Today was my second weekend here in Thailand attending Abundant Grace Church. This church, let me tell you…. If I found myself living here in Thailand, let’s just say, IT WOULD BE MY CHURCH. Both Sunday’s have just been wild in the ways the Lord has used a man, Pastor Nathan Gonmei, to bring so much joy, life, excitement, and fresh word to my spirit. The single greatest thing hands down about this journey has been worshiping with different churches and cultures around the globe. I have been seeing the beauty, and the necessity of seeing with my own eyes, how he is working across the world in the hearts of his people, and how hungry they are for him, his word, and ahhhhh it’s just absolutely the BEST thing.
We were worshiping to a song by Israel Houghton and as I was singing “Your presence is Heaven to me” I stood there and suddenly he clearly spoke to me and asked “Lauren, what has being in my presence looked like to you?”
Whoa.
Not what it’s looked like in the past or what it will be in the future, but what does it look for you right now?
So let’s take inventory, shall we?
Being in his presence has looked like investing in these beautiful vessels of pure joy, Evelyn and Kristel (and many many other kids). Their smiles, love and hugs will be forever etched into my heart.
Being in his presence has looked like helping with a delivery at a birthing center, actually catching the baby and putting her on her mother’s chest. Probably at the top of my list of things in my life I will never, EVER, forget. It still takes my breath away when I think about it.
Being in his presence has looked like embracing and loving the community he has given me, and remembering these are the people who truly get what you’re experiencing on the World Race like no one else. They are the community who love you so hard and so well when you are missing your community back home. It’s a gift, truly, that keeps unwrapping itself each day.
Being in his presence has looked like sitting down with a Buddhist monk in Thailand and sharing the gospel at ‘Monk chat’. By far the most interesting thing I’ve ever done. But the cool thing about this, we just listened and engaged and asked questions about their life as a monk. It wasn’t about converting but saying, “Hey, let me share with you about the Jesus we believe.” This culture is just so fascinating. Just keep praying, because there’s so much kingdom work to be done here.
Being in his presence has looked like experiencing ‘Secret Church’…It was by candlelight and no AC. We couldn’t wear anything pertaining to faith, we had to have a password to get in and had to arrive in groups of 2-3 and smuggle our bibles in. It was an evening to pray and reflect on the persecuted church. To see the reality of what it’s like for those in other countries who have to meet in secret for the fear of being persecuted for their faith. We worshiped, learned more about persecution, prayed, and listened to stories. Wow, how blessed we are in America that we can worship freely in our faith with no fear. The first two Sunday’s of November are dedicated to IDOP… International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church. After you read this, take a minute to pray for the persecuted church.
Being in his presence has looked a lot like construction as I have mentioned in previous posts. When you are sitting back at the end of each day observing all that you and your team have accomplished with dreams of the shower that’s to come, ha, that’s where his presence can be found; because it was all done in the name and love of Jesus. We own none of this….. we take credit for nothing, as we are just simply being obedient to the call.
Being in his presence has looked like the opportunity to explore the world, the beauty he has created and love the people around me and knowing that I will blink and this journey will be over.
But being in his presence will never end.
It’s heaven and I never want to leave.
like EVER.
Much love to you all.
