Since we have been in Thailand, we have met up with some additional guests to the Southbound family!
A number of family members of my fellow team-mates joined the team for our time in Thailand, as well as, some of the Global challenge base staff from South Africa. Because of this change in team dynamic, things have looked a little different during our time in Thailand. Yes, we worked during the day, but we took extra time at night to have meeting and challenges from the Word of God. God used our visitors and Base leaders in so many ways during our time here.
For me, I think the most impactful thing that has happened in Thailand was God challenging me in being faithful in the small things. All throughout scripture men and women are honored for being faithful to God in service and selflessness in the mundane things of life. The Holy Spirit did a work in my heart during our time here. He showed me that I was not being faithful in some areas that I have been given a talent or a gifting in and my fear and my selfishness has kept me from investing those talents into other people and using them for God's Glory in the way that I know that He has called me to. So, I was honest with God, I told Him that I was scared to give those things over to Him and let Him have control because I knew that He would then ask me to actually use them at the most uncomfortable times. But I was obedient and I did it. Freedom! It is always so good to know that have done what God has asked you, you can feel it physically and spiritually. It just makes everything so much better. But, sure enough, within the week, God was challenging me in the very areas that I had given over to Him. Leading worship for the team, preaching in a church, and having more faith (even in the small things) to step out and speak what He has spoken to me. Uncomfortable? Yes. But, as I have been obedient and taken the trial head on and overcame it with God's strength and not my own, Victory!
I feel a new leaf is turning. A big wave is coming! Oh! And there is so much more ahead! The more I listen to God, walk in obedience to what He is telling me to do and I am doing it selflessly, the satisfaction and the joy in doing it is so sweet and it makes me want to do it even more!