During my time in Isaan, my ministry partner, Laila, and I shadowed the missionaries as they went around. We were also joined by two Australians, who added the right amount of fun and enthusiasm to keep us going when we were busy and tired. It was a blessing to have such a compatible group. We were able to encourage and edify each other in the Lord without reservation. A beautiful picture of the body of Christ working together with various talents and abilities.
We were able to get involved in Bible teaching at an elementary school on Fridays, where we went into 3 different classrooms to sing Christian songs, act out a Bible story, play a few games, and then start a craft. Working with Thai children was such a joy! And the twinkle in their eyes when things are "sah-nook maak," or "a lot of fun" was a blessing to see.
We were also able to get involved with an English club on Thursdays as we taught middle and high school students about the human body, directions and locations, as well as food. Then on Friday evenings we had youth club which gave us time to interact more personally with the youth in Isaan, as well as to start building relationships with them. I have never had my photo taken so much in my life and with so many poses! I don't think I will ever take pictures the same way again :)
The rest of the week we had opportunities to go with one of the missionaries, "S," into villages around the area where we lived, where S did open evangelism. He would start off by taking out his guitar and just sitting down and singing (which Thai's love!! And they have such beautiful voices). Then S would share a story from the Gospel, and ask questions to the people who had come to listen. He would then pose the people with a question at the end that might challenge them to think further about Jesus and His love for them. This was a very cool thing to see, but I have to admit, as we were sitting there, I was amazed at S's ability to share so openly and willingly. After asking him about his boldness in sharing Christ, he said it's something that comes with practice, time, and a whole lot of prayer. Coming and sharing with love and gentleness is so key and leaving it open to them as to whether they have more questions is important.
My overall time in Isaan was growing for me. I had never seen so much "front-line" type mission work, but it was exciting to see new and creative ways of loving and serving people in Thailand.Very thankful for the time that I was there.
Prayer Requests
1. For missionaries in Isaan- there are very few people coming to know Jesus in Isaan- it's been a slow process; this can be tough anywhere someone is serving in missions; pray for encouragement, strength, and patience as the missionaries try new and creative ways of serving the people
2. For the people in Isaan- that God would soften the hearts of the people to be open to hearing His Word
3. For more missionaries out in Isaan- because Isaan is so far from Bangkok, it can seem a lonely place to be; pray for more missionaries who have a heart for the people of Isaan and willingness to go and live "harder"
4. For S and his wife and family- protection and overall health as they serve God in Isaan; also that God would encourage and show them signs of people accepting His Word
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