Thanks for your prayer support!
The team is on the way home, and we're scheduled to arrive at LAX on Saturday, August 1, ETA 9:10pm. (EVA Air, #16).
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
What a Weekend! New Settings!
Sawadee! It's been a full weekend.
The week at Maejo U was wrapped up with the Friday Night Light EV event at CCC. It was a large turn out, about 200+ students and Christians from the three local universities CCC serves. The evening's program was composed of performance pieces done by various mission groups. We supplied hip hop dance, worship signing, Bert's testimony and Justin singing a solo. For our first time being involved, we done good. A Gospel message was given and all were asked to fill out decision cards. We lift each attendee to God, that they would receive and know Jesus. The evening ended with us having packaged noodles for dinner at the mission dormatory and finalizing our plans for English camp on Saturday.
Saturday morning started early, with us out the door by 8:00am and arriving at Maerim School for English camp by 8:30am. It was a long day--but good one--as we held six different English centers, each 50 minutes long. Though the attendance was a bit smaller than years past, we were still able to make contact with many teachers and former students. All the work was worth it, and the camp made for a good start to the week. The day wasn't over. We still needed to pack up all our belongs for the relocation to a hotel near the Maerim School.
Sunday (condensed): breakfast, load luggage, drive to hotel, unload luggage, go to church, perform Redeemer's Fire, Matt gives testimony, John preaches, have lunch, prep for classes, rest, go to Chiangmai's Walking Street Night market, and debrief.
Monday: Maerim Witayakhom School. Awesome. Good to be back.
Keep us in prayer. One person is not feeling well, having come down with a cold (not flu).
The week at Maejo U was wrapped up with the Friday Night Light EV event at CCC. It was a large turn out, about 200+ students and Christians from the three local universities CCC serves. The evening's program was composed of performance pieces done by various mission groups. We supplied hip hop dance, worship signing, Bert's testimony and Justin singing a solo. For our first time being involved, we done good. A Gospel message was given and all were asked to fill out decision cards. We lift each attendee to God, that they would receive and know Jesus. The evening ended with us having packaged noodles for dinner at the mission dormatory and finalizing our plans for English camp on Saturday.
Saturday morning started early, with us out the door by 8:00am and arriving at Maerim School for English camp by 8:30am. It was a long day--but good one--as we held six different English centers, each 50 minutes long. Though the attendance was a bit smaller than years past, we were still able to make contact with many teachers and former students. All the work was worth it, and the camp made for a good start to the week. The day wasn't over. We still needed to pack up all our belongs for the relocation to a hotel near the Maerim School.
Sunday (condensed): breakfast, load luggage, drive to hotel, unload luggage, go to church, perform Redeemer's Fire, Matt gives testimony, John preaches, have lunch, prep for classes, rest, go to Chiangmai's Walking Street Night market, and debrief.
Monday: Maerim Witayakhom School. Awesome. Good to be back.
Keep us in prayer. One person is not feeling well, having come down with a cold (not flu).
Thursday, July 23, 2009
J. Joe in Maejo
Khap! Khap! Sawadee khap!
Everyone once in a while on campus at Maejo we hear a large group of freshmen shout this greeting out to upperclassmen to show respect. (It's crazy, like a university wide fraternity) It's Friday right morning right now and I'm sitting at a college coffee shop; and yes, my iced caramel latte was delicious. I cannot believe this is our last day working with Campus Crusade. It has been an amazing week. God has truly provided for us by placing us in this ministry. Our team has been able to train and develop our boldness for evangelism and relationship building. We're not as socially awkward as before. But then again, that could just be the Thai people being super polite and thinking that all Americans are awkward like us.
I have been able to meet some amazing staff members of Thailand Campus Crusade. They have been a welcoming group of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. In such a short time God has developed a bond between all of us. They live off of so little. Relying upon the faith that God will provide financial supporters for all of their needs. They've sacrificed so much for the sake of the gospel. I have felt convicted to fundraise for them...so be prepared to listen to my sales pitch when I return.
