Thailand Team – Update #2
Yesterday, we arrived at Seed of Hope, our home for the next week. We are partnering with our GO staff member Paul Meier to support and care for the staff and kids here at the dorm. Last night, we met the kids and the staff for the first time. We had a lot of fears and anxieties going into this week concerning the language barrier. Our fears quickly melted away as though there is a language barrier with the kids; they have limited English and love visitors. Every member of the team was able to make quick connections that have continued to blossom over the last 24 hours!
During the first several days of our trip, we spent our time in Chiang Mai. We quickly noticed that the people we encountered didn’t seem to have joy or hope. In a country where only 0.75% of the population is Christian, it was clear that this land is a stronghold of spiritual oppression. We spent a lot of time in prayer for the people of the city and Thailand as a whole. Upon arriving at Seed of Hope, I immediately noticed a shift. The people here are different and are full of joy and smiles. In this community where the Gospel has taken root, the hope and joy that comes from the Lord is evident in the way the people at Seed of Hope live. This has been a powerful testament to the radical and transformative change the Gospel brings. God is on the move in Thailand.
After leaving Chiang Mai and arriving in Northern Thailand, I was struck by the beauty of the jungle and the mountains. Seed of Hope is located in a valley surrounded by lush forest-covered mountains, and it has brought immense joy to the whole team. God’s creation has encouraged us in our uncomfortable moments. It is hard to be discouraged when immersed in God’s wonderful creation, from the sights to the sounds.
The last 36 hours have brought new challenges. The team has experienced spiritual attacks in the form of both physical and mental tolls. Members of the team have been experiencing physical problems and mental fatigue. The reality of life in Thailand is very different from the comforts of home. We are learning how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. The heat and the bugs have proven to be a significant source of discomfort, but God has faithfully sent the rain to ease our discomfort. Please pray against the attacks of the evil one and that we can continue to rely on God and be comfortable in the uncomfortable. Please also pray for continued growth in relationships with the staff and kids, the people of Thailand, and team health and unity.
We have many amazing opportunities coming up in the next week, and we are excited to share more of what God is doing here in Thailand. God is at work!
We have many amazing opportunities coming up in the next week, and we are excited to share more of what God is doing here in Thailand. God is at work!
