We are sitting in Bangkok airport waiting another few hours until our flight leaves for JFK airport, so I finally have some time to sit down and write after a busy couple of days of ministry. Yesterday, we had some good ministry time with the team, and I sensed that the group was really blessed with the worship and the sharing that we had together. The highlight of our last full day in Ubon was our trip to Dongaul village with Lynn, Silk, and Ai along with our team. Go ahead and read Cheryl's blog about the particulars of that time, but I can definitely say that I was blessed and encouraged by what I saw. As Andrew and I sat in the back of Lynn's pickup truck and reflected on what we experienced, I really sensed that what this team is doing is to extende the Kingdom of God in a way that few people will ever see or take notice of. But God DEFINITELY takes notice of what is happening with that church of ten people. There is new life happening, and it is the kind of life that angels rejoice about.
Sunday morning (this morning), we worshipped together and really ministered together with the whole team. Andrew and Cheryl were real troopers with the way they cared for the children through the weekdnd. Our singing time was very special with Lynn praying for people to be free. I shared about the Kingdom and spoke mostly from Luke 10:8-9: LK 10:8 "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, `The kingdom of God is near you.' I affirmed the team for the way they were doing exactly that. In Dongaul, I had the chance to meet the leader of the village, and Lynn shared that he gave permission for them to come into the town an dminister to people there. They are eating what is before them, meaning they are getting to know the peopel on their level and becoming incarnational. They are healing the sick, and they are sharing with this village that the Kingdom of God is near. It was a blessed time as we prayed for and encouraged one another. Then we set off for a meal at a local restaurant. Note to self: If I am every going to start a restaurant, find a way to have childcare in the restaurant itself so that the adults can sit back and talk with each other. A great place for good dinign and onversation - Thai style!
Overall reflections from my trip:
I came to Ubon for a number of reasons, including:
1. The chance to connect with the team there and get to know them on their turf. To renew our church’s relationship with this team and encourage them.
2. To have a chance for a shared experience with Andrew overseas and allow him to see a part of the world in a developing country.
3. To stretch and grow myself and get a different perspective on what is happening at McBIC and CrossWalk than what I am currently doing.
From that perspective, this trip was a win on all counts. I really wanted to have a time of bonding with Andrew, and I think out tuk tuk ride in Bangkok really started that experience together. Is was a real blessing to do something with Andrew. For a 13-year-old to have this experience is precious to me as his father, and even thought I do not necessarily see him on a foreign mission field in the future, I know that this experience changed the way he sees missions and the way he sees the world.
I was also blessed to get to know the Thai team in Ubon (and Bangkok) and see how God is moving in the lives of the team there. I have a renewed appreciation for all those who God calls overseas in a different culture especially. The language barrier is real and difficult to overcome, yet God in his graciousness is allowing the team to break through those barriers and be a light in a dark world. Seeing Lynn and Amy persevering through a very debilitating diagnosis is extremely encouraging to me, and no matter what happens, I am encouraged to see Lynn and Amy especially persevering through this hardship and keeping the team focused on the Kingdom of God.
For each member of the team, I have a renewed appreciation for their specific needs: for Lynn and Amy, for Randy and Jody, for Micah, for John and Becky, and for Silk.
But the most significant learning for me was the personal growth I experienced particularly in learning more about the Kingdom. As pastor of CrossWalk, I sometimes wondered if I was speaking too much about spiritual battle as I interacted with people at church. No more. This is a war, and as a former Mennonite who has definite views of pacifism, I used to shy away from the spiritual battle that ensues. But now I see that this is Kingdom work. My role as pastor at CW is to extend the Kingdom of God in the POWER of the Holy Sprit and to speak truthfully and candidly to those who are struggling between two gods: the god of chaos and security and Jesus Christ who offers healing and wholeness and forgiveness. I say the god of chaos and security because so many people at CW are living lives of chaos and say they want to get out of that life, but it is so secure for them, yet demonic. Many people in my context say that they want out of their misery, but many are unwilling to let go of what is close to them. It sounds to me like the people of Dongaul have many of the same issues.
I am blessed and encouraged to see what God has done in me and through me on this trip. There’s plenty to be encouraged about, and yet plenty still to pray for. I encourage anyone who is serving in the church to consider coming and seeing what is happening here or in any place of the world where Christianity is the clear minority (0.5% Christian in Thailand) and where people are focused on building the Kingdom of God. Be blessed, all!
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