There have been many successes so far on our trip. We've contacted and made friends with many students. I've been so surprised to see how friendly they are and that they are willing to take the time to speak with us. Some of the guys, Lawrence and Stuart I believe, were able to share the gospel with some of their new friends. And they decided to accept Jesus into their hearts. Praise God! Hopefully they'll be able to post about their experience. But if not, be sure to ask them about it when they come back home!
Tonight is a very big night. We have our big "party" that we've been inviting everyone to throughout the week. Our team has been trying to use our meager talents to choreograph a dance (thank God for Greg), body worship (or as George prefers it to be called, worship signing) a testimony by Bert, and a song by yours truly. Please pray for us! We need it!
As a team, God has granted us a spirit of unity. It has been such a blessing for me to see all of us grow and witness the work of God. Our eyes are slowly being opened to the depravity of this world and the need for the love of Jesus in the hearts of so many people. Please continue to pray for our hearts to be broken for the lost.
Alright, I know this is a long post...so I must be going now. I have some appointments with students soon. But before I do, a quick recap of some prayer requests:
1) Tonight's party! "Friday night lights" presented by Team America!
2) Boldness to continue sharing the gospel and the Four Spiritual Laws
3) Continued good health, physically and spiritually
4) Energy for English Camp on Saturday and our lessons at Maerim High School next week
5) The Christian students and CCC staff would continue to thrive in Christ after we leave
With Maejo being an agricultural school (sort of like a Thai UC Davis), I leave you with this verse:
Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Matthew 9:37
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thai Tea Twenty-Four-Seven
Sawadee from afar!
This is Sonny checking in with the daily Thai news.
Wednesday morning started out with a bit of turbulence as local Thai police patrolled the highway for criminal smog in cars. Our caravan was one of the lucky few to meet the police firsthand. Yay! Unfortunately, our friendly neighborhood Campus crusader, P-Pai, got the ol' slap on the wrist with a ticket. On the bright side, Matt can easily pull off as a Thai person!
The rest of the day has been kind of calm. Apparently Wednesdays are when Maejo students have the least number of classes. Some only have two classes (which is nothing compared to my zero classes on Wednesdays when I was still in school, a ha!). Some were on campus cleaning duty as punishments for minor infractions. So all in all, a calm day. Most of the team has been going around the campus scouring for potential Christian conversion meals. But the smaller number of students on campus today has led to fewer opportunities so pray for a return of more tomorrow!
The plus side of my day so far has been meeting this CRAZY girl (Heng) and her friends. Whenever someone outweirds Nor, then you know she's crazy. Anyway, they seemed legitimately interested in coming out to our events and overall enjoyed talking with us. We're suppose to have lunch with them tomorrow so pray that we can continue to build a good friendship with them as well as all the other people we have met so far. (Psst! There were these engineers we met who dig Megan Fox. Hawt. And random, I know.)
Well, I hope things are going well in the States as well. You know... not too hot, an end to California's budget crisis, etc.
Stay tuned for more information in the future. And by that I mean DO NOT move away from your computer and keep hitting refresh on this page every 5 seconds. Cool? Cool. Peace out, Americans.
This is Sonny checking in with the daily Thai news.
Wednesday morning started out with a bit of turbulence as local Thai police patrolled the highway for criminal smog in cars. Our caravan was one of the lucky few to meet the police firsthand. Yay! Unfortunately, our friendly neighborhood Campus crusader, P-Pai, got the ol' slap on the wrist with a ticket. On the bright side, Matt can easily pull off as a Thai person!
The rest of the day has been kind of calm. Apparently Wednesdays are when Maejo students have the least number of classes. Some only have two classes (which is nothing compared to my zero classes on Wednesdays when I was still in school, a ha!). Some were on campus cleaning duty as punishments for minor infractions. So all in all, a calm day. Most of the team has been going around the campus scouring for potential Christian conversion meals. But the smaller number of students on campus today has led to fewer opportunities so pray for a return of more tomorrow!
