I’ve spent a lot of time today thinking about our mission trip and what I learned. Like Brian, this was way outside of my comfort zone, but Pastor Whitfield had made a statement at our first meeting when this trip was being formed that stuck with me: Make this the year that you step out of your comfort zone for Jesus. I guess I thought it was time, time for me to turn things over to God. There were many reasons for me “not” to go: too busy, my Dad’s strokes during the summer, etc. Only one good reason to go: to tell these people in Thailand about Jesus.
We had an amazing, fun-filled, Jesus-packed two weeks. Assembling a group of 15 adults can be difficult, but all of us together formed a team, a team that supported each other, prayed with each other and stepped in when things got difficult. In addition, we had the privilege of getting to know some Thai people very well. People who were kind, generous, trusting, gentle and humble, most of all humble. My hope is that with the help of the internet, our relationships with them will continue to grow. (I've already heard from several of my new friendes.)
While we felt very close to the Christian staff of Journey Into Light, we also met students who were Buddhist, new Christians, or people who had never heard about Jesus. I even met a young girl from Finland who is Lutheran and living in a Thai Buddhist home as a foreign exchange student. Can you imagine going to Thailand to meet a young girl from Finland? God sometimes works in mysterious ways!
I’ve learned that people are the same no matter where they live. They share the same struggles, the same fears, they love the same and form relationships the same. I want to make sure at this point of my life that they love Jesus the same too. I think having been on this trip, it will be easier to share my beliefs and love of Jesus in a gentle, positive manner. In fact, I met a young mom from BLC at Aldi’s today who I used to see every Sunday. I told her I missed seeing her and she told me that she had spent the summer at the Lake and a few other excuses. We talked for a while in the middle of the aisle about the situation and I will be praying that I see her again soon. Who knows, maybe even an e-mail or phone call will be made.
I just know that it’s important for us to set an example and not be afraid to speak out.
Now, I ask for your prayers for the people in Thailand. The very people we got to know, our new family in Christ, are being threatened with one of the worst floods in 50 years. We’ve been told that at least 60 of the 77 provinces have been significantly impacted by flooding during the past two months. Nearly 300 people have been killed and 8.2 million more have been affected. The flooding is already causing a big problem for the Thai economy. The flood waters are dangerously close to the city of Bangkok which is built at sea level. Please pray for the large number of Thai people who are suffering because of these floods. Many have lost their jobs and their homes. Also, please pray for God’s grace, protection and provision for all of them during the next two weeks. Thank you for all your prayers. - Judi
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