Not
much has changed in our schedules since our last post. We are still
working hard in language study and making slow but steady progress.
It is difficult work to learn a new language and it is filled with
confusion, occasional frustration and discouragement. However, there
are moments that bring great joy. Like when we can understand
Lauren's nanny explaining to us that Lauren has already eaten lunch.
(thinking
back,
I am pretty sure that for about a month Lauren ate lunch twice a day-once
with his nanny and once when we got home from language school). Or
like when we ask something and the Thai person actually understands
us well enough to respond appropriately.
It is those moments we are living for right now.
Lauren
is already learning the art of captivating the heart of the Thai
people. His nanny has taught him how to greet with a “wai”
(folding his hands when greeting or thanking someone). He has been
rewarded for this act of respect on many different occasions with
snacks and toys. He loves interacting with those around him and is
making friends and creating connections wherever we go.
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| Lauren making some new friends |
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| Keith and Lauren relaxing in the hammock outside our apartment at the Alliance Guest house |
As
we continue to learn more about the beautiful country where we now
live, we have felt an even deeper passion for those who are lost
around us. The
Thai people are kind, welcoming, and have a pleasant disposition. Yet it is evident
that the country is in deep bondage. We cannot walk 10 steps on any
given street without seeing idols with sacrifices. We also often see people
doing activities or rituals trying to overcome their sin with good
deeds. We pray we may be able to break through with the good news that Christ
has come to set us free!
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| View of the city from Lumpini Park |
We have been visiting local Thai C&MA
churches and are very encouraged, by seeing the growth and excitement, (especially in
the younger generation) and we believe that Thailand could be on the
verge of a revival.
Missionaries for many years have toiled the dry ground diligently and vigorously. And we are beginning to see the fruit of their labors as we visit some of the different churches in the area. We have recently been
reading through the book Siamese Gold (a wonderful book about the history of
Christian mission work in Thailand) and
have been greatly motivated by the selfless and determined work that
preceded current missions to Thailand.
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| At a youth outreach in Samut Sakhon (about 45 minutes outside of Bangkok) |
A passage of Scripture in Isaiah impacted us during our call to mission work
now greatly impacts our vision for Thailand and it's people. Isaiah
writes these words about the work that Christ would come and do and
the work that His people should continue,
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-3 emphasis added)
Our hearts desire that the people of Thailand would someday soon be
called oaks of righteousness.
If you are interested in reading more about the history and current state of C&MA mission work in Thailand, I recommend checking out these websites:
http://www.cmalliance.org/field/thailand
http://www.siammission.org/
Please continue to pray with us for this beautiful
country full of people lost in the darkness.