On The Air

We had such an enjoyable first day here in Bangkok! After breakfast we took a walk around the city and into an open air market. We enjoyed the sites and smells of the city.

(Dragon fruit in the middle)

One of the highlights of the day was the tour of Lutheran Hour Ministries. We each recorded a message to the Thai people. We learned a lot from our hosts and were treated to an awesome Thai dinner at the Journey Into Light headquarters. So far, we have too many blessings to count and are so grateful for this awesome opportunity.

Safe arrival!

We arrived safely into Bangkok and were greeted with a warm reception from the staff from Lutheran Hour Ministries.

All checked in to our hotel and ready for a good nights sleep! (We are 12 hours ahead of WI time.)

On our way!

We gathered this morning at Brookfield Lutheran Church for a prayer and final send off.  We are now safely through security waiting for our flight to depart.

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God whom I trust.". Psalm 91:1-2

These verses and the whole Psalm 91 is a promise from Him that he is watching over us and protecting us!  What comfort these words bring while we prepare to leave the comfort of our own homes and families to spread the Gospel message in Thailand. We trust Him to lead us and keep us safe on this amazing journey.

God's plans for us are yet to be revealed but he has been planning the details of this trip long before he called us to serve. So, with anxious hearts, excitement, and an ounce of nerves (okay, maybe a little more than an ounce) we will plunge into the mission field knowing that he will guard us in all of our ways.

We treasure your encouraging words, support and most of all your prayers.  Please continue to pray for us and the people we will meet in Thailand.  May we be a light in this dark world and may we show the love of our Savior to those around us.

You may not have been called to serve with us but we encourage you to serve from where you are today, knowing that God will protect you.  Put your trust in Him and he will be faithful to you!

-Maria

838 God is Great!

Rolling with it turned out great!  Our team rolled 838 Spring Rolls to fundraise for our upcoming trip to Thailand.  We are still selling hot and frozen take-out Spring Rolls after late service at BLC today. Thanks for all of your support!

3 Weeks to Departure

Three weeks from tomorrow, the six of us will be departing for O'Hare airport, packed and ready to fly to Thailand!  It's been an amazing journey as we have been preparing to go, yet the actual trip has not yet begun.  We've gotten our shots, we've rolled hundreds of Spring Rolls and we've spent time praying and laughing as a group.  We are so excited to go and share the love of Jesus!

Not only do I count myself blessed to have 5 new Christian friends, but we have all been humbly blessed to receive your offers of prayer and financial support.  The support from family and friends has been so overwhelming that it has brought me to my knees.  On my knees in thankful prayer to our Lord and Savior at the kitchen table with tears in my eyes.  All of the letters, e-mails and words of support that we have received have been amazing!

Lord, you knew the plans you had for our group even before our group had met and we feel you surrounding us with multiple blessings.  We are so thankful for the support of Brookfield Lutheran Church and its church body.  (We especially love your enthusiastic support of our Spring Roll Sales!)   We are being sent by God to serve and bless the people of Thailand yet we are the ones that are being blessed! 

We are humbly asking that you continue to pray.  Pray for our final preparations prior to departure, for safe travel, and pray for health for the team and for our families that we are leaving behind.  Pray for the people of Thailand and the people that we will meet that we may share that YOU are the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE!  Pray that the Holy Spirit would go before us and open the hearts of the people who are ready to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior! 

I received a letter of support in the mail today from a sweet sister in Christ whom I love and adore.  She is amazing in her ability to find the right words and lift people up.  So, more tears in my eyes as I feel God's presence and amazing ability to speak through others to us.  (And no, you're never too old to enjoy stickers on the back of an envelope!) 

We trust you Lord and the plans you have for us in Thailand! We can't WAIT to shine for your son JESUS!

 

-Maria