GOOD SOIL IN THAILAND

As I reflected on this passage few days ago, I was reminded of how amazing the Kingdom of God is. We put our hands to work, kneading the dough, but it is God’s Spirit that is like the yeast, causing the dough to rise and expand. Without Him, we can work and knead non-stop, but never see the bread rise. However, when we do our part, and then give God space to work, patiently waiting on Him, the results are awe-inspiring.

Good Soil

It has been a joy to watch Mae Nang grow in her faith. Much like the parable of the sower, we often scatter seeds and are excited when we see them begin to sprout -but then sometimes, the seedling develop deep roots or it gets choked out by weeds. We have seen that happen with some of the people in Kum Bawn Village. Yet, Mae Nang seems to have a heart that is true the good soil, despite family problems, financial challenges, and people in the village telling her that she is crazy, she continues to cling to Jesus.

I’ve been especially encouraged by Mae Nang’s genuineness in her faith, her testimonies of answered prayers, and how she really understands that she can talk to God anytime and anywhere. She also enjoys reading the simple picture bible I gave her and listening to and singing along with the worship songs I loaded onto an flash drive for her. Please keep her in prayer, as we have begun to talk to her about baptism and are hoping to see her make this step of faith soon.

Life Development Center

One of the things I really enjoy about life on the field is all the different things I get to experience. Not only is it language, culture, and food, but even the different “hats” I get to wear and things I probably would never have done if I wasn’t living here (like having a motorcycle!). Not only do I get to share the good news, lead worship, and teach or share from the Word of God, but I also get to do things like construction work.

Over the past few weeks, I have been helping with the construction work at a piece of land that was given to the network our church is part of. We are in the process of building a Life Development Center and housing for the former prisoners who decide to stay with us and want to serve God after their release.

Currently we have four former prisoners who are active in our church, three of which currently live behind my pastor’s house. They have a heart to serve God, but also are in need of assistance with their lodging and daily needs. The goal of this building project is to give them a place to stay, where they they can also do farming and start their own small businesses as well, so that they can support themselves. They have already been exploring different options and begun selling food on at local markets and along the road side. Additionally, P’Jiw, the guy that is living with me and that I’m discipling (former homeless man, but not a former prisoner), may eventually move there as well and help with the farming and agriculture.

Please pray for us as we work on this project together, that it may be a blessing to the men that will live there and that it will be another way to build God’s Kingdom here in Thailand.