I went to dinner with my Dad and a dear friend of our family's tonight. I was struck by an interesting cultural difference as we sat at the table by the window looking out over the busy traffic below. It was a quiet, spacious restaurant where the waiter's station was across the room. On several occasions I needed something. I simply turned my head and waited a moment until I made eye contact with the server. Usually it only took seconds. He was holding a dish to be delivered to another table but he gave a small nod and a half smile as if to say, "I see you and will be there in a moment." Once he was free, he came to our table to see what we needed.
At another point in the evening I went through the same motions. This time I needed water. Again I looked the waiter's direction and as if he had a radar for eye contact he turned. I discretely pointed to my glass (really, I barely moved my hand). He appeared in a few moments with a fresh bottle of water.
Thai culture is known for it's gracious ways. You don't shout or talk to loudly. Small motions and quiet words communicate so much. I find that my volume is so much quieter when I speak Thai.
I found the interaction with the waiter tonight beautiful. It was a subtle expression of the Thai heart. Quietly aware.
And now it is time to sleep. Lat Dee Sawat. (Goodnight to you. )
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Pulling Heaven to Earth
For the past few days, my Dad and I have had WIDE OPEN doors to minister to people's hearts. With so much happening, let's see if I can just summarize:
FRIDAY: In the evening we visited a local church that I attended when living here last year. After the service the pastor asked us to pray for several people. We lingered together in prayer over 2 girls. It was neat to watch the Lord give us impressions in our hearts which we prayed over them. Later we found out that what the Lord was showing us matched with what was going in their lives. I love how the Lord does that!
SATURDAY: Waking up at 5 AM, my Dad and I traveled with 5 other Thai to Korat, a city about 4 hours away. We joined a day of prayer and worship where people from all over the province of Esan came together. The meeting was electric! For over 6 hours the people worshipped and sought after the Lord with tenacity for a breakthrough in Thailand. By the end, my voice was course! But it was incredible to see the energy and focus of the people on seeing the Lord bring a harvest in their land.
View Larger Map
SUNDAY: Tucked away in a neighborhood in Bangkok, we joined a house church for their Sunday celebration. This was especially touching to me because it was at the home of my Thai teacher and prayer partner. Last year when living in Thailand I prayed consistenty with Jume (my teacher) that the Lord would use thier family to bring many to Christ. Now they have a dynamic house church where all of the members have known the Lord for 4-5 months or less! They are all new Christians! When we arrived, Jume's husband asked my Dad to preach...in Thai!! Even though my Dad hasn't done this for more than 20 years he managed to pull off a 45 minute message! Afterwards we had an incredible time of prayer ministry. The Holy Spirit touched each one in a unique way.
One little boy in particular named Best, was touched so powerfully that he just lay down on the floor. As he lay there, I prayed over him that the Lord would show him what heaven was like. He got up from the floor about 10 minutes later. I asked him what the Lord said to him, He described a picture that he saw of gold and red. In the center was a circle where people stood and worshipped. And water was flowing from the circle. Then he heard a voice saying, "You are here." When I asked him, where is "here". He said, "Heaven." He explained that he couldn't describe all that he saw. I was so excited. The Lord is inviting children to peer into heaven and pull it to earth.
When we finally got in our taxi to go home, I was exhausted! My dad started up a conversation with the taxi cab driver as usual. He shared about our work here in Thailand, especially about our heart to help young girls stay in school and out of prostitution. Our driver was so moved that we would love the Thai people enough to want to help in this way. I felt the Holy Spirit move in my heart to say something. I explained, "The Love we have for the Thai people comes from God. In fact, God wanted us to meet today so that you could understand His love as well." He turned around and said, "This must be God. I have goosebumps and feel something in my heart." The Holy Spirit moved in his heart. We offered him the Jesus video that he could watch with his family. He was so excited and touched that he did something I have never seen before. He said, "I am so moved that I don't want you to pay the full taxi fare." (This coming from a man that said earlier how hard it was to find passangers now to make a living.") We also were moved to bless him with EXTRA money, which he reluctantly accepted. In the end we got his phone number and plan to follow-up.
