From Buddhist to Baptized!

Many of you reading this blog prayed for, and financially supported, me while I was in Thailand. In those ways, you became an active part of the work the Lord did through me while I was there.

Jum is one of the Thai women God gave me the opportunity to build a friendship with while in Bangkok. Even though I'm back in the States now, we're still able to keep in touch. (3 cheers for the internet!) She accepted Christ my last week in Thailand and, on March 30th, I was blessed to be able to skype into her baptism!

[I'm on one of the phones in the crowd!]

Jum has been working on writing out her testimony, and I wanted to share some of it here with you (with her permission, of course). Your faithfulness to give to missions and pray for missionaries and for Thailand has been fruitful! Even though I am state-side, please don't stop investing in the international Great Commission. (If you don't know who to support, you can join me by investing financially in the ministry of The Rossies or Ruth!)

But, back to Jum's testimony, in her words... Be blessed.

It is difficult to start my testimony because it is a long story.  My interest in religion began when I studied in international classes. My friends came from different countries. They were different religions so sometimes we couldn't understand each other well. I believed that the problem came from their culture and their religion. Once I observed my friends from different religions pray I asked why they said the same word "Amen" at the end. They shared about what they believed. 

Then I started to learn English at the BSC. I had chance to meet missionaries and we talked about the history of Christianity, I tried to search the internet about the history and doctrine of this religion. I found a different between Buddhism and Christianity in how they view "Love."  One believes that love makes suffering and the other one believes that love makes peace. Then I want to know more. "How does love make peace?" I started to attend one of their small groups. I learned more about the Bible with the missionaries. 

One of them, Liz, talked about the Holy Spirit is work in the story of Jonah, Jonah went to Nineveh and the people of Nineveh believed God. She said that 'The Bible also it can work by itself when you read it, because of the Holy Spirit." When I started to read,  I didn't want to stop. I almost finished the New Testament in 3 weeks. I still wanted to know more about God. I started to understand and compare the doctrine of Buddha  and Christ. I could see  the different attitudes of Christians (from USA) and Buddhists (from Thailand). For a while, I thought both religion were good, but I must to choose and follow only one of them. It was a difficult time to make a decision....

I accepted Jesus. About 3 weeks later, I began to understand it that God wanted to teach me about the love of God and His grace give the eternal life for us. I couldn’t understand well but I still search the answer by learning from missionaries, reading the Bible and praying... I haven’t done it well now, but I feel happy more than in the past... Thank you my parent and my sister for accept my decision. Thank you Khun Tim, Khun Jill, Ann, Meleah, P’Pom, Jai, Liz, Luke, Dylan, Alli and Matt for telling the Gospel to me. Thank you brothers and sisters at church for helping me didn’t feel lonely when I choose to follow Christ and I think this is important for new believers for continuing on and growing to the next step of Christianity. 

[Matt and Jum]

home sweet home.

From attending Spotswood my first day home, to celebrating my niece's first birthday and Addison's third birthday, to interviewing for a position (and getting hired!), to gift shopping and wrapping, decorating Christmas trees and cookies... it's been a whirlwind. And it's only been a week.

It still feels a little unreal.

When I first arrived in Thailand, I felt adjusted after a week. Then, I felt really adjusted after a month. Then three months. The longer I was there, the more I felt like, "I wasn't actually adjusted before, but now I am." It wasn't until month ten/eleven that I stopped feeling that way. Coming home feels very similar. Everything is familiar, and so I want to say I'm adjusted, but I know I'm not. There is so much here that I am seeing and experiencing with fresh eyes, and it's taking time to process.

Many of you have asked for me to come and share with your groups and Sunday morning classes, and I would love to! The Lord has given me a unique opportunity and I want to be faithful in communicating back to you all what you were a part of. However, between Christmas and traveling over New Years, this month is very hectic. Once things settle down, in January, though, I would love to set up some times to speak and share. If you already know of some dates/times when you would like me to share in the new year, send me an email: lizswauger@gmail.com.

Thank you for your investment in my life and in Kingdom work! If you missed my post about Jum and my follow up post, please check them out. You will be encouraged by doing so.

21: thanksgiving

Almost five years ago, Spotswood hired a new college pastor. As I was one of the lone college students, he wanted to meet with me to talk about Spotswood's college ministry (which was pretty non-existent at the time) and the possibility of serving as a student leader to help reach out to the UMW campus. 

