Week 2
Finding Comfort in the Unfamiliar
As I adjust to life in SE Asia, I am faced with the fact that everything is unfamiliar every day. The language, the food, the people, the culture, they all are unfamiliar. Then I am humbled by this fact: I am a foreigner here. I am the one that is different and unfamiliar. I am the one who can’t speak the language or tolerate all the food. My way of life is different. The Thai word for white foreigner is “farang” and I hear it often as I pass by people. It is a reminder that this is not my home.
I am learning that when all things are unfamiliar to me, Jesus is my familiarity. He is my home. He comforts me because He knows what it means to not be part of this world. Jesus left his kingdom to come to us. He left a throne, his crown of gold, and his servants, so he could wash our feet, wear a crown of thorns, and die a criminal’s death. He left his home to have none so that he may save the nations. When I participate in cross-cultural ministry, I get to be a mirror of what Jesus did.
Along with that, I am recognizing the immense weight of the fact that I may be one of the first Christians a Thai person may meet. What a frightening honor! I have never been more aware of my actions and reactions. I am convinced of the ways I was not honoring the Lord at home. How you live your life for Christ matters wherever you are.
I am worshiping the One True God in a nation of idol worship. I see alters on every corner with constant gifts and offerings. I am reminded that my God desires mercy not sacrifice. There is no greater alter than a body, mind, and soul fully submitted to God. I am completely dependent on him to help me with these things in the next few months.
Ministry Updates
God is showing me many ways in which people are serving the field. This week I will be visiting a counseling office and meeting several counselors who are serving missionaries. I have also been helping a 7th-grade girl with her homework. Her family is warm and welcoming and has been on the mission field for over 20 years! I am working with my team for an upcoming conference for TCKs (Third Culture Kids) in Chaing Rai. These families have been affected by recent floods from heavy rains. Please pray for them.
My roommate and I have had the opportunity to get to know some missionaries from a creative access nation. We have enjoyed helping them practice English and sharing the joy of the Lord with them. At the end of this month, I will be taking time to visit a nearby country for a Visa run. I will also be traveling to Bangkok to visit my friends. While I am there, I will be able to celebrate one of my friend’s baptism! I am so excited that God provided this timing and opportunity.
Prayer Requests
- Pray that God will keep me present
- Pray that I trust God with my future
- Praise God that my friend is getting baptized
- Pray for the creative access missionaries to grow their discipleship skills and language learning
- Praise God that I am adjusting to food
- Pray that I find comfort as miss home and my dog
- Pray for the families affected by flooding in Chaing Rai
- Pray for our upcoming conference and the children who will be attending
Please let me know how I can pray for you!