The Lord is moving in Thailand. And it is my pure delight to partner with Him in this.
Some pictures of our last few days:
Petch (Jume's son), Jume's Young sister, and Jume leading worship together
Some of the house church members. Can you find my Dad?
A young boy, name Bible (neat name huh?), reading the Word as my Dad preached.
And now it is time to go and play some ping-pong with my Dad! =-)
FRIDAY: In the evening we visited a local church that I attended when living here last year. After the service the pastor asked us to pray for several people. We lingered together in prayer over 2 girls. It was neat to watch the Lord give us impressions in our hearts which we prayed over them. Later we found out that what the Lord was showing us matched with what was going in their lives. I love how the Lord does that!
SATURDAY: Waking up at 5 AM, my Dad and I traveled with 5 other Thai to Korat, a city about 4 hours away. We joined a day of prayer and worship where people from all over the province of Esan came together. The meeting was electric! For over 6 hours the people worshipped and sought after the Lord with tenacity for a breakthrough in Thailand. By the end, my voice was course! But it was incredible to see the energy and focus of the people on seeing the Lord bring a harvest in their land.
View Larger Map
SUNDAY: Tucked away in a neighborhood in Bangkok, we joined a house church for their Sunday celebration. This was especially touching to me because it was at the home of my Thai teacher and prayer partner. Last year when living in Thailand I prayed consistenty with Jume (my teacher) that the Lord would use thier family to bring many to Christ. Now they have a dynamic house church where all of the members have known the Lord for 4-5 months or less! They are all new Christians! When we arrived, Jume's husband asked my Dad to preach...in Thai!! Even though my Dad hasn't done this for more than 20 years he managed to pull off a 45 minute message! Afterwards we had an incredible time of prayer ministry. The Holy Spirit touched each one in a unique way.
One little boy in particular named Best, was touched so powerfully that he just lay down on the floor. As he lay there, I prayed over him that the Lord would show him what heaven was like. He got up from the floor about 10 minutes later. I asked him what the Lord said to him, He described a picture that he saw of gold and red. In the center was a circle where people stood and worshipped. And water was flowing from the circle. Then he heard a voice saying, "You are here." When I asked him, where is "here". He said, "Heaven." He explained that he couldn't describe all that he saw. I was so excited. The Lord is inviting children to peer into heaven and pull it to earth.
When we finally got in our taxi to go home, I was exhausted! My dad started up a conversation with the taxi cab driver as usual. He shared about our work here in Thailand, especially about our heart to help young girls stay in school and out of prostitution. Our driver was so moved that we would love the Thai people enough to want to help in this way. I felt the Holy Spirit move in my heart to say something. I explained, "The Love we have for the Thai people comes from God. In fact, God wanted us to meet today so that you could understand His love as well." He turned around and said, "This must be God. I have goosebumps and feel something in my heart." The Holy Spirit moved in his heart. We offered him the Jesus video that he could watch with his family. He was so excited and touched that he did something I have never seen before. He said, "I am so moved that I don't want you to pay the full taxi fare." (This coming from a man that said earlier how hard it was to find passangers now to make a living.") We also were moved to bless him with EXTRA money, which he reluctantly accepted. In the end we got his phone number and plan to follow-up.
The Lord is moving in Thailand. And it is my pure delight to partner with Him in this.
Some pictures of our last few days:
Petch (Jume's son), Jume's Young sister, and Jume leading worship together
Some of the house church members. Can you find my Dad?
A young boy, name Bible (neat name huh?), reading the Word as my Dad preached.
And now it is time to go and play some ping-pong with my Dad! =-)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
"Do you know anyone who will go to heaven for sure?"
This was the last question my dad asked our young taxi cab driver before the Holy Spirit welled up in me in such a way that my heart burned. The moment we had entered into the taxi cab on our way to a meeting I felt drawn to talk with Eek. He is 23 years old (although looks no older than 16) and had been driving a taxi for 3 years. Although his goal is to go to college he feels burdened to work and save money to help put his younger sister through high school (you have to pay to go to school here). He is talkative and fun-loving. Our conversation started with normal things like what makes Thailand a great country (his answer: the King of Thailand, and the incredible Food).