At the time, I was involved in a couple para-church Christian clubs on campus. Through our talks, this pastor (who we all now know and love... Pastor Doug), explained to me the importance of being invested in the Body. He asked me to pray about being fully committed to serving in and through the Church, instead of trying to split my time and waffle between commitments to different groups. At first, though reasonably presented, his request sounded odd. Being in many Christian clubs was very much a part of the college Christian culture I was in. However, as I prayed about it and talked it out with my mentors, they affirmed the decision I felt God was leading me towards, which was this:

That someday (quite soon), I would be graduating. My relationships with those clubs and groups was short-term at best. But, my relationship with the Church is eternal. As a believer, I am a part of the Body. I can either start owning that, and be an active member, or not. It wasn't just about my time or about choosing to be on leadership. For me, it came down to this decision: Am I going to love the Church? I chose yes.

Since that decision, God has given me a huge heart for His Bride. As my view of the Church changed, so did the way I viewed and did ministry and missions. Being a part of a local Body of believers became non-negotiable. Finding ways to use my gifts in the Church became a joyful challenge. Fast forward to 2012. My first month in Thailand, Claire and I were asking the pastor of LifePoint, David, about joining the Church. Why? 

As I was reminded again today in my NT reading, we are a part of one Body. There is both a responsibility and joy that accompanies connectedness. In the past five years, there have been many times when I've been able to witness the diversity of God at work within the Body of Christ. And it is beautiful. We're a messy broken people, but we are also dearly loved. It has been my greatest joy to serve the Lord, not on my own, but through the partnership and Body of Christ. I am so thankful that God saw fit to place us and grow us in the context of a Body.

1 Corinthians 12:14-20, 23-27

Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 

Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 

...But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Today marked my second Thanksgiving* in Thailand (we figured we're already 12 hours ahead, why not 5 days?). Throughout the whole evening I couldn't decide if I wanted to laugh or cry. It was an it's-so-perfect-it-hurts kind of nights. There we were, 16 Americans, doing what we love best: baking, playing games, watching Christmas movies, eating turkey..., as family. I'll always be a part of the universal Church, but it is also a singular blessing to have been able to spend the last year and a half involved with LifePoint (my local church). I am looking forward to the day when all my spiritual family will be able to join and feast together at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb! What a happy, happy eternity that will be.

And speaking of feasting, here are some pictures of our tasty food... to get you motivated to start thawing that turkey and stocking up on stuffing! (And because no "Thanksgiving Post" would be complete without gratuitous pictures of food.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

---

* For more details on our Thanksgiving, check out Steph's blog! [click here]

praises.

Thank you so much for your prayers regarding Hua Hin, Mae Sot and so many other things, areas, and relationships. I know that God is answering your prayers because He's doing things I haven't prayed about!! I don't want you ever to feel like you don't know how God is working through your prayers for Thailand, so, here it is: more proof that our God answers prayers :)

Hua Hin

- God has been blessing the relationships built at camp... seven people came to our Friday night program at LifePoint! And others have expressed an interest in getting together in the near future.
- Also, while we were at camp, almost every member of our team was able to share some of our stories and the Gospel. We had so many open doors and opportunities. God is good!
- To read more about Hua Hin from Steph's perspective, [click here]

[Chula friends at LifePoint's "Fear Factor/Costume" Night! I'm the blue cartoon: "Doraemon"]

Mae Sot

- From surprise visits to the clinic to drop-in visitors, this trip was chock full of the unexpected. However, God knew ahead of time exactly what would happen in the three days we were there, and His timing is perfect! (For example: Steph and I being there to help teach classes, freed up teachers who needed to make clinic visits.) From the supplies we brought, to the lessons we taught, God was there.
- And, the lovely Karen children all have nice new pens, compliments of Spotswood (the team brought them during their 2012 trip).
- To read more about our trip, you can check out Steph's post [click here]

[Thailand, and across the river, Burma/Myanmar]

LifePoint

- God is continuing to bring new people through our doors and grant us favor in building relationships. Every week we have new people stopping in for English classes, our Friday programs and Comm110 English classes. It's not about the numbers; it's about being responsible with the people God has placed in our lives. While we never do it as perfectly as we wish... God has been busy producing fruit in the mean time. So, to Him alone be the glory!

[Comm110 ministry] 

[Unite: BKK "Engineering Night"]

Odds and Ends

- God continues to give me opportunities to love and serve through tutoring and relationships outside of the class and the church. While I haven't arrived (not even close!), it's encouraging and exciting to spend time with people outside of "events" and "schedules".

