Thai Town 7

This blog has been a great place to fill you in on some of the details of our experience so far. I want to take this opportunity to let you know how each of us is doing. Each member of this team brings unique gifting and perspectives, which have been highlighted in many situations in our time here so far. I am excited to share with you a spotlight on each member of this team.

Jody has been without a doubt the most outgoing and enthusiastic team member in terms of embracing Thai culture. For example, Jody can be found munching on market delicacies, flipping through thai-english dictionaries with locals, and loving on Kah – a bethel local. Kah is a ten year old boy who lives in the slums outside of the city near bethel Church. Kah came to church on Sunday, and as he opened the door during worship, he spotted Jody and ran to her near the front and jumped into her arms. Jody has built strong relationships with the people we have met. Mr. And Mrs. Krahn – you should be very proud. You have raised one incredible daughter.

Adam has most fittingly taken on team comedian. He is always cracking jokes or making light of intense situations. As you have seen in the blog, he is light hearted and witty, a personality that every team needs! He’s not all fun and games though; he has a soft side as well. It was Adam’s initiative to build BaWao a new deck. He worked tirelessly in the swamp planning, working and creating. He would not stop until the last detail was perfected. He even took the time and energy to plant flowers in a handmade flower bed near her road. He hung plants, fixed lights, and did it all while egging on BaWao with laughter and smiles. BaWao loves Adam, and the relationship he has built with her will be one BaWao won’t soon forget.

Acksanna has been a strong, loving, compassionate and confident woman here in Thailand. Her boldness has welcomed the team into a space of honesty, openness and vulnerability. It’s easy to talk to Acksanna, and she’s ready to listen all the time. She has developed a strong bond with many of the local kids at Bethel. They run to her yelling, “Anna, Anna” the second she steps foot into the community. Acksanna has been vocal about her heart being in Africa but felt God was telling her to experience new things that he wants to show her in Asia. Her heart has broken for these people, and her love seems endless to the locals, the team, and our hosts. I feel so blessed to spend this time with my little sister in Thailand. I am watching her grow into a beautiful, strong and feisty woman for God.

Aaron has really stepped up to the challenge this summer. He is the youngest on the team at a whopping 17 years old. I find myself wanting to tell everyone at home, “look what Aaron’s doing!”. Aaron speaks! Just the other night Aaron spoke in a woman’s home about how God is working in his life. Sixteen of us squished together in the one roomed hut, crowded around two mattresses pushed together. I watched him as he shared, and felt proud of seeing him grow these past few years. He spoke clearly, effectively and with confidence. He opened his heart up to these people and shared for a solid 15 minutes. Aaron Gerhard! Spoke for 15 minutes!!! This wasn’t his first speaking engagement here either. He’s developed great relationships with the youth here, teaching them parkor and learning break dancing. In fact, he just got out of the clawng after bridge jumping with the youth ;)

Sam has developed a strong relationship with Dang Mo, Dee Da, La and her daughter Fasi. These are the women that live at the Lighthouse Church with the girls. They are all Burmese woman who have left Burma to live a better life here in Thailand. Their husbands have left to study the bible while they live here in the church. They light up when Sam comes home, when she comes into the room, or when she helps them around the house. Sam has shown a lot of maturity this summer and has shown great responsibility within the team. Sam has a soft heart and a willing spirit. I fall in love with her more each day. Can I say that on here? Oops..... ! Fasi is “hard to please”. She does not like many people besides her mother, but Sam has recently cracked her hard exterior. Fasi now kisses Sam and runs to the door to greet her when we come home. Saying goodbye will be difficult for both these woman and Sam.  

Jeremiah is another comic relief to this team. His easygoing personality has been a breath of fresh air. He is extremely gifted with music and has spent a number of evenings with the Burmese men at the Lighthouse practising. Most services he can be seen strumming away on stage. He has been such a blessing to the churches here.  You can throw anything at Jeremiah and he’s willing to go. A few Sundays ago, we were asked to plan the Sunday morning for the all the kids. We had nothing prepared but Jeremiah jumped in and began a dramatic presentation of Jonah and the whale. He grabbed kids and had them act out being swallowed by whales, and even gave a convincing performance of the wild storm. Jeremiah has yet to have an ‘off day’ here and continues to motivate and encourage us a team. We would not be complete without him.

I’m doing great. I’m loving Thailand the second time around and my heart continues to break for the people here. I can honestly say I have loved every minute of this experience since stepping off the plane, even through the difficult moments. I thrive in these situations and experiences and look forward to more in the future. God is continuing to give me a heart for the poor, lost and broken. God is challenging me to be bold in my faith. One of my favourite elements of this summer so far has been learning from Dave and Louise. I am inspired and motivated through my time with them. They are living out what it means to truly follow God with your whole life. I value my friendships with both Dave and Louise and will hopefully see them again here in Thailand ;)

Peace and Love,

Team Thailand