We continued asking questions about Thai culture, until finally my Dad asked, "In Thai culture, where do people think the world came from?" Eek paused and answered, "I don't know. I have never thought about it." The discussion continued with both my Dad and I sharing parts of God's story. Until finally, my Dad asked the questions, "Do you know anyone who will go to heaven for sure?" Eek said, "No. Everyone probably has to come back and try again in another life." My heart was bursting. "Eek, can I speak plainly?" "Please do," he said. "I know that I am going to heaven for sure. But I am not perfect. Jesus made a way for me..." We went on to explain the rest of the gospel. As we talked, Eek would repeat back, "Oh so you mean that Jesus died in the place of me..."
We arrived at our destination. But before we got out of the car I handed Eek a Jesus video in Thai. "Watch this. It will tell you more about Jesus' life." "Thank you, this is something I have never understood before. I will watch it."
I don't know if I will ever meet Eek again. But I pray that the seed planted will grow and blossom.
This is love. I still struggle to explain the gospel in Thai, and even if I look silly doing so I will share about my King!
Our meeting that we were traveling to was also very encouraging. We talked with Jennifer Mullens from Power to Change, an organization that is working closely with the church leaders of Thailand to develop an interactive training website for pastors and christians. Very exciting work! We are seeking ways to partner with them in developing training on evangelism and discipleship.
The cry of my heart this morning comes from Psalm 27:11 "Teach me your way, O Lord, lead me in a straight path..." The Lord promises to show us what he is doing (See John 15:15). Today as I order food from the Auntie who sells at the corner stall I want to learn more about the compassion of the Lord and hear what He is already doing in this Auntie's life.
In the meantime, it is time to get ready for the day!
We continued asking questions about Thai culture, until finally my Dad asked, "In Thai culture, where do people think the world came from?" Eek paused and answered, "I don't know. I have never thought about it." The discussion continued with both my Dad and I sharing parts of God's story. Until finally, my Dad asked the questions, "Do you know anyone who will go to heaven for sure?" Eek said, "No. Everyone probably has to come back and try again in another life." My heart was bursting. "Eek, can I speak plainly?" "Please do," he said. "I know that I am going to heaven for sure. But I am not perfect. Jesus made a way for me..." We went on to explain the rest of the gospel. As we talked, Eek would repeat back, "Oh so you mean that Jesus died in the place of me..."
We arrived at our destination. But before we got out of the car I handed Eek a Jesus video in Thai. "Watch this. It will tell you more about Jesus' life." "Thank you, this is something I have never understood before. I will watch it."
I don't know if I will ever meet Eek again. But I pray that the seed planted will grow and blossom.
This is love. I still struggle to explain the gospel in Thai, and even if I look silly doing so I will share about my King!
Our meeting that we were traveling to was also very encouraging. We talked with Jennifer Mullens from Power to Change, an organization that is working closely with the church leaders of Thailand to develop an interactive training website for pastors and christians. Very exciting work! We are seeking ways to partner with them in developing training on evangelism and discipleship.
The cry of my heart this morning comes from Psalm 27:11 "Teach me your way, O Lord, lead me in a straight path..." The Lord promises to show us what he is doing (See John 15:15). Today as I order food from the Auntie who sells at the corner stall I want to learn more about the compassion of the Lord and hear what He is already doing in this Auntie's life.
In the meantime, it is time to get ready for the day!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Bangkok in Full Color: Learning to Love
Once again I walked the streets of the center of Bangkok last night. I was on my way to a meeting with my Dad and the pastor of Jaisamarn Church, the largest church in Bangkok and a solid leader in advancing the Kingdom in Thailand.
While talking with my colleague and friend Art, my heart was taking in the sights and sounds around me: uneven pavement, foodstalls and swarms of people, foreign men walking with young Thai girls, the smell of exhaust from taxis, cars and motorcycles, and finally a woman sitting on the street begging. My eyes locked on her cheap plastic prosthetic leg. How did she lose it? Is she a refugee from Burma? Would she understand me if I spoke to her in Thai? How can I help her? I was following a group and therefore kept walking. But the picture locked in my mind.