- God is also keeping us safe, even when we forget to pray for safety! We've been traveling a lot, with plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong... but God has kept us safe (even from a little moto- incident that occurred while Steph and I were crossing the street). 

- In small group, I have been keeping track of everyone's prayer request... and so far God has answered all but one (which is still TBD). What a wonderful testimony to the personal and involved nature of our God.

[Some of the lovely women I tutor weekly]

[Visiting some ruins in the old capital city of Thailand]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your fearless prayers. They are being heard, and they are being answered-- for our good and the Father's glory!

thank you.

I've been thinking for weeks on how to properly thank everyone at Spotswood who gave delicious treats to Steph & me, and our wonderful Family here... I've tossed around the idea of a haiku (who doesn't love a haiku?), a song (actually, no one wants to hear me sing), and handwritten notes (except I'd be back in America before they would all be finished!). And so, I fall back once again to my typical mode of mass communication with my friends and family state-side... my blog.

Here's the bottom line. You all blessed us beyond thanks and beyond words can capture. Getting to see everyone's faces as they received their gifts... and their reactions when they asked, "How much do we owe you?" and we told them, "It's free. A gift from our church." was priceless. You gave big. And you gave deep. And we are so thankful.

I can't capture it all, but I do want to thank you.

Thank you...

- for giving generously to meet specific needs (& cravings!)
- for buying seemingly silly things, like cinnamon chips, that are now being used in baked goods whose profits support ministries that work to end human trafficking
- and for buying awkward items (I promise the boy's underwear and toe-fungus pens were not for Steph and I!)
- for giving joyfully- not begrudgingly or out of a sense of obligation
- for giving us yet another reason to praise our Father
- and not just for giving... but also for praying for us and the work being done here
- for remembering us, even though we're half a world away
- for taking the time to love not just those of us you know, but those you've never met
- for enabling us to be a blessing to others

For those of you wanting an update on Alli & Sandy's visit, I'm pleased to announce they will be doing a guest post (!!) on their time here. Stay tuned... 

same same.

I didn't expect very much coming to Thailand, after all, expectations are the mother of disappointment. I knew that it'd be hard work and that being a missionary wasn't glamorous... but a few Sundays ago it struck me again how normal missions really is.

At LifePoint, we pray that God would use us where we are to impact the people He's placed in our lives. We hold each other accountable to be intentional in sharing the Gospel in our relationships with others. We even have to challenge one another as to whether or not we are investing in lost people. Sound familiar?

Before coming to Thailand, I heard a pastor share that you have no business going overseas if you're not willing to go across the street, because location fundamentally changes nothing. Whether we are believers in our hometown, homecountry, or abroad, our mission and prayers are the same: to carry the Name of Christ to lost people.

Our fears are the same: Will this compromise a relationship? Do I sound like I'm crazy? Will they feel uncomfortable? Are they understanding me? What if...?

Our struggles are the same: Fighting against sin, pride and self sufficiency. Sacrificially loving our neighbors and the hard-to-love people in our lives. Protecting God-time from the ever-encroaching infringement of ministry- and me-time. Practicing spiritual disciplines. Warring legalism. Dying to self.

Our questions are the same: Am I living an attractional life? If yes, then am I putting words to the difference they see in me? Am I making a difference? Am I doing all that I can be doing? Am I investing in the right people in the right ways? Am I "doing" instead of loving? Is this God or is this me?

There's an expression in Thailand, "Same same, but different." At first, being here felt very different from America. Ministry felt different; church felt different; work felt different. Now, with the sensory overload that is Bangkok beginning to die down, I'm seeing that it's all the same. I'm trying to "share the Gospel where I live, work and play" (credit: Doug) and so are all my brothers and sisters at Encounter, at Spotswood, at FCS, etc.

I'm not "the missionary" because I have a blog, or because I'm in Thailand or because I signed a dotted line... I'm a missionary because I am a Christian. The same is true of all my brothers and sisters in Christ, you are missionaries also. We are all working together, side-by-side, on the same field, for the same purpose and the same God. I thank God for each of you, wherever you are, who is faithfully and fearlessly making known the mystery of the Gospel.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10

[For an encouraging and powerful rendition of this passage, check out Matt Papa's song "1 Peter Song." The middle (2:25) is my favorite part!]

[month six]

6 whole months. You know what that means... time for another eclectic update!