The plus side of my day so far has been meeting this CRAZY girl (Heng) and her friends. Whenever someone outweirds Nor, then you know she's crazy. Anyway, they seemed legitimately interested in coming out to our events and overall enjoyed talking with us. We're suppose to have lunch with them tomorrow so pray that we can continue to build a good friendship with them as well as all the other people we have met so far. (Psst! There were these engineers we met who dig Megan Fox. Hawt. And random, I know.)
Well, I hope things are going well in the States as well. You know... not too hot, an end to California's budget crisis, etc.
Stay tuned for more information in the future. And by that I mean DO NOT move away from your computer and keep hitting refresh on this page every 5 seconds. Cool? Cool. Peace out, Americans.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sawadee from Thailand: July 21
Sorry for the delay in posting. It's taken us a bit to get to Internet access.
We arrived safe and sound in Chiangmai on Friday. We checked-in to the missions dormitory and settled in.
Saturday, July 18, was a rest day to adjust to the time and climate (it's hot and humid as expected), and in the evening we went to the night bazaar.
On Sunday, we attended a Maerim church where the team performed "Unchanging" to sign language, Bert gave his testimony and John preached. The church had about 40 people in attendance, and by their worship one can tell they really love the Lord. There was such passion and energy in their worship.
On Monday morning, we had orientation with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) where the team got a crash course on using the Thai version of the 4 Spiritual Laws. We then got onto the Maejo University and immediately started meeting students. A bit of fear and anxiety was shared amongst the team, but they did well to engage Thai students and get into conversations. Some have already spoken from the Gospel tract. The hard part of meeting new Thai students is approaching an individual or group and making an initial introduction. We are aiming to meet students and invite them to a CCC party on Friday night where there will be a Gospel message. Please pray that we'd continue to go forward in boldness. Our verse for this morning (Tuesday) was Romans 1:16-17, that we'd "not be ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of salvation."
Here are some prayer requests:
-NL is really excited about being in Thailand but is tired all the time :( Pray that in everything she does, God will be glorified.
-Amy: stamina; take in everything with an open heart; be an example to others
-Lawrence: the students won't be turned off when we approach them
-Karina: God to bring people to the fellowship event on Friday
-Greg: we will be energetic and welcoming to the university students
-Stuart: confidence; that God will speak through me
-Adrienne: being open to how God leads me in conversations with students; being confident with my faith
-Sonny: please pray that I will have energy b/c it's rather tiring here; I will trust God when evangelizing.
-Bert: used by God to minister to the college students; boldness; words to say; no awkward situations; huge bug bite on finger (pretty gross; swollen), pray for reduced swelling
-George: we're not sick! Pray that we'll stay that way; pray for restful nights w/o waking up at 3am.
-Stephanie: Energy! Lots and lots of energy! Things are going to start getting crazy around here and I want the energy to keep up with it all; to not be shy about sharing the Gospel w/ anyone that I will be approaching; for me to truly rely on God and nothing else--least of all myself.
-Doris: finalization of preparation for lessons
-Matt: Team unity; planning; open ears to the Holy Spirit
-Lori: Boldness and confidnce to evangelize to collegians
-Justin: Patience; wisdom; urgency for the lost; boldness
-John: God's knowledge and wisdom in planning each day while flexible to the Holy Spirit's leading to change or add elements; God's message as I preach again next Sunday;
Some upcoming events:
-Tuesday night: fellowship with CCC and believers
-Thursday night: sports night with CCC
-Friday night: evangelistic program at CCC's Friday Night Light (we're performing twice and givng a testimony)
-Saturday: English Camp (9am-4pm) at Maerim School
-Sunday: move to Maerim-area hotel, worship service
Thanks for your prayerful support!
