Saturday, June 7, 2008

I am listening to the song "How He Loves Us" by Kim Walker. I feel the weight of His love as I think about the last week. What a privilege it is to partner with the Lord. Since our full schedule hasn't made it possible to write, let me give you a snap shot of stories:

Crossing Cultures
I am searching for ways to talk about Jesus with Thai's in such a way that culturally clicks. A few days ago I had a breakthrough. I jumped in a taxi cab off of a busy street. I saw that our driver was about my age so struck up a conversation with him. After asking some questions I found out that he was having a hard time making enough money driving taxi (the economy is down in Thailand). I replied, "Really? I have some advice for you..." I went on to tell of how my family struggled financially when I was young. At one time, I watched my parents get on their knees for 5 months in a row and ask the Lord for rent money a few days before it was due. Every time, the Lord answered many times to the penny that was needed. I told our young driver, "Go home and pray in the name of Jesus. Ask God to help you. And see what happens." At the end I gave him a little booklet and told him that it would show him how to pray. His heart was wide open, genuinely receptive. The conversation was so natural that I knew the Lord had prepared the moment and all I did was step into it.

An Outpouring: A Church at Work
Last Sunday my dad had the opportunity to preach at a Thai church. Afterwards he prayed over the leaders of the church. They were powerfully touched by the Holy Spirit, weeping, singing, falling to the floor. we then asked these leaders to pray for the rest of the church. At one point, as I was lingering in prayer over a young lady, I look up and saw that everyone in this church of 150 people was engaged in fervent prayer for one another. It was a powerful time of encountering the Lord.

Rich Christians, Hungry People
Every time I see someone begging on the street, my heart tightens. The woman I met two days ago was sitting with her two young daughters. I knelt down beside her and put my hand on her shoulder. I had almost walked by her but the Holy Spirit reminded me of my commitment to share to anyone who asks. He even told me the amount I should give. I spoke to her in Thai but quickly realized that she was not from Thailand, one of the many refugees from one of the surrounding nations. Her face still burns in my mind. I am seeking the Lord about how to give of myself (and ultimately Jesus) to these precious people.

Our part in the Big Picture
Thailand is changing. There is unprecedented unity among the national church leadership. Youth are dedicating their lives to holiness and living for Jesus. Just last month there was a camp for youth which expected 300 participants. Over 800 young people came, and this in the South of Thailand where only 1 in 2,000 know Christ. Our part in this shift is to do seminars in strategic cities around Thailand (In partnership with Thai leaders, in truth we are really behind the scenes). These seminars teach on the basics of Evangelism and Discipleship. We continue to meet with Pastors to plan these seminars.

I am still on this journey to listen and obey the voice of the Lord on a daily basis. I am enjoying walks where I talk freely with the Lord. Right now, I am learning how much my prayers can change things.

So when you read this, let me know how I can pray for you!

And now, it is time to say Lat dee sawat! (Good night!)