How I Imagine Our Future Ministry

I was asked to write a short paragraph for our associations magazine about how I imagine our ministry looking like in a few years. Thought I would share:

"In a few years I imagine myself having a firm grasp of the Thai language and possessing an even greater ambition to make Jesus look glorious among the Thai people. By then I see a church forming among hope thirsty Buddhist in Bangkok, Thailand by God’s grace, our labor, and because of prayers and support from back home. This church will be passionate about producing disciple makers, training leaders, and reproducing church plants throughout Thailand. Many villagers from all over Thailand come to Bangkok, and this makes the capital a good location to witness to different people groups who come to the big city in search for something greater. We desire to return with them to their villages to spread the good news about their new found treasure, Jesus. Our mission is to equip Thai people for the work of the ministry within their families, schools, and work places. I will be teaching English as the main form of outreach, and Lord willing in a university context. This will give me the chance to be surrounded by young adults who are in search for identity, direction, and truth. It is exciting to dream big. No matter how big my imagination or hopes are Scriptures say He is able to do far more than we ask or think according to the power at work within us (Eph. 3:20), and this gives me great confidence and excitement!"

Subway-Taxi-Haircut

We want to share a few stories about people we have met and small victories we have had in the language. 

A few days ago I was following behind Brittney to find a seat on the subway and then the one close to her was taken in-front of me (little did I know God had a specific reason for this), so I turned and sought after another one. I found one about 10ft away and sat down. Usually I like to study my flash cards when I can as we travel, but it had been a long day and I was tired of looking at the Thai language. But, I felt convicted to take out my cards and look at them. When I started flipping through them I noticed the older gentleman beside me softly speaking the words I was slowly trying to make out, and then he would look at me to watch me slowly read them. I wanted to talk to him, but I didn’t know if he could understand English. So I just continued, and he was following every card. I came to the word for foreigner (คนฟรั่ง, kon-fa-rong) and then I looked at him and pointed to myself and chuckled. He laughed as well and then began speaking to me in perfect English! He helped me with a few cards and then we ended up talking about his daughter who lives in the States and his job as an airlines consultant. We both ended up getting off at the same station, and I found out he lives on the next street over from us!! There I was sitting by a man I met about an hour away from home who lives right next to us. As we were saying our goodbyes he gave me his business card and said to contact him so I could practice language with him!

This morning Brittney and I were walking to the street to get a taxi. We had about 4mins to perfect our sentence to tell the taxi driver where we would like to go. We kept saying over and over again out loud: “ไปรถไฟใต้ดินไหมครับ” (bpai-rot-fai-dtaai-din-mai-kop). Then we crossed over the bridge and called a taxi, and for the first time the taxi driver understood us and we had him take us to the subway without using any English! Yes it was a small sentence, but it was a sweet victory for us. 

Also today I got my haircut. I went to a new place because the last place I went to wasn’t so great. We found a barber shop on the first floor of our condo, so we went there this afternoon. I was very thankful a guy went before me and got the exact haircut I wanted, so all I had to say when I sat down was “same-same” and she understood. The workers were talking amongst themselves and then all the sudden I heard them say something about rain fall. Immediately without thinking I asked her if it was raining in Thai. She lit up and smiled. She then began throwing all kinds of words at me thinking I could speak Thai. I noticed a few and would guess what she was asking. There were a few awkward silences because of my lack of vocabulary and sentence structure, but the pause would soon be dismissed by “never mind, it’s ok.” In the end I got a good haircut, and we made a new friend. 

We Made It To Thailand! - Video Update

Deputation Video 2013

We made it!

Brittney and I made it safely to Thailand! We want you to know that it has already been a wild adventure! But we are so thankful that we are now settled into an apartment. Searching and getting into one went faster than we expected and we know that's because of people praying for us.

Now on our to do list is: get internet in our home (I'm typing this on my phone, so this post will be short and sweet), visit our language school and talk details with them, and then visit with friends. Right now it seems like we will start language school the beginning of September. 

Please know that through your emails and Facebook comments we have felt encouraged and loved. Thanks for your prayers! We look forward to language school and keeping you updated on our journey and progress.

(This is the road we are staying on)

Bibles for Thailand

Pam Epps, a member of our home church, has taken on a project that will change lives forever. Here is her story we asked her to share:

"I'm happy to share about how the Lord moved in my heart to collect for Bibles for Thailand - It all came about during my prayer time for you two.  As I prayed, the Spirit spoke four words to my heart "They will need Bibles!"...  My heart was set on fire for the Thai people to hear and know God's Word.  After days of more prayer, I made jars with a message on them that said "Your change can change a life - forever" and placed them in the sanctuary and fellowship hall for the Wednesday night children to also be able to contribute and be blessed! We have collected $1600 plus dollars so far.  It has been a joy and a privilege to be allowed to help.

It was through a small New Testament plus Psalms Bible that was given to my mother at the front door of our home that God began to answer my yearning to know who God was and why I was here.  Psalm 24:1 started my journey to know and love the God of the Bible with all my heart!  I pray that these Bibles for Thailand will do as much and more for the Thai people!"

Leaving for Thailand August 17th!

We just ordered our one-way tickets! We are moving to Thailand August 17th! Every week it's becoming more real to us and our families. We are getting excited. Thank you for making this possible. Now we are working on our visas through the language school we will be attending in Bangkok.

Pressures of Raising Support

This week I have been feeling the pressures of raising support to go to Thailand. So, lots of praying, moments of unsureness, etc. My faith has been stretched a lot this week to be honest. Of course in His perfect timing I just received an email from the missions office that our financial support was more than doubled this month - WHAT?!?!? Immediately worship poured out of my heart. You know that kind where you can't move and you feel like you stopped breathing. God is so faithful. I'm in awe of God's provisions, and His peoples love for missions.

1 million children

"In Thailand there are 1 million children meditating to change themselves, so that they can change the world. Please pray that they'd come to understand that they can't change themselves, and that only Jesus can." OMF International

Intercede for them, and involve yourself in making a difference.