I now have a new title, call me Aunt/ie Liz! My brother and sister-in-law welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Adalyn Christine, into the world on 12/10/12. Everyone is so excited... and needless to say, Nathan is tickled pink about being an "uncle" at 11 years old. My parents went to the hospital to hold her and take pictures, like the proud grandparents they are!

[My 'lil niece!]

Christmas is in full season here. While it remains a corporate holiday-- meaning that malls and businesses decorate in the seasonal trimmings-- it is not celebrated individually. I found out on Wednesday from one of my students that he's never had what we would consider a "typical" Christmas morning. Here, they still have class, still go to work, it's a normal Tuesday. Which is sad, not just because Christmas is loads of fun, but because they have no understanding of the true meaning of Christmas! So, believe me when I say, I've been finding ways to work it into every conversation!

I've made it a personal mission to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the BSC guesthouse... and specifically my room. Which, Claire has dubbed "Christmas Town". 

[Our little tinsel-ed out Christmas tree/bush]

We also received a giant package from Encounter! It is currently sitting under our tree and awaiting it's opening debut in a week and a half. We have the best church and college/singles group. They were and continue to be a blessing, even from 12 time zones away. Love them all!

[After finding their package on my desk!]

Anddd, (we're still on the topic of Christmas) Claire and I went with Dani and our Thai friend "Tar" to a Christmas orchestra concert at ECB last week! The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Cynthia, Candice and Lauren were in the orchestra playing... but it was fun and a well done performance. There were over 20 different nationalities represented in the choir and orchestra! How's that for diversity?

[Claire and I on our way to the concert]

[The choir at the Messiah Performance]

This is the last week of teaching classes at the BSC until the January term (Term 1). It's bittersweet, because my classes this term have been phenomenal. I feel like I've clicked well with my students, and they seem to be learning and enjoying class... so thankful that God allowed me to have this combination of students this term! I loved being able to share not just English with them, but also, in many of my classes, the Gospel. Some of my students have even come to outside-of-class activities like Friday Night Life.

Tonight was my last night with my Thursday- Level 7 class, and they wanted to take a group picture! Which, I wish I'd thought of doing 6 months ago! Here are a few of the faces that have become a familiar and welcome part of my week.

Thai school finishes up on Tuesday... This module has been so challenging. I think I can feel my brain forming new ridges every day in class. Everything I am learning is so relevant to every-day conversations, it's just a matter of retaining four hours of information, and then adding to it day after day. My final test is 12/18 if you have a moment to pray for me. After a lifetime of taking tests in school, they still make me nervous!

For those of you praying for me, here are some other specific things to lift up:

- LifePoint is having a big Christmas Party on the 21st. There will be food and carols and a gift swap (typical Christmas shenanigans), but also a presentation of the Gospel. Please pray that God brings the people who He wants touched. Pray also that the believers who are there will be able to connect and reach out to all the new faces. Pray also that the Gospel will be clearly presented and interpreted in a way that will connect with lives.

- The BSC is having some upcoming events as well: The Christmas Fun Fair and the Big Hearted Christmas Party. There is always a big turn out for these special events- please ask that God would prompt conversations and place questions in the hearts of the Thais that come.

- Please pray for the girls in my life who I am trying to reach out with the Gospel to. God has given me opportunities to really get to know some of my former students better and spend time with them. One of them in particular is open to hearing about the Gospel and has even come to church a few times. Please pray that she finds satisfaction in nothing less than Christ. (And you can pray that for me as well!)

- Please pray for my walk with the Lord. It is easy to get busy for God, get busy in ministry, and just get busy doing. If anything, it's easier to be busy here because the field is so large and there is much to be watered and weeded. Pray that God gives me the power to protect my time with Him. That I be, before I do.

So, there's your lengthy catch-up re-cap! What a blessing each of you are in my life. I love being able to share what you are a part of by supporting me... and also hearing about how God is using you where you are (more on that in my next post!). Thank you so much for your love, your prayers and your faithful support... until next post! 

short term missions.

There has been a lot of talk lately about the value of short term mission trips. Some people defend them, other people criticize them. One of the main complaints that I've heard is, "What can a team truly accomplish in one week? What kind of follow-up and discipleship can happen after they leave?"

There are a lot of things I could say: that a short term trip was what brought me here for a longer commitment, that it provides perspective and scope in a believer's life, that it gives an idea of the global nature of the church and the Gospel, that it encourages the long-term missionaries... all of which are true. But there is one thing in particular I would like to share that surfaced during a recent conversation I had with Laura.

