COMPASSION
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had COMPASSION on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38, emphasis added)
When we arrived at Srikhoraphume, a whole new world opened up to me. We were greeted with opened arms, smiles, and a yummy breakfast (We took the night bus). Although we cannot communicate through words, we found our body language to be very important – a vast majority of communication is said with your body, even speaking the same language. The church we are working with hosts Compassion International children, so we were handed over the privilege of planning their weekly gathering, where children come to learn about Jesus, as well as math and English. They are served a warm lunch to satisfy their little hungry tummies! This turned out to be truly a joyous day!
We arrived ready to present a lesson on John 8:12 – “[Jesus] said, I am the light of the world.” As the children arrived, the children were a bit stand-offish – not knowing what to think and cultural differences. The children sat down greeted us by sitting down and putting their hands together in a praying position to bow down, a typical greeting in Thai culture. Through singing songs, such as “A-la-la-la-la-leluia,” “Every Move I Make,” and “This Little Light of Mine,” the children began warming up and dancing along with us. We played games; they loved the limbo! It was a true gift from God – allowing me to get another glimpse of Christ’s heart for children all around the world. He says, “let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:14) – and I continue to ask Him for His compassion for the world.
After the Bible lesson and activities, we were asked to teach English. Assuming I would have the younger children because that is where my credentials lie, God changed my agenda and placed me with the youth. I worked with thirteen to fifteen year olds, and my heart began to break for these children. Everywhere I go, I find the teenage years to be universal. Thailand is no different then Africa, Ireland, Russia, and America. These children are still dealing with the same pressures – finding out who they are, where they fit in, what they believe in, etc. My prayer is that as I work with the older children, God will use me to show them who they are in Him, thus being filled with His love that overflows to the country of Thailand and beyond. Praise God for His unending love and COMPASSION!
We will be teaching English in the schools this upcoming week. Please pray for many opportunities to share the Gospel in a town where superstitious beliefs are prevalent. Before the locals build a house, they put up spirit houses in their front yard to keep evil spirits from entering the property/house.
Thai lesson #2
Sawat dee kah! = Hello in Thai for the female (note: Replace the ending “kah” with “kup” if you are a male.)