This morning I woke up at 3 AM (my body is a still confused about what region I am in). I began asking about the ministry of Jesus. Jesus walked the streets and in many places the scripture tells us that He healed "all the sick" Matthew 8:16. I look at my own life in comparison to Jesus. I am tempted to be discouraged by the fact that I am not YET doing all that Jesus did ( I do believe it is possible). However, through reading Face to Face with God, I was reminded that Jesus spent the early years of his life growing "in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52. Even though Jesus was the Son of God, he modeled the fact that we must grow into a place where the Spirit rests upon us and the Lord speaks over us, "This is my Son whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." Matt 3:17. So I think that learning to listen to the voice of the Spirit and obey is part of growing in favor with the Lord.
So naturally my next question is, "What can i do NOW when I meet a woman begging on the street?" I am sure Jesus saw many people sick and hurting before His time came. This morning, I found my answer in John 15. Jesus' progression of thought is what caught my heart. "Abide in my love. If you obey my commandments you abide in my love. This is my commandment: love one another." Therefore, Abiding in the love of Jesus = loving others.
So my goal today, is to approach every interaction with the people that I meet by asking, "Lord, how can I demonstrate your love in this moment." I choose to love boldly, through praying or talking about Jesus or smiling or saying words of blessing. As I do so I expect the Holy Spirit to move with me.
I will let you know how it goes. =-)
While talking with my colleague and friend Art, my heart was taking in the sights and sounds around me: uneven pavement, foodstalls and swarms of people, foreign men walking with young Thai girls, the smell of exhaust from taxis, cars and motorcycles, and finally a woman sitting on the street begging. My eyes locked on her cheap plastic prosthetic leg. How did she lose it? Is she a refugee from Burma? Would she understand me if I spoke to her in Thai? How can I help her? I was following a group and therefore kept walking. But the picture locked in my mind.
This morning I woke up at 3 AM (my body is a still confused about what region I am in). I began asking about the ministry of Jesus. Jesus walked the streets and in many places the scripture tells us that He healed "all the sick" Matthew 8:16. I look at my own life in comparison to Jesus. I am tempted to be discouraged by the fact that I am not YET doing all that Jesus did ( I do believe it is possible). However, through reading Face to Face with God, I was reminded that Jesus spent the early years of his life growing "in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52. Even though Jesus was the Son of God, he modeled the fact that we must grow into a place where the Spirit rests upon us and the Lord speaks over us, "This is my Son whom I love; with Him I am well pleased." Matt 3:17. So I think that learning to listen to the voice of the Spirit and obey is part of growing in favor with the Lord.
So naturally my next question is, "What can i do NOW when I meet a woman begging on the street?" I am sure Jesus saw many people sick and hurting before His time came. This morning, I found my answer in John 15. Jesus' progression of thought is what caught my heart. "Abide in my love. If you obey my commandments you abide in my love. This is my commandment: love one another." Therefore, Abiding in the love of Jesus = loving others.
So my goal today, is to approach every interaction with the people that I meet by asking, "Lord, how can I demonstrate your love in this moment." I choose to love boldly, through praying or talking about Jesus or smiling or saying words of blessing. As I do so I expect the Holy Spirit to move with me.
I will let you know how it goes. =-)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A 6-Week Journey
I sent out this email en route to Thailand. For the benefit of those that did not receive it, I repeat it here:
I am sitting in the terminal of the Taipei city airport awaiting my connection flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Even after a 14 hour flight it is amazing how alive I feel as I touched down in a familiar city (I lived here for 3 summers during college). But my heart looks forward to the sights and smells of Thailand.
For the past week I have sought the Lord about the purpose or theme for this trip. Often the Lord gives me a promise or picture of what to expect as I go out. This time was no exception, however, I was really excited when the Lord showed me that the promise involved YOU. Let me explain.
The focus for my heart for the past few months is pictured in Isaiah 50 which describes a disciple of the Lord who listens, obeys, and is able to sustain others with words of life. The Lord spoke to me out of this passage for this trip. As I cultivate my awareness of the presence of God, listen to His voice, and obey the Kingdom of Heaven WILL be advanced. My life will be changed and people around me will be affected.
