Our time in Thailand was great. We arrived in Bangkok and the team split into two groups. One group went to Phuket while the other group went to Takua Pa. I was in the group that went to Phuket and there we painted a kinder garden for two weeks. God provided and blessed us in abundance through many people on countless occasions. During our time there, we did some Bible study on the book of Philippians and it was great to discover Paul’s sacrificial lifestyle and to see how he remained joyful in all circumstances. We also met up with Tobi, an old global challenger, and it was cool to hear his stories as he shared his experiences.
After our 2 weeks at the kinder garden, we camped on the beach for four days as we started to prepare for our Luke 10 that was awaiting us. We pitched our tents 10 metres from the beach and swam throughout the day but the swimming was best at night – we saw phosphor in the water while thunder was colouring the night sky! We also went to a few beaches around Phuket and it was such a privilege to encounter the most beautiful sunsets, crystal clear water and white beaches! Through it all, you just realise how mighty and great God is for creating all nature that surrounds us and how He sustains it daily.
We travelled to Bangkok to sort out our Visas for Burma (our destination for Luke 10) but we underestimated the costs. The people at the embassy required a flight ticket to apply for a visa which we did not have so you can imagine the total cost for our 5 days of Luke 10. After prayer about this situation, we decided that we are going to go to Mae Sot, located in northern Thailand. We have been given a small amount of money to get to our destination as quick as possible to start with our ministry there. Mae Sot is on the border of Burma and on our day of arrival, we found our man of peace that gave us a place to stay. He is a pastor and helps other teams that are on outreaches. During our days in Mae Sot, we went to a clinic where we prayed for the sick and to the refugee camp but we could not enter due to security restrictions and spend the time around in prayer. One day we had the opportunity of entering Burma. It was a completely different experience than what we anticipated. The people were so caught up in Buddhism and therefore closed towards us. Their life circumstances were not great: a lot of poverty. It appears as if they don’t live for anything. If they have enough food for the day, they are content with it. Everyone (young and old) is addicted to chewing tobacco. The whole place was filled with dirt (no refuse system) and everyone is spitting their chewed tobacco everywhere. While we were walking there, I realised for the first time what that scripture means when it states that we should not conform to the customs of this world. It is so easy to fall into that trap when everyone around you is busy doing it. That is why it is so important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit for guidance during our life.
The people we encountered in Mae Sot and Burma were encouraged and we could leave for Bangkok with peaceful hearts. Luke 10 was such a great experience! It is sad to realise how quickly we can put trust in ourselves and our own abilities to provide for ourselves. God is capable of providing way more than we think. We just don’t allow Him to do that.
Our experience of Thailand was superb. Thank you God for Your provision and guidance through it all! God can be trusted! He is always faithful!