A Reunion of Sorts

I feel blessed to be in Chiang Mai (north Thailand). I'm at a reunion of sorts. One where missionaries learn how to love and serve the people back in their respective countries. I'm not allowed to give out a ton of information about it. But I can tell you that many of these missionaries come from countries that are considered "closed" to the Gospel- countries that you could be imprisoned for your faith, where you can't get into without having a business or educational purpose.

And I just feel so blessed to be around so many amazing brothers and sisters in Christ. Who struggle but who also find worth in daily living for the Lord in these countries. And here I am, serving their kids through childcare on a team with 30 other people from around the world (countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea, and the US). And I'm humbled and loving it. 

My roommate is from Hong Kong, and it's interesting each day learning how to be sensitive to her and her culture. You wouldn't think it would be hard, but it is. As an American, we have such individualistic, strong opinions on everything- and most of the time we're wrong (we're so focused on ourselves and our country). I'm realizing my opinion doesn't really matter, because she's not American, nor does she think the same way I do. But it's strange- we've formed this bond. Like a sister-ship. We talk about what God is doing in our lives, the future and the past, and also things/ways we can share Christ with those around us. Though we have our ways that we're not alike, there are also ways that we are similar. And before I knew it, I realized how thankful I was for her, not only as a roommate, but as a friend, and sister in Christ.

That's what's so amazing about this missionary reunion. Meeting people from all around the world, all with the common passion and calling to serve the people of Asia and to bring the Gospel to these people. All together, God has called each of us (and their churches and supporters back home) to serve here. Amazing!

I'm reminded of this picture in Heaven:

"I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a mighty shout, 'Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb (Rev. 7:9-10).'"

And I'm so thankful for this picture and for the hope of worshiping alongside these people from many nations, tribes, and languages, who are my brothers and sisters, and with whom I will stand next to in Heaven, worshiping our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And my God moves my heart, and it wants to see more people, such as the Thai staff here at the conference center, who serve us each day in cleaning our rooms and making us food. I want to see these beautiful, smiling faces come to know the Jesus that loves them, and to find freedom in Him. And I know that when we come together in prayer, God answers in ways that we never thought were possible.

Prayer Requests: 

- For the missionaries at this reunion- that this would be a time of rest and being refreshed in God's Word; as they travel back to their ministry countries- that they would be refreshed to start back into sharing Him with their neighbors and the people they interact with on a daily basis
- For the MK's (Missionary kids) here- that they would have a good time; one where they make friends that would last a life time.
- For our Childcare Team- that God would give us strength for each day; some of our team members have been having bad dreams (please pray for restful nights of sleep); that we would love the children where they're at
- For the Thai staff at this Conference center (where we're staying)- that our actions would speak only of Jesus and that His love would shine through our actions and hearts (and that they would want to know more)

Thank you to each of you for praying and walking alongside me here in Thailand. We can rejoice in the peace of Christ and His continual workings around the world. Blessings and love, Faith