, shared his story for the first time. I want to let you in on part of it (with Thyvenn’s permission), not to impart pity, but to share an incredible testimony of God’s sufficient grace.
Growing up poor, Thyvenn has “all bad memories” from childhood. His father drank often and was violent. His mother worked hard to provide, but her income wasn’t enough. He and his siblings did not receive an education. He avoided building close relationships out of embarrassment. He thought often about how he could leave home.
Thyvenn and his sister moved in with his aunt and uncle when he was 17. While there, he started to attend English classes at a church and eventually became a Christian. His aunt and uncle were Buddhist and spoke horribly to Thyvenn and his sister. He was persecuted for his faith in the gospel. Thyvenn endured the persecution with humility.
The pastor at the church offered to help send him to Bible School. He was “soo happy” for the opportunity. Because the pastor could not support him fully, Thyvenn painted at night. Sometimes he never slept because he needed money for food. He left early to ride his bike to school and did his homework before class. His friends would ask him why he didn’t have it done, and he would respond, “I am very busy.” No one knew his struggles. No one knew him.
Thyvenn then attended painting school. He lived the same way – barely having enough to eat. At this point he was also taking care of four of his younger siblings. He financed their education and provided them food.
At some point (the timeline was confusing) Thyvenn got really sick and moved back into his parents’ house. His father hadn’t changed, and now his family was in debt. Thyvenn spent his days in bed, paralyzed by the pain in his stomach. There were times during his sickness that he asked the Lord to take him home. He wanted to die. He prayed often for God to send relief. In His faithfulness, the Lord sent a missionary who paid for his family’s debt. Though still sick, Thyvenn was “soo happy”.
Over time, his stomach pain became less severe and he was able to move. He started to tell his family about Jesus Christ. After many conversations, Thyvenn said to his dad, “We need you to be our father. Even though I have not been loved by anyone in my life, I know Jesus’ love for me. And it is enough. I love you, Dad. I want you to come to church.” His dad cried as Thyvenn spoke those words and agreed to go. His dad eventually became a believer, along with the rest of their family. Thyvenn led his whole family to Christ.
Although painful, he returned to see his aunt and uncle after years of not speaking. His aunt also testified, “I believe in Jesus Christ.” He continues to pray for his uncle.
Thyvenn now lives with his family and financially supports them. His actions and words reflect love for them, but pain remains heavy in his heart.
Thyvenn is the first person I’ve met with a story like his. Until now, those stories were pages in books or blurbs in podcasts. Through my tears, I thanked Thyvenn for sharing.
God proved faithful in my life last night. Starting in Nicaragua, I began to ask Him for brokenness; to feel what He feels; to see what He sees; to love how He loves. God has begun to answer that prayer. I was “soo happy” as I cried my eyes out in front of Thyvenn and my team. Join me in praying for Thyvenn's broken heart.
God has incomprehensible purpose for me on this race. I am not the same as when I started. My heart has changed. I’m experiencing life and love in more of the fullness of God’s intent.
Sorry you missed it Spicy Mustard.