One of the things that is really neat about the way Spotswood "does" short-term missions, specifically in Thailand, is that they aren't on some quest to start something from scratch. They didn't fly in, Bibles waving, and start a camp for kids in an unreached slum, or tackle taking the Gospel to the pimps in bars. While that may have given us a sense of heroism, it would have been ineffective. We don't know the culture. We can't follow up in a week. It's not sustainable. Instead, the team was plugged into healthy, preexisting ministries. This is important for two reasons:

Firstly, it means there is follow-up. Our team left, but the ministry is still there continuing on in their mission. If the heart of someone they spoke to was touched by the Gospel, there are people there, and ready, to continue engaging them and investing in them. Our team wasn't trailblazing; our team was coming alongside, encouraging, and supporting the ministries of others before them.

Secondly, it allowed our team to become a part of something bigger than themselves. They were here for a week and that was it. For the Thais though, they see team after team come through. We were just one of many teams. So where is the value of being just another team passing through? The message we are sending, combined with the message of those who came before, is huge. We are lending our voices to the same message; there is power in that! The message of every missionary and every team is the same: Jesus Christ. The Gospel.

Our team's presence, joined with the testimonies of those who came before and those who will come after, speaks volumes. Westerners (from different places and demographics) keep travelling to Thailand, but with the same motivation and message: Jesus. That lends credibility to the ministries of the missionaries who are here-- and collectively becomes a powerful statement regarding the truth and conviction of our message.

Alone, it's true, we may not have rocked Thailand on its heels, but we were another piece and link to a beautiful picture that the missionaries here are trying to construct for the Thai people to see. The Gospel is attractive. The cross is compelling. The message is life-changing.

Why else would twelve successful young adults traipse halfway around the world to talk to detainees at the Immigration Detention Center, share their testimonies in a prison, play basketball in the slums? It's not exotic. It's hot. And expensive. But not just our team, but many teams, have all come and given the same reason for the hope that is in them. They had a life-changing experience with God and were compelled to come and share about it. Short term teams' consistent presence here leads more credence to the message of salvation than simply words alone. It tangibly shows the Thai people that the Gospel is actively changing lives.

That, I believe, is the power of short term missions.

translators.

Since I arrived in Thailand, I have been so grateful for translators. At the beginning, I was at the mercy of whoever could speak passable English. Now, I know enough Thai to get me into trouble (This afternoon I was looking for the razor-aisle, and the store clerk took me to the shoe department... so maybe my Thai/charades could use some improvement!) and haggle prices while shopping. However, anytime something meaningful needs to be said, a translator is needed. God gave me a thought, beginning with Bakery translating a sermon last month at LifePointBKK and culminating with the Spotswood team coming to Thailand.

Translating is a very humbling job. Your words are not your own. You can't say whatever you want or interject your own wisdom. The success of your job is based on how accurately you can re-represent what the speaker is trying to communicate. In a different context. In a different culture. They are not your thoughts or words, but they are yours to convey correctly.

The translator is simply the mouthpiece of another. (Do you see where this is going?)

2 Cor 5:20a states that, "We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us." We are His representation to the world. We are His translators! It is our duty and privilege to be given the very words of God. But they are not for us only, they are for us to share with the world. In a different context. In a different culture.

We do not add anything to God, but our lives give meat to His message. We live our lives according to the Scripture, and then we speak the truth of the Gospel. We translate grace by sharing how God has radically changed our lives. We translate His love by showing great compassion and care for our friends, strangers and even enemies. We translate justice by caring for the needs of the oppressed, the orphans and the widows.

We are daily translating something to our culture, but is it the message that God has entrusted us to share? Is the gospel being preached from our mouths and our lives on a daily basis?

Please pray that we would translate well the message of hope that Christ has given to us. It is Good News that needs to be proclaimed, heard, and understood.

Dr. Drew teaching at Church Of Joy... and Archan Thongchai translating!

update.

Where to begin?

I have been in Thailand months, and feel like I need a couple weeks just to process everything that happened this past week; I can only imagine how the team is feeling! Please do not stop praying for them, even though they are safe and back in America. God is at work, and He is doing big things. Please pray that He would continue to impress the hearts of those who came... and use them at Spotswood, in their families and in their school/workplaces to make Christ known boldly.

