Hey everyone!
I am finishing up my second week in Thailand, hard to believe we only have two more weeks here. This trip is flying by, also it is hard to believe that it is about to be November. I am missing the Midwest’s fall, seeing the leaves change, sweaters, and pumpkin spice lattes, etc. haha. It is 85 and sunny here! There are moments I still catch myself realizing that I am in Thailand, on the other side of the world! He has given me a beautiful opportunity to be around the world, loving and sharing Jesus. This is something the Lord has been speaking to me lately, about living in the moment and being present. As our time is limited, it has been easy for me to think about other upcoming trips, jobs, and people I will see. He has been reminding me all those things are good, but ultimately invest in community and the experiences these last two weeks. Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life, in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” My prayer is to be present and to walk with His joy as I finish my time here.
Our ministry changed and now our squad is split into two teams. The ministry I am with is called, Tawsang. It is an after school program for kids ages 8-21. They teach English and Bible. Also, once a week is soccer and there is a youth group night. The ministry is on the proactive side, being a safe place for kids and young adults to come and be off the streets. Our ministry host shared how these kids can be targets for the sex trafficking industry, Tawsang is a way to prevent them from being targets. It provides them a safe outlet to come, enjoy community and learn more about the Lord. I have been very fortunate with being in this ministry, as I do get to be with older kids and young adults. I also get to teach! My team will lead lessons everyday on Bible, English, and life skills. This upcoming week, we are teaching about The Last Supper, and working on conversations in English. Originally, we were told it was not likely we would work again in children’s ministry in Thailand, but the Lord provided. It has been special, as He continues to remind me that I am His daughter and He cares about me. Also, our ministry hosts are just amazing! They have been so kind, taking us to dinner, paying for coffee, and really investing us. We are very fortunate!
Within this whole trip, but especially this week, the Lord has been pruning me. In the moment, I never realized it, but I have parts of me that I hold very closely too. “I” control and try to handle and fix on my own. Things that I do not want to surrender, things that bring comfort, and/or fear of what will happen if I let it go, etc. I am not going to share exactly what, but material things/desires of my heart, etc. which have been holding me captive and not being about to be present. Ultimately, He has the best for me and that might not be what I think or want. He is such a gracious and patient Father, as it has been a slow refining process.
I look at John 1:14, 16-18, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as one of only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Also, Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
As He has been pruning me, I have continued to fall more and more in love with the Lord and the Word. It has not been easy, but I continue to surrender and let the Lord have control of everything. I just ask for prayer of continual surrender and have the desires of His heart for me, not my own!
Finally, as I am nearing the end of this trip, the next “thing” is in the horizon. I will be doing CGA, starting in January in Gainesville, Georgia. CGA stands for Center for Global Action. This is a program through Adventures in Missions (World Race) and it is a discipleship and training school. I will be there for 5 months, learning how to know myself and God, lead myself, and lead others. CGA’s mission is to mobilize a generation to be passionate followers of Jesus and live out their faith whether at home, professionally, church planting, or being a missionary overseas. I am so excited for this new season in my life. These past months being able to go on these mission trips have been life changing, now I am ready to learn and be equipped with skills for future missionary work! With that being said, I am fundraising again! CGA costs $5,950. If you or someone you know would like to partner and support me in this next season, please let me know! You can donate through the link attached or Venmo:)!
https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/cga-january-2024-24cga01/donate?user=Obart99
In Christ,
Liv
