WHERE YOU GO, I'LL GO!

The first night we as staff resumed ministry in the red-light areas of Bangkok..

As we were taxiing down to Bangkok we hit bumper to bumper traffic, this made the butterflies in my stomach even worse. After two hours of sitting, we finally had arrived at the prayer center in Nana and as we prayed my confidence rose, and I felt bold and strong in faith. We asked God for a location and we all were in agreement and felt led to go to Soi Cowboy, so we jumped in a tuk-tuk and made our way.

On the way we continued to pray for specifics about the night and we again were in agreement to stand at the back entrance. The boldness I felt in the prayer center started to flee but I quickly reminded myself the reason I moved half-way around the world. We met two men tonight with totally different perspectives. One was polite and one was a bit harsher, one was from Europe, the other from the States, one against prostitution, and the other for. However, both traveling and both searching: one for a person the other for a “path.” It was an interesting night, we were able to share truth and at the same time refute and counter the stereotype of Christianity. Who knows where these men are today, God knows and I pray they call to follow up. The thing that encourages me most though is this: We specifically prayed for God to lead us in where we should go, to stand in the place where He would want us to stand, and meet the men He would have us meet. We met two men whom we got to enjoy two conversations with and challenge them in there thinking about love and about truth. No bended knees, however, who can discredit the seeds God plants? I pray that someone else will be there to water. 

HISTORY WITH GOD!

Two weeks ago I had the privilege to take a weekend trip with some good friends to Pak Chong, Thailand – a couple hours Northeast of Bangkok. We had a great get-a-way weekend together meeting ‘family,’ new friends, riding elephants, hanging out on a local farm – indulging in a nice bloody steak (unfortunate for the cows out back) and eating homemade ice cream. Good times. However, the highlight of this trip to Pak Chong for me wasn't riding ridiculously large elephants (even though I did feel like royalty), it was sitting with and listening to a couple who pioneered a church plant and have been missionaries in Thailand for 20 years. As this Pastor, Steve and his wife, Andrea spoke I got quiet - I had no desire to speak, only to listen. In my heart they inspired me to know and serve the Lord, beyond a “two year commitment” but for my life. I was absolutely thrilled by the history they have with God.

They told stories and testimonies of countless prayers The Lord has answered like when they first arrived in Thailand, Steve made a promise with the Lord, He said, “You teach me Thai and I will preach your word!” This guy has never attended a class and he speaks fluently, I was even told if you speak with him on the phone, you would think you were speaking to a Thai man. Again, there was this man at the hospital that was next to dead, the doctors were waiting and hoping for him to die so he would be put out of misery – they had already signed his death certificate. This man was raised from the dead, the doctors were left speechless, his sister instantly got saved, and now he attends their church on most Sundays. The church was planted 13 years ago. Many people  have come before them and have tried, however they failed when things became too difficult. But, Steve and his wife have stuck with it building the church long before ever building a place to attend on Sunday morning. They have persevered and been faithfully obedient to the calling that God has given them. 

Why do I mention Steve and Andrea?

Meeting people like these missionaries, who are devoted to the Lord, who have history with God, who don’t just talk about the Kingdom of God but actually partner with God and do something - have inspired me beyond measure. They aren't famous, not many people know them, they dont do it to make extreme amounts of money, they just obey God, follow Him, and go after the lost hoping to disciple this beautiful nation. They walk life day by day in tune with God! After I met them and people like them (which has been happening a lot lately) I told the Lord "Here I am, I want nothing else, other than history with You." 

You see I don’t care anymore about the get rich schemes or comparing myself with people who have more "things" than me. I just want to know the Lord more intimately and powerfully in my own life and make Him known through spreading the gospel with signs and wonders - (that which is founded upon hours and hours of prayer). I am done, God is so good and too good that for the rest of my days, I will serve him, I will love him, and I want nothing else. Sure I have dreams, passions, and hopes but they sit in the backseat. What I want is for people to look at my life and know that God is real and that he is so good because they see it in and through me. All I want is to have a rich history with God!  #sharingmyheart!