My first day at camp, I was dropped off by Caroline, a missionary here. I was so excited to be there and felt blessed to have this opportunity to see how a Thai Christian camp is run. But my excitement quickly fell to anxiety as I saw what 160+ kids looks like. It's a lot :) But Caroline read exactly what I was feeling, so she showed me around, plugged me in with a couple Thai staffers, and then prayed with me before she left. I felt taken care of. Another missionary, Phil, was also there, and I just felt blessed to know that if I needed anything, he was there to translate, lend a hand, or even just to speak in English for a little. I really felt God's hand of protection over me as I got to know more of Thai culture and the wonderful people here. But please don't let me make it seem like everything went perfect. God's hand was protecting me, but in His goodness...He also wanted to grow me :) And it all started when I was asked to play the part of a nurse...
A nurse? They obviously haven't seen me around needles or else they never would have asked! ;) Long story made a little shorter: I was asked to play the part of a nurse that had come to Thailand so many years ago and who shared the love of Jesus with the children here. Considering the nurse was British, I was the perfect fit (but without the awesome accent). I was then put at a station during a camp game where the campers would come, and I would speak a little Thai, sing a song, and then give the kid's some fruit punch. Simple enough, and I had an amazing Thai translator who was doing the rest.
Plans change in an instant, and they did just that. After two groups had come through my station, I was asked (OK, I was told) by one of the Thai staff, Git, to explain the 4 Color Book in English, and then it would be translated into Thai. (The 4 colors are gold= heaven, black= sin, red= Christ's blood shed for us, and white= being made clean by Christ's blood.) I considered Git a good friend at this point, but was not as excited as he was about presenting the 4 color book spur of the moment. I need time and preparation- or at least a notecard to look at! But I knew that this was something God had planned even if I didn't.
So I set aside my desire to have perfect outline, and corresponding Bible verses, and just talked about the basics of a loving God and the steps He took to save us. Was it smooth? Probably not, but I leave the outcome in the Lord's hands, where it belongs.
I later asked Git how often he had explained the 4 color book, and with a twinkle in his eye, he said, "It's my first time to share it. Through you!" haha! He used me for evangelizing purposes!!! LOL! But, we were both afraid to be the spokesperson for it! So the Lord gave us (the very hesitant vessels) the chance to work together and share the story of God's love and saving grace. I think we both saw that it isn't by human strength that God's Word is delivered to the human heart, but Christ's love that gently pulls the listener in.
I was later reading in Exodus about Moses and Aaron- I think Git and I were a lot like these two brothers, trembling in sharing the Word of God to the Israelites because we didn't feel we had the right words. But just like God told Moses, I felt Him telling me, "Who made your mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak (Exodus 4:11-12)." In God's love and patience, He allowed the brothers to share in the experience of bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. In God's love and patience today, He is calling us, calling me to trust in Him again. He is my words, my mouth, and my voice. I can hang onto His promises because He is always good. I pray this encourages all of you as well when sharing Christ's love and His life with those around you. We're all in it together :)
Prayer requests:
- For the Thai staffers as they continue to share Christ's love with others as they go back home
- For the Thai campers- that seeds would be planted in their hearts (for years to come)
- For the next Thai camp coming up: "Steps to Love" (for youth 13+)- that the youth coming would have open hearts; I'm already aware of a teen who will be attending, but he has not made the decision to follow Jesus yet.
-For Git- as he continues to look into pursuing international studies and being a light to his fellow classmates at university. Please pray for boldness and perseverance as he shines for Christ amongst his friends.
- For Phil- the other missionary at kid's camp (and blessed translator!); Please pray as he continues to serve in Thailand- for boldness, strong friendships, perseverance in continuing to learn the language, and most importantly-for a great sense of humor!
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| Just a few of the amazing Thai staff at camp! :) |
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