BEGINNINGS IN BANGKOK!

I have been in Bangkok for about three weeks now, and I must say I am starting to feel at home. Hartville, Ohio will always be where I am from, but I have started a new chapter of my life in Bangkok. In my last post: "The Lord is my Shepherd" I told you how I came to make this decision to move to Bangkok, and now, as I settle into this new place and into my new home, I will share with you the experiences of living on the other side of the world.

Staring out the window as my plane was making its final descent into lit up Bangkok, I felt as if the past year and a half spent planning made its way to fulfillment. Moving to the other side of the world alone may seem daunting and intimidating but I was filled with peace. I was confident because I had the word of the Lord; and that my friends, is all I need. When I arrived at my apartment late that night all I could do was pray and thank the Lord for bringing me here. Since arriving the past few weeks have been somewhat difficult. Rightfully so. It is easy to miss home especially when you just left your closest friends and family behind. However everyday I have the ability to think back and stand on what God has spoken to me.  I think back to the promises He has made me and all the growth I gained while preparing. I am encouraged by the Spirit of Truth because I know I am in the will of God for my life. Again, that fact is enough for me. I sense that I am at the beginning of great things here in Bangkok as I establish myself in my new home for years to come.

So far my time here has been focused on learning the language. I must say I enjoy the challenge of learning the Thai language and I feel as if I am picking it up rather quickly - it helps being fully submerged into the culture and having a great teacher. The MST Project is going well, too. We have had a lot going on in regards to logistics, training, and meetings. Actual ministry will start up shortly as we are still preparing, learning the different ministry locations, etc. 


We did visit one ministry location called Nana Plaza, which is a very popular tourist area for sexual services. The night we went, we met up with our friend Vashi. Vashi is an Indian man who runs a custom tailor shop with his wife. Above his store in the heart of the Red-Light District, his sign reads: JESUS IS LORD! I've only met him once, but I sense a great relationship in the making (who doesn't love Jesus and custom suits?). At night Vashi allows us to use his shop as our prayer center/ministry headquarters. So while at Nana Plaza we prayed blessings over him his wife and his business as well as prayer walking through the "three levels" of Nana Plaza.

Thanks for reading. The update about the MST Project trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia is coming shortly as well as our future trip to Wisconsin for the ICAP Conference in May.