The last 10 days have been the most emotional 10 days I've had in Thailand to date. I'm pretty sure they will remain record-holding days. The Spotswood Team arrived late on August 9th, and departed late-late on the 18th. The anticipation and week they were here was incredible, and the aftermath and recovery after their departure has been wildly difficult... I've been breaking all kinds of cultural taboos since the team left (mostly just crying in public, which is a no-no in Thailand). But my awesome friends Laura and Claire have been on a quest to cheer me up-- and between them and getting some sleep last night, I'm feeling much better today.

This week was by far one of the best (and different) mission trips I've been a part of. It was really full, very exhausting, but absolutely incredible. On most missions trips the focus is the people you are reaching out to-- on the churches you are partnering with and the people you will be engaging. But this past week wasn't just that for me... after all, this is my home. Instead, a lot of my attention and concerns were for the team, logistics, transportation, etc. I loved being able to facilitate their experience here, and then also participate in their projects.

It was such a blessing and encouragement to have my brothers and sisters here, something I have not been able (yet!) to successfully articulate, but it felt like they poured a concentrated dose of joy into my soul. Being able to see Thailand through their eyes was fun, and being able to hear their hearts as they processed their experiences here was definitely my highlight. I loved every conversation... even the weird ones spurred on by exhaustion and jet-lag.

I can't wait to see how the impact of this week continues to play out in each of the team member's lives. And for all the gifts that they bought to be delivered... they are awesome :) And for pictures to be shared. Stories to be told. And the church to be encouraged.

Hopefully they'll be processing some of the things from this past week on their blog [click here to view it!] and this Wednesday night they will be sharing at Spotswood. If you are in town, please go! It will be a great chance for you to hear about what God is doing here, in a way that is a little more personal than just a blog.

60 hours.

In just 2.5 days (60 hours!) Claire and I will be at the airport picking up the Spotswood Thailand Missions Team! It has been exciting (albeit at times a bit stressful) to be able to lay some of the groundwork for the team's arrival. The past few weeks have been a flurry of activity as we dry-run places, pick up supplies and organize projects. I think that I am most excited about the team getting to see first hand what they have been hearing about for over a year.

My first time in Thailand, last August, I was completely overwhelmed. I didn't realize just how overwhelmed I was until I was three months back in the States and still processing my 7 days here. There was a lot to take in. Most of the folks on the team were collateral sounding boards for that process. As I thought about my time here and as things impacted me, they got to hear about it. Now it's their turn!

Zac recently shared that, "When we get to Thailand it wont be "we got there and God showed up," it will be "God is there and we showed up!" I love that! God is doing really awesome things here... and I love that these twelve people will have the opportunity to see the scope and global nature of our God. He is not limited by language or time zones; He is at work in all places! And then, to be able to take back what they see and hear and experience to enrich the church body at Spotswood... wow!

Please be praying for the team's travel, for the flight, for their health. But more than that, please pray that each person on the team would be changed. That their hearts would be softened to become more in line with the heart of God. Pray that they would be challenged, broken and encouraged. Pray that God would place His vision and heart for the nations in their hearts. Pray that this is not the culmination of a lot of work and prayer on their part, but that it is the start of "greater things" that God will do through them and in them.

Follow their time here:  (links= facebook, @= twitter) 

Laura-Michal- @LMBalderson
Abby- @wheneverispeak
Sam- @samstepanov
Laura- @laurakael 

(Laura will not be flying back with the team... she'll be staying and serving here in Thailand for 3 months with Claire and me! Follow her blog here: www.landryinbangkok.blogspot.com )

Vern- @vernonmathews 
Zac- @therealzacclay
Jake- @thefakezacclay
Zach- @lite2thewrld
Ryan- @halfmysitruc 

Doug- @friardadams
Dr. Drew- @drdrewlandry 

Official Hashtag: #thailandorbust
Official Blog: www.missionsinbangkok.blogspot.com

closure.

I love need closure. I know that life isn't always neat and tidy, and things don't get wrapped up with little bows... but for as much as they can be, I like them to be. There is something comforting in it. So, as things continue to wrap up for me state-side and I say my farewells (for now!), I wanted to post my last "until I'm out of the country" blog post and catch everyone up on where I am and what is coming in the next few days. 

On finances...

God has been so gracious to provide financially for Claire and I to be able to go to Thailand. He has used our places of work, our families, friends, and church to radically bless us and send us covered in prayer and financially. We estimated that we would need $500/mo to live on in Thailand-- and that goal has been met! Praise God!

