Well, today I realized that we have been in Thailand for exactly one week, and I cannot believe how quickly our time here has already flown by. What’s even crazier to think is that this World Race journey I’ve been on is almost half way over! It blows my mind to realize that I have been to 5 countries in the past 5 months, and I’m still in awe of how God called me to be on this trip and worked it all out according to His purpose for me to be here.
One of the first things I want to say is thank you; thank you SO MUCH to all of those who have made a donation toward my trip. I am so grateful for your financial support and excited to report that I’m almost FULLY FUNDED! I will meet my fundraising total by the end of this month, and I know that none of it would be possible without all of your love and generosity. I recognize that I am so blessed to be on this journey, that it’s an opportunity not a lot of people will get to have. Being on the global mission field is a unique calling God has placed on my heart and this trip has given me a small glimpse of what that might look like in my future. While I get to take my part in the Great Commission to go to every nation and make disciples, I know that it’s only because of the faithful support and offerings of people back home that I get to be here….so from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for your giving!
Beyond that, as much as I want to fill you in on my last month in Malaysia with all of its interesting and challenging lessons and experiences, I first want to take the time to tell you a bit about where we currently are…Phuket, Thailand.
As we spent the last few days in Malaysia getting into our new teams and praying about our time in Thailand, we once again found ourselves hearing God tell us to just get to Thailand and wait on Him to provide all we’d need from there. Sometimes I laugh at how silly we must look as we try to come up with our own step-by-step plan and figure everything out without just trusting God to take care of us along the way as we go. I cannot tell you how many times I have been reminded of Jesus’ words to …”not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34) He must get a good chuckle at us as we run around like chickens with our heads cut off! Anyway, after we arrived on the island of Phuket in Thailand, the first few days here were spent getting to know our new teammates and praying and preparing for the month that lies ahead. It didn’t take too long before we were brought to a church ministry in Patong beach called New Beginnings Calvary Chapel. This is the ministry we will be working with for the next week, and it’s one that I am so thrilled to tell you about!
The things this church is doing in Phuket and the heart that Pastor Joe Nelson and his family have for this place is simply incredible. They have been here for the past 6 years faithfully following the voice of the Lord to minister to this community and serve the Thai people as they reach out to the nearby red light district and the women who work there. We will get to work alongside them and have lots of opportunities to walk through one of the busiest, loudest, brightest bar strips I’ve ever seen or heard of in order to pray over the streets and bring the light of Jesus into places of real darkness. It’s a truly heart-breaking scene to walk down the streets at night and see so many young women selling themselves for a profit. It’s overwhelming to be bombarded by signs and lights and shouts of bar workers trying to draw every passer-by in for a drink or to watch a show. It is not a ministry that any of us take lightly, and your prayers for protection and safety as we enter into this opportunity to reach the lost people of this place would be greatly appreciated. My greatest prayer is that God would reveal His truths not only to the women who find themselves trapped in the widely accepted sex industry here but also that He would enlighten the thousands of tourists and travellers who come here to partake in all the activities this city has to offer.
My team and I are so excited to see what God will do while we are here, and we pray for the opportunity to reach even one person to share the love of Christ and the hope of eternal salvation with Him. We know that it is God’s desire that none should perish, and it is our greatest hope to bring others into His kingdom to know His freedom and peace. Your encouragement and prayers get me through some long and difficult days, and I can’t thank you enough for how you all continue to love and support me!
