“Goodbye, Hello” is a blog series where I share brief highlights from my previous country while introducing you to my current country and ministry. Enjoy!
Goodbye Thailand
I still struggle to put into words the beauty of month 4. Traveling around the country searching for new potential ministry contacts for Adventures in Missions, was intimidating at first. But, God quickly put our minds at ease. He led us to some of the most beautiful people and ministries I’ve ever encountered.
It was a month of seeing into the depths of the struggles of sharing the Gospel in a country where less than 1% of the population are Christians and most of the people have never even heard the name Jesus. This reality definitely challenged my perspective of our purpose and the meaning of Christmas. It was incredible to be a part of God’s work there. And I can’t even describe the endless list of the generous and wonderful servants of God we met there!
We were also so encouraged by the way God blessed us abundantly through the month. He answered every prayer and gave us every desire. In every way, from seeing a sunset on a beach for Christmas to being able to work with victims of trafficking, He showered us with gift after gift. Honestly, our team was overwhelmed by God’s generosity. So much so that we began to think “okay, God. Really? There’s more?!” I admit it was hard for me to accept these gifts from God and those given through others. Especially because I know I did nothing to deserve them. It was a constant reminder of His free gift of grace and salvation. Something we don’t earn. It’s just a gift.
Having some Christmas Eve fun after a sunset at Krabi Beach with one of our ministry contacts Nueng.
Check out the incredible ministries we got to work with last month:
- Rak Teh: We spent two days with Iven & Kashmira. They taught us a lot about the religious profile and political issues arising in Thailand. We did a prayer walk around their neighborhood which is located near the Grand Palace and some of the most popular temples in the country.
- Thrive Rescue Home: We spent several days here spending time with local prostitutes and praying along Walking Street.
Bar Ministry with Thrive Rescue Home
- Pattaya Slum Ministries: We were invited to help with a Christmas party in one of the slums they work in, but our schedules didn’t allow. We still met with them and were impressed by their holistic approach to ministry. They share the Bible, provide food, a safe place for kids that live in the slums they work with.
- House of the Lord Church-Khok Kloi: We helped with Christmas parties, led music, & did Christmas programs in local schools.
Listening to game instructions at local school Christmas party
As you can see it was an incredible month and I look forward to being able to share more about this life shattering month in more detailJ
Hello Cambodia!
We kicked off month 5 with team changes and New Year’s Eve in Cambodia! You can read about team changes in my recent blog: New Year, BIG Changes!
After spending a few days resting, my new team headed to our first ministry site together. We are working at the Angkor Agape School located in the province of Siem Reap. Agape is a Christian school with an incredible story which you can read in this blog written by my teammate Susan. Our first night at our new site was rough. Not because of the ministry, but because it was the Night of the Attack of the Crickets! I am not exaggerating when I say that our room was covered with hopping, flying, and noisy crickets. They were EVERYWHERE! It made for a very fun first night together, especially when one flew into Susan’s nose.
Agape has over 100 students; 15 of which live at the school. The students that live here are sponsored by outside donors. Many of them come from tough homes whose families aren’t Christian. It’s been such a blessing to both teach and live with these kids.
We are all sharing one room at the school. Two of us share a bed and the rest sleep on the floor. Our food is prepared by the school’s cook. We eat two meals a day at $1 per person/meal. This is how the kids eat, so we chose to do the same during the week. Sundays is our team Sabbath day and we spend the day in town as we are at the school all day, every day during the week. We save our extra $1 a day that we save from our meals and eat in town.
So, what else are we up to this month?
· Teaching classes (grades 1-6): English (for kids and adults), Bible, Songs-Games-Sports, and Computer
· Creating and leading morning devotionals for the school
· Leading evening devotionals for the kids who live at the school
Third grade writing down the memory verse during Bible class “Psalm 103:3”
Our schedules are pretty hectic as our teaching load goes from 7AM-8PM. Our team, along with W squad has also experienced various spiritual attacks this month. Please keep us all in your prayers as we love and serve the people of Cambodia.
I cannot believe that I just wrote you all about Month 5! We’re thisclose to the halfway mark. Crazy!
Happy New Year & thanks again for the continued love and support!
Love,
Sha’terika
MAKE A DONATION: I still need $3,705 to cover the cost for this trip. If you are able to support me financially, click SUPPORT ME” on the left to make a tax-deductible donation. Or, cut out the small online processing fee by mailing a check to:
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
Checks should be made out to “Adventures in Missions”
***Put “PERKINSSHATERIKA” in the memo line of the check!!!!!***