As I thought about how to communicate this to you, the Lord showed me that the promise was not just for ME. As you take part in this journey through prayer I believe this will happen as a community. This is possible for your life as well.
Before I left, I shared this promise with several people. Everyone I talked to shared that they also long for an increase of the presence of God in their lives.
So I want to challenge you, will you go on a six-week journey with me? I will be communicating through email and my blog what happens as I listen to the Lord MOMENT BY MOMENT. Will you do the same?
A friend asked me, “How exactly do I step into this?” I thought long and hard about this. For me, I am feeding myself on the promises of God’s word. And in each situation I find myself in I ask, “Holy Spirit what are you doing right now and how can I be a part of it?” I am also reading books and listening to podcasts out of Bill Johnson’s church in Redding California (check out ibethel.org) where they are experiencing incredible moves of God (I am especially benefiting from Bill Johnson's latest book Face to Face with God). I am doing whatever I can to build my faith and understanding of the Kingdom.
Join me. And as you journey please share so that I can learn from what you are experiencing.
I am sitting in the terminal of the Taipei city airport awaiting my connection flight to Bangkok, Thailand. Even after a 14 hour flight it is amazing how alive I feel as I touched down in a familiar city (I lived here for 3 summers during college). But my heart looks forward to the sights and smells of Thailand.
For the past week I have sought the Lord about the purpose or theme for this trip. Often the Lord gives me a promise or picture of what to expect as I go out. This time was no exception, however, I was really excited when the Lord showed me that the promise involved YOU. Let me explain.
The focus for my heart for the past few months is pictured in Isaiah 50 which describes a disciple of the Lord who listens, obeys, and is able to sustain others with words of life. The Lord spoke to me out of this passage for this trip. As I cultivate my awareness of the presence of God, listen to His voice, and obey the Kingdom of Heaven WILL be advanced. My life will be changed and people around me will be affected.
As I thought about how to communicate this to you, the Lord showed me that the promise was not just for ME. As you take part in this journey through prayer I believe this will happen as a community. This is possible for your life as well.
Before I left, I shared this promise with several people. Everyone I talked to shared that they also long for an increase of the presence of God in their lives.
So I want to challenge you, will you go on a six-week journey with me? I will be communicating through email and my blog what happens as I listen to the Lord MOMENT BY MOMENT. Will you do the same?
A friend asked me, “How exactly do I step into this?” I thought long and hard about this. For me, I am feeding myself on the promises of God’s word. And in each situation I find myself in I ask, “Holy Spirit what are you doing right now and how can I be a part of it?” I am also reading books and listening to podcasts out of Bill Johnson’s church in Redding California (check out ibethel.org) where they are experiencing incredible moves of God (I am especially benefiting from Bill Johnson's latest book Face to Face with God). I am doing whatever I can to build my faith and understanding of the Kingdom.
Join me. And as you journey please share so that I can learn from what you are experiencing.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Struggle
I went to a seminar today on grant writing. I came out with my head spinning.
Life is full of struggle. I considered recently, going and getting a “normal” job to escape the struggle of fundraising. In my thinking, if I had regular employment that didn’t depend on my understanding of grant writing, supporter communication, and non-profit marketing, I would have more time to do the things that really count for the Kingdom. But my father gently pointed out that a career is just as consuming if not more so of my time, energy, and efforts and could very well lead me into a greater struggle than I am facing now.
So then I am faced with the question, do I push through this struggle to higher places knowing that with each mountain I cross I will see another? Or do I pull back and try to find a plate where I can live out my life in relative ease. But even maintaining the status quo takes some sort of struggle. So in the end, if I am avoiding struggle altogether then I would have to conform to the ideals of Buddhism which states that all life is suffering. Our main mission in life is to detach ourselves from suffering through abandonment of family, identity, and minimizing need to that of the most basic necessities of life.
Knowing that this extreme is not an option for me, I must choose the other extreme. Daily in life there is struggle. I choose to face this with courage. But more than anything I choose to look to Jesus, knowing that the Kingdoms of this world are becoming the Kingdom of the Beloved Son. I struggle not for myself, but for the sake of the Kingdom.