The parents and staff at FCS surprised me on the last chapel by presenting me
with a check for Thailand and praying over me. I have absolutely loved getting
to spend the past two years serving alongside such an incredible staff,  and with
such awesome parents and children. 

On communication...

Some of the students in the K class at FCS made me laptops so that I could email them while I was in Thailand... (see the picture below) So adorable! However, to aid these paper laptops-- I was recently able to purchase a laptop for my journey.

Also, my co-workers at Catalyst all chipped in to buy me an iPhone to use internationally while I am overseas! Technology really makes 12 time zones seem a lot closer. 

On packing...
Anyone in a 10 foot radius of me this week has probably heard me talking about pitching and packing. Despite how the family-basement currently looks, this is progress:

I did not expect that sorting through every childhood treasure would take quite so long, but 24 years of stuff adds up. I'm paring it down to a spare closet in the basement and my bookshelves (which have been sorted!) I am going to miss all my books in Thailand...

But the good packing news is that Old Navy is currently selling appropriate "Thai teaching attire", and I was able to complete my wardrobe for my year there. I love one-stop shopping! I now have shoes (from a previous venture), clothes, and am ready to pack my bags. Once I uncover them from this mess I've made!

On leaving...
Claire and I will be departing Dulles at 6:40pm on Monday. June 11th. Tonight and tomorrow are "family days", Sunday is "church family day" and Monday is doubling as "AGHH. I Still Need ___ From Wal*Mart And Forgot To Get It Day" and "Departure-Day". We'll have a layover in Heathrow (London) and in Singapore. Depending on how internet works there, I will try to do a mini-post at the airport. Here is our route:

[click to enlarge]

I am so excited for the opportunity God has given me to take His Name to the nations. I am excited to see not just what He does in my life, but what He does in your life as a partner with me in this.

And as always, the comment box below is always open for your thoughts, <3, and requests!

I love my church.

Yesterday our church, Spotswood Baptist, prayed for and commissioned Claire and I for our year in Thailand. It was such a bittersweet service-- I've never been a part of a church that has had such a profound spiritual impact on my life like Spotswood. I have grown; I have failed, and I have been loved through both. Pastor Doug always talks about how church should be the launching pad to propel us into the world... and I feel very launched.

Claire and I had lunch after the commissioning with part of the short-term team who will be coming to Bankok, Thailand in August. There are 12 of them: Laura, Sam, Abby, Laura-Michal, Stephanie, Vern, Zac, Zach,  Ryan and Jake (plus Pastor Doug and Pastor Drew). The team coming in August is phenomenal. They have such a heart for God-- I am so excited to see what God does through them and in them during their time in Thailand.

Please be praying for them also:

- That God will prepare their hearts for the ministry and people they will meet in Thailand, as well as the hearts of the people they will meet  

-  That God would provide all the financial support that they need

- That God would be glorified in their obedience and that the church would be encouraged

Thank you for your prayers and support. I have been overwhelmed by it. God is so gracious, and you have been so faithful to pray and to give. Thank you.

2 weeks.

Today marks the 2 week point until our departure to Thailand for a year! June 11th has seemed so distant for so long, and now it is right around the corner... I need to pack and weigh my bags, move out of my apartment, sort through and consolidate the things that won't be going to Thailand, wrap things up at work... But everything that must be done has been completed! We have our visas, our tickets and paperwork completed (praise God!). So, rain or shine, June 11th we'll at IAD departing to BKK via Heathrow and Singapore. Thank you so much for your prayers and for partnering with me on this journey!

[Copied from John and Ruth Lapos' Newsletter Update]

Thailand Benefit Dinner

Wow. I don't know where to begin... Tonight was incredible. So many people poured so much time and energy into making this evening happen. It was beautiful, and I was completely humbled and blown away! Weeks ago, when Pastor Doug mentioned we were going to have an "Italian Benefit Dinner" my first thought was that it would be mass-produced boxed spaghetti and Ragu sauce. Maybe some re-heated meatballs if we were feeling crazy.

What I did not imagine was hand-made pasta, rolled and punched into over 1,200 raviolis, from-scratch sauce, hand-assembled salads and authentic dipping sauce (and dozens of different home-made cakes). Here is the man behind the event... meet Ralph Mattera. He and his wife, Gradye were my Sunday School teachers my senior year of high school. They have such a huge heart for the Lord... you only have to meet them once to know that. He and his team invested hours and hours... and hours and hours preparing and prepping for this evening. What a testimony to his love of the Lord and his love of missions.

