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