In America, how often are Christians given the opportunity to lead a Christ-centered program in a public school? According to my own knowledge, not ever…at least not anymore. Our team has been so incredibly blessed with several chances a week to do just that. I find it ironic that in the “nation under God,” we are not able to talk about Him in schools. On the flip side, in a country of 94% Buddhists, we have been welcomed, doted upon, encouraged, thanked, and told “God bless.” God is working here! In a land with less than 6% of its people claiming to know Jesus, He is alive and spreading wide. The looks on the faces as we present what He has done in our lives, the joy He has given us for these people, the ability to show love without ever verbalizing it—He is changing lives.
We have had the great joy of befriending a little neighbor lady that sells tea and other drinks from her driveway. Sawat has been so much fun to talk to, as she speaks English very well. She is a devout Buddhist, but through a few conversations, we have learned that she has already had many interactions with Christians that have shared their faith with her, and she seems open and receptive to it. A few days ago, the (Christian) Thai lady that lives across the street from Sawat ran over because she saw Molly there. Sawat acted as a translator between Pii Lek and Molly, as they had a conversation about Christ. Sawat even shared with Molly and Pii Lek something along the lines of, “With your God, I know [there is a] light inside of you that makes [you] happy; with Buddha, no light. Also, when you do something bad, God not mad.” How incredible is that!? We have been praying a lot for her, and our hope that she comes to know the one true God. The fact that this ministry was brought on by our desire to buy a Thai staple—Cha-Yen in a bag (Thai iced tea)—is what most astounds me. I have been thoroughly reminded this week that ministry is all around us. We are in ministry at all times! We ought to be displaying how God has changed us with every interaction, every activity, and every thought.
We were ministering to our host family as we prepared American dinner for them this week. We were ministering to our friend James as we helped clean and paint his house today. We were ministering to the Compassion Kids in the conversations we held after the program was over. We were ministering to the students at the schools as we played games with them. We were ministering to the staff as we sat and watched their presentation with gladness. And we were certainly ministered to in all of these and more. Not only are we praying that we touch the hearts of others with God’s love, but that He continues to do new work in our own hearts. Well, I am off to learn some traditional Thai dancing from our host family for now.