We arrived safe and sound in Chiangmai on Friday. We checked-in to the missions dormitory and settled in.
Saturday, July 18, was a rest day to adjust to the time and climate (it's hot and humid as expected), and in the evening we went to the night bazaar.
On Sunday, we attended a Maerim church where the team performed "Unchanging" to sign language, Bert gave his testimony and John preached. The church had about 40 people in attendance, and by their worship one can tell they really love the Lord. There was such passion and energy in their worship.
On Monday morning, we had orientation with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) where the team got a crash course on using the Thai version of the 4 Spiritual Laws. We then got onto the Maejo University and immediately started meeting students. A bit of fear and anxiety was shared amongst the team, but they did well to engage Thai students and get into conversations. Some have already spoken from the Gospel tract. The hard part of meeting new Thai students is approaching an individual or group and making an initial introduction. We are aiming to meet students and invite them to a CCC party on Friday night where there will be a Gospel message. Please pray that we'd continue to go forward in boldness. Our verse for this morning (Tuesday) was Romans 1:16-17, that we'd "not be ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of salvation."
Here are some prayer requests:
-NL is really excited about being in Thailand but is tired all the time :( Pray that in everything she does, God will be glorified.
-Amy: stamina; take in everything with an open heart; be an example to others
-Lawrence: the students won't be turned off when we approach them
-Karina: God to bring people to the fellowship event on Friday
-Greg: we will be energetic and welcoming to the university students
-Stuart: confidence; that God will speak through me
-Adrienne: being open to how God leads me in conversations with students; being confident with my faith
-Sonny: please pray that I will have energy b/c it's rather tiring here; I will trust God when evangelizing.
-Bert: used by God to minister to the college students; boldness; words to say; no awkward situations; huge bug bite on finger (pretty gross; swollen), pray for reduced swelling
-George: we're not sick! Pray that we'll stay that way; pray for restful nights w/o waking up at 3am.
-Stephanie: Energy! Lots and lots of energy! Things are going to start getting crazy around here and I want the energy to keep up with it all; to not be shy about sharing the Gospel w/ anyone that I will be approaching; for me to truly rely on God and nothing else--least of all myself.
-Doris: finalization of preparation for lessons
-Matt: Team unity; planning; open ears to the Holy Spirit
-Lori: Boldness and confidnce to evangelize to collegians
-Justin: Patience; wisdom; urgency for the lost; boldness
-John: God's knowledge and wisdom in planning each day while flexible to the Holy Spirit's leading to change or add elements; God's message as I preach again next Sunday;
Some upcoming events:
-Tuesday night: fellowship with CCC and believers
-Thursday night: sports night with CCC
-Friday night: evangelistic program at CCC's Friday Night Light (we're performing twice and givng a testimony)
-Saturday: English Camp (9am-4pm) at Maerim School
-Sunday: move to Maerim-area hotel, worship service
Thanks for your prayerful support!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Prayer Items
+ Good health. With fears of H1N1, good health will allow us to enter the school to teach
+ Productive finals days of preparation and gathering supplies
+ God would use team as instruments and messengers of His love
+ Team unity as prescribed in Philippians 2
+ The experience would change the lives, perspectives and futures of our collegians.
+ Productive finals days of preparation and gathering supplies
+ God would use team as instruments and messengers of His love
+ Team unity as prescribed in Philippians 2
+ The experience would change the lives, perspectives and futures of our collegians.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to First Chinese Baptist Church LA's Thailand Missions Team blog for 2009! Here you can get updates on our whereabouts and communicate with the team. Feel free to drop a comment!
Some important dates:
Commissioning Service this Sunday July 12th 11am @ church
Prayer Meeting next Wednesday July 15th 7:30pm @ the Praise Center
Departure that same night @ 10pm for a 1am flight!
Our trip is fast-approaching! Please keep our team's health and safety in prayer! Thank you for all your support!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)