Our month in Malaysia and Thailand are ATL, ask the Lord. What this means is we have to rely 100% on God for everything. We have a minimal budget for lodging, food and transportation and no host. We experience many struggles but even more so do we experience blessings. These are just a few of the blessings I have experienced in the past two months.
Malaysia
Blessing 1: William
-This kid is the same age as my brother and is a new Christian who converted from Buddhism. We were able to spend an entire month filled with his sarcasm, sneaky humor and unique view of life and God.
Blessing 2: Nicholas Mok, his family and Klésis Café
-This man had us try local foods, let us experience many of his fathers ministries (an elderly home, a rehabilitation home for men, and a boys home), drove us everywhere and shared his vision for future ministry opportunities. Also, their café has some pretty good coffee.
Blessing 3: Kingdom City Church
-“Feels like home.” This is their saying and it couldn’t be more true. We went to their global prayer night and Sunday services. These moments fueled my soul.
Blessing 4: Larissa, Johannes and the Chang family
-Jesus and joy is what best describes these amazing people. They welcomed us with open arms and even let us stay with them when we couldn’t move into our new lodging. They also are Herbalife distributers! What are the odds! Then, Larissa is a born and raised texan so of course we became best friends.
Blessing 5: Alvena
-A, soon to be, single mother with the art skills to take on the world. Her uniqueness and art skills encourage me to be more myself. She reminded me a lot of my sister so it was a sisterly bond I enjoyed sharing with her.
Blessing 6: Gym
-A simple thing like an actual gym can change your life.
Blessing 7: Air conditioning
-It’s our first two countries with this.
Blessing 8: Fully funded for Justice Training School
-God answered my prayers and funded me in two days! MIRACLE!
Blessing 9: Beauty for Ashes
-Blessed to have this role because it introduces me to so many people who share my heart for women. I had the opportunity to teach some amazing women about how they could incorporate B4A into their ministry.
Thailand
Blessing 10: Taylor (Girl) and Everett
-Through Flick we connected with some of the most amazing people yet. They have taken us in as family, provided lodging, transportation and introduced us to all the must eats in Thailand. We also have been given tons of ministry opportunities through their connections.
Blessing 11: Little prayers
-We went to play/teach soccer to some kiddos and after lunch they asked if they could pray for us. Each child came, took our hands, bent down on their knees and prayed in their native tongue. The only thing I can compare it to is if Jesus were to wash my feet. The moment was so beautiful that I cried.
Blessing 12: Samaritan Creations
-My team was originally going to partner with them, however we are a co-ed team and they are a ministry for women trapped in the sex trade in Thailand. Though we were unable to partner with them we were still connected to them through another team and through ironic moments that can only be explained by God. So, I am now helping them with their marketing!
Blessing 13:Aksa (Oxsa)
-At only 19 she has seen and experienced more than any girl should. Fleeing from Pakistan due to persecution for being a Christian her family still has to lay low. Her smile, hope and love of the Lord make her shine so bright. We are going to be besties too.
Blessing 14: CityLight Coffee/NightLight
-I visited/learned about this organization three years ago during a short-term mission trip to Thailand and Cambodia so I had to reach out. They said they had no volunteer opportunities so I decided to simply visit and buy coffee to support them. God had other plans and introduced me to Rachel, who works there, and received an opportunity to help with their salon Wednesday and Friday.
Blessing 15: Salon
-Today I painted nails, braided hair, did makeup, laughed and saw the love of Christ. I was able to love on some amazing women. Yes, they are working at the bars in Nana, the largest red-light district in Thailand, but that makes them all the more precious to God.
This does not even scratch the surface of all the blessings and miracles I have witnessed thus far in South East Asia and I know there will be millions more. Praise God for he is a good good father!
