3 stories for ya’ll.
1. Since we are currently the only team at SHE, we are responsible for morning devotions with the Thai women that work at the center. We were told to try and make it simple enough for an elementary Sunday school. So the first time I was asked to lead I came up with a simple object lesson on Matthew 5:14-16 on being the light of the world. I used my headlamp and a cereal bowl, flipped the fluorescents off, and shared the Gospel.
Some of them seemed to understand, but there was a language barrier and I was discouraged (this is something that has been extremely difficult for me on this trip). This type of situation repeated the next two times I led as well–Feeling a disconnect–so desperately wanting to be able to communicate the hope of Jesus with these women, but feeling helpless in it.
Until Monday.
Rose, one of the Thai women, volunteered to close our Bible study in prayer and did so…in Thai.
I know it seems like such a simple thing. But that moment moved me. Because out of the 69 million people in Thailand, only 1% of them pray to the one true God. And our God isn’t white or American. He’s the God of all nations. I got to witness what God is doing in this dark place through SHE and it was beautiful.
So, stay faithful to what God has called you to. Nothing you do for the Lord is in vain. It’s in his strength, not your own that hearts will change and mountains will move.
2. There are lots of vendors of all ages that walk around on Bangla Road while we are doing ministry. One such woman, probably 70 years old, is always there sitting on the curb selling flower leis.
I am such a softie for the elderly. And my heart melts every time I see this woman. Well, Tuesday when we were walking I noticed that she was only wearing one flip-flop. Reading Generous Justice has reminded me that it is my response to God’s grace to provide for this woman. So we went into a shoe shop, got some flip-flops, and presented them to her. Who knows what she was thinking (the foot is extremely offensive in Thailand) but to our joy she was wearing them the next time we saw her! I count it such a blessing to have been able to provide for this woman—to show her the dignity God has already created her in.
Who do you know that has a need that you can meet? Don’t let skepticism creep in, wondering if they will squander your gift. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus does for us—graciously give when we don’t deserve it?
3. We met Greg on Tuesday as well. He’s from New York, but is currently stationed in Kuwait for the Army. He asked us why we were here and what we would do when we returned to the States. We shared our mission with him and then went around telling our plans. I said that I was going to be a youth pastor. This sparked conversation about our backgrounds with the Church. In the end, I got to share the Gospel with him and Saraw got to pray for him.
It was so refreshing to finally be able to clearly communicate the good news about Jesus and bless someone with prayer. It took boldness. But it wasn’t awkward.
Who do you know that needs good news? It’s not weird unless you make it weird. Being compelled by the way Jesus has changed your life, ask God for boldness. He’ll do the work; you need only obey & rest. This world needs Hope.