Ralph Mattera adding some parmesan to the ravioli. 

My mom (& dessert)! She helped prepare and serve at the dinner.

There were about 360 people who walked through the Fellowship Hall of Spotswood this evening and enjoyed a truly authentic Italian meal, complete with scenery from Italy projected on the wall and an Italian soundtrack. Tonight alone, God raised over $2,200 for our trip to Thailand! That is two months of living in Thailand (each!) or our plane ticket home! So many people gave generously to help support us... I feel truly honored and humbled that God has allowed us to do this, and has placed us in a church with such a heart for missions.

A snapshot from the evening.

This evening could not have happened without the awesome volunteers who came to help-- our college group, friends, relatives and small group showed up in style to help bus tables, wash dishes, engage guests and serve joyfully. God has blessed Claire and I with some incredible friendships. Friends who love the Lord and desire to serve Him and His people. (They've been so faithful to help with so many of our fundraisers, and not just this one, but others such as the Natalie Grant concert this past March!) But here are a few of the folks who stepped up to help this evening:

Tonight was also a neat opportunity for Claire and I to connect with people and have the chance to talk with them about what God is doing in our lives through our church! I am so excited we had this time to show some of our "eternal family" the impact that our God and His church has had on us... and also hear the God-stories of our brothers and sisters.

And, last but not least! We had a special guest this evening... Supot! Supot is our Thai tutor. He came over from Thailand a month or so ago, and has been meeting with us weekly to help us practice our Thai before we leave. Claire blogged about our most recent "Thai tutoring" lesson on her blog (click here to read it!).

Supot and I... posing for a pre-dinner picture!

For everyone who came, supported us, and gave: Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I am excited for the day you are able to see the impact your life made in Thailand because of the investment you've made in our lives. You have truly loved us not just with "words or speech, but with actions and in truth" (1 John 3:18).
For everyone who served: From Jenn doing all the "paper"-preparation, Jared and publicity, Lauren coordinating volunteers, Candice taking all these awesome pictures, the Matteras overseeing and preparing the food, Bob coordinating the dinner, Doug picking up all the loose ends, planning, and making tonight seamless, to the servers, the hosts and hostesses, and the cheese-sprinklers... (the list goes on and on!) Thank you. 

A penny for your bahts.

I recently received an email from one of the girls at my church who is in the process of praying through being a part of Spotswood's August Thailand Team. It was so encouraging to hear her heart, and to have the opportunity to share with her a little more about "what to expect" if she decides this is how God wants her to spend that part of her summer.

While my response to her was a massive wall of words, I wanted to share a couple parts of it here for the benefit of anyone else who may be considering this trip.

Here’s what our August trip to Thailand was not: It was not a rehearsed program where you prepare skits and "perform". Instead, it’s partnering with long-term missionaries who are already doing healthy ministries in Thailand. We look at ministries like "The Well" which is rehabilitating women brought out of prostitution, or the prison ministry (which is growing like crazy in Thailand) or Blaplaa. And because believers are doing these things before we get there-- and after we leave-- we just get to join in the process and the joy.

This accomplishes two things: first, it is less exhausting for us, because we’re not generating a bunch of programs, but secondly (and I think this is the best!) it gives you an accurate and honest look at what ministry looks like in Thailand. These are sustainable ministries- healthy, growing ministries that are seeing people coming to know God, being discipled, and growing in their fruitfulness.

As far as the culture, it is very relational. People spend a lot of time together: hanging out, talking, sightseeing, going to the markets, etc. Thais are also very sweet, generous, and hospitable. (And very very forgiving when you say the wrong thing or make cultural "mistakes"!)

In regards to where they are spiritually-- that is perhaps the saddest thing. Buddhism is so pervasive in their culture that it affects everything. But the good news is that they don’t need to understand everything to be interested. In American church—we say, "fit in/change/become like us and be accepted." There-- they are accepted in the community first. They go to church, they even invite their (also) lost friends to small group Bible studies, and then they begin to accept who Jesus is. How different that is than what we are used to! But how biblical! Jesus always offers the relationship first.

If any of you have specific questions about life/missions in Thailand, please feel free to ask them in the comment box below! (If I don't know, I'd be happy to ask some of the missionaries we met there who are still on the field)