Lord, success is hearing Your voice. And in hearing Your voice...I find such joy and rest.
Life is full of struggle. I considered recently, going and getting a “normal” job to escape the struggle of fundraising. In my thinking, if I had regular employment that didn’t depend on my understanding of grant writing, supporter communication, and non-profit marketing, I would have more time to do the things that really count for the Kingdom. But my father gently pointed out that a career is just as consuming if not more so of my time, energy, and efforts and could very well lead me into a greater struggle than I am facing now.
So then I am faced with the question, do I push through this struggle to higher places knowing that with each mountain I cross I will see another? Or do I pull back and try to find a plate where I can live out my life in relative ease. But even maintaining the status quo takes some sort of struggle. So in the end, if I am avoiding struggle altogether then I would have to conform to the ideals of Buddhism which states that all life is suffering. Our main mission in life is to detach ourselves from suffering through abandonment of family, identity, and minimizing need to that of the most basic necessities of life.
Knowing that this extreme is not an option for me, I must choose the other extreme. Daily in life there is struggle. I choose to face this with courage. But more than anything I choose to look to Jesus, knowing that the Kingdoms of this world are becoming the Kingdom of the Beloved Son. I struggle not for myself, but for the sake of the Kingdom.
Lord, success is hearing Your voice. And in hearing Your voice...I find such joy and rest.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
I'm a Grandmother!
....spiritually that is. =-) This week I had a conversation with a dear friend of mine. She is someone that I led to the Lord several years ago. We have spent precious time together talking and praying and growing. Well, she just told me this past week that she just led a highschooler into a relationship with Jesus! I am overjoyed with this news becuase I long to live out what Jesus described for us as the normal christian life (intense fruitfullness!!).
I have been thinking much about the parable of the 4 soils. The farmer throws the seed. The first soil satan comes and steals the seed. The second, responds in some way but immediatly dies becuase it has no roots. The third responds, grows, but eventually is choked by the worries of this world. Many Christians in America, I believe, fall into this category. We grow in good soil but are also surrounded with weeds and many produce no fruit. In the past few weeks I have seriously looked at my life. I had to ask myself, "Jessie, are you allowing yourself to be choked?" I looked at my life to see what I need to change to bear MUCH fruit. In the forth soil the seed is good and brings a harvest of 30, 60 or 100 fold. To be honest, I want the 100 fold so I am choosing to change my lifestyle so that I can bring as many into the Kingdom as possible. And besides, Jesus told us to make disciples, baptise them, teach them and raise them up to lead others. And I want to take Jesus seriously. So, this news from my friend was an absolute Joy!
I am just back from a retreat with the Pastors and church leaders of Hatyai. It was INCREDIBLE. But I will save that news for my next update. I am preaching in TWO churches tomorrow and need to take some time to prepare. I will write soon. Please PRAY. Pray that the Kingdom of Heaven would come in power in Hatyai, nothing less than an open heaven over the city.
I have been thinking much about the parable of the 4 soils. The farmer throws the seed. The first soil satan comes and steals the seed. The second, responds in some way but immediatly dies becuase it has no roots. The third responds, grows, but eventually is choked by the worries of this world. Many Christians in America, I believe, fall into this category. We grow in good soil but are also surrounded with weeds and many produce no fruit. In the past few weeks I have seriously looked at my life. I had to ask myself, "Jessie, are you allowing yourself to be choked?" I looked at my life to see what I need to change to bear MUCH fruit. In the forth soil the seed is good and brings a harvest of 30, 60 or 100 fold. To be honest, I want the 100 fold so I am choosing to change my lifestyle so that I can bring as many into the Kingdom as possible. And besides, Jesus told us to make disciples, baptise them, teach them and raise them up to lead others. And I want to take Jesus seriously. So, this news from my friend was an absolute Joy!
I am just back from a retreat with the Pastors and church leaders of Hatyai. It was INCREDIBLE. But I will save that news for my next update. I am preaching in TWO churches tomorrow and need to take some time to prepare. I will write soon. Please PRAY. Pray that the Kingdom of Heaven would come in power in Hatyai, nothing less than an open heaven over the city.
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