Thailand trip update

Only 1 meeting and 40 days left until we leave!!  I am so excited to go and yet a little overwhelmed at how much we still have to do!  I have 3-4 songs to memorize (including hand movements), a Sunday School lesson to practice, an Origami Heart to learn how to fold and an outreach program to refine and perfect as a group! But I trust that it will all come together in time :)

In addition, God has provided nearly all the funds I need to go!  The last $300 is due next week and I'm sure will be covered.  Praise God for providing so much for all of us going on this short term mission!

"For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.  So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.  And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.  Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!" 
- 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

Trouble in Thailand

You may or may not have heard of the political troubles plaguing Thailand recently but there has been an increase in the violence surrounding the issues.  So far our plans to go have not changed as we will not be traveling through Bangkok at all.  Also, some of the missionaries that live in Chiang Mai have reported that things there are pretty much staus quo and the uprisings have had little impact on their daily lives.  Of course if things change and there is a real danger to our team we will cancel the trip.

Here is a quote from our team leader:
"We are confident at this time that the July trips planned will continue as scheduled but will continue to monitor the situation.  We trust that Almighty God is taking very good care of us as we do His work in Thailand.   Please continue to pray for the nation and people of Thailand that they will find a peaceful solution to this problem and that revival will take place in the hearts of the people." 

Here is an excerpt of the warning from the US State Dept:
"The Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of ongoing political demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.  Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, including gunfire near the U.S. Embassy, demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, U.S. citizens should defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand.  The Department of State has authorized the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from Bangkok.  This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 28, 2010, and is in response to updated information on increased violence and security concerns.  The Department of State recommends against travel to Bangkok and non-essential travel to Thailand at this time."

A true missionary

I read a story today about a missionary in Northern Iraq that really convicted and challenged me:

One worker, “Allen,” was just interviewed on Kurdish television, but when the camera crew offered him a cigarette, something happened that no one expected.  Here’s how Allen tells it:
“The camera crew was pleased with the lighting of the second shoot and began to drive me home. The broadcaster offered me a cigarette, but I told him I didn’t want one because my body is a gift from God and I don’t want to waste it. I told him, ‘Jesus came into my heart. Gave me a new life, and this new life is only possible with Jesus the Messiah. I want to follow him in everything I do. I want to live for him. Jesus offers the only way to God.’
 
I was really blown away by how "Allen" was able to turn a simple offer of a cigarette into a full blown testimony of Jesus in his life.  This is what I want my life to look like - that Jesus so permeates my life that even the shortest and simplest of conversations would lead to Him.

I realize that this doesn't directly pertain to the Thailand mission trip I am about to embark on, however, it is a picture of a true missionary. One who looks for every opportunity to share the love of Christ...

Thailand trip update

Well it's been a while since I've written anything and that's mostly because there hasn't been too much new to report.  Our team continues to work on and develop both the outreach program and the Sunday school lesson. 

There is one big thing though that I'd like to share - I only have $390 left to raise for my trip!  God has provided in abundance and I am so thankful to everyone who has been moved to help both financially and in prayer!!  This is so much more than I had ever expected and I am moved beyond words.

I just want to remind everyone who is partnering with me that not only are you helping me get to Thailand but you are a part of this journey as well!  Just because you are not physically going does not mean you don't play a crucial role in God's plan overseas. Thank you!

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." - Romans 12:4-5