I had the opportunity a few days ago to go to an ordination service for a local pastor here and it was simply amazing. In contrast to my last blog, I feel honored to get an opportunity to see a Gospel-centered church in Thailand. It is such a reality that, even though it may be in a small minority, the church is advancing in Thailand. It’s funny too because I didn’t know a single person at the service, besides my team, but I felt like I knew them all…like we were all family (probably because when the body of Christ gets together anywhere, we ARE family).
Before the church service, we all had a meal together too. Everyone sits at a smaller table with about 6 or 7 people and people come and serve you. It’s family style too so you feel connected with the people at your table. Just as a side note, to show that you are full in Thai culture, you leave a little bit of food on your plate. Never clear your plate or they will always give you more food! It was such a good feeling to have this real sense of community in a place I have never been and with people I had never met. The respect they have for people in general is amazing. A lot of Thai culture is about honor and respect and it is truly a blessing to learn from them how they honor and respect everyone around them.
The actual ordination service was really great too, but it’s harder to explain why. It was like a normal church service back home, but so different too. Although all of it was in Thai, we were able to follow along pretty easily. We opened with a prayer and sang a few songs in Thai, but we were able to sing them in English because they were familiar hymns to us like “How Great Thou Art.” They recognized us during the service too for being missionaries in Thailand and spreading the Gospel around the world. People then went to front and told the new pastor how much they loved him and are excited to see him take on this new role.
The pastor that was currently at the church (one in the black robe) then confirmed the new pastor (one in the white robe). It was such a time of rejoicing for everyone there because something like this gives hope to fellow Thai Christians as well as others that do not know Christ. It is amazing to see the church grow like this, even in a place where it looks like there is little hope at time. God is truly shining through all these people and it is so evident in the way they sing and worship Him. I am constantly overwhelmed on how much God has let me learn and experience this year. I am barely halfway through this trip and He has already blown me away so far…as I like to say, I can’t wait to see what He’s got for me next!
