A Heart Awakened

Already I am amazed at the Lord's presence in my heart and life as I prepare for this ministry He has called me to in Thailand. Some 7 months ago God began placing in my heart a desire to spend an amount of my time overseas, taking part in the establishment of His kingdom, and developing an understanding of what life in cross-cultural ministry involves. A month or so later that desire formed into my relationship with Mission to the World, and I was accepted to serve as an intern with them. No more than a month after that, the Lord settled in my heart and the hearts of the team in Thailand for me to serve the Thai people alongside of those in the New City Fellowship Church in Bangkok.

Now, I am sitting in a high school classroom, substitute teaching, two months away from flying out of Norfolk, Virginia, eagerly anticipating that time when I'll be able to go just as I have been called to. The amazement I feel comes from the reality of the heart I am already developing for the Thai people, for the ministry of New City Fellowship, and simply for the pushing forth of Christ's kingdom. As I had the opportunity to study the Buddhism particular to Thailand at the end of last year, I began to understand the need of the Thai people to possess the hope and solidity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their false gods, their sexual distortions, their hopeless religion - I've begun to realize their reality much more definitely. How could a city with an estimated 1 million or more prostitutes possibly be characterized as a place with the fullness of Christ? And with less than 1% of the population proclaiming the biblical Jesus, how can anyone doubt that these people need messengers of the cross to go to them?

Toward the end of last week I began thinking more about the time I was going to be spending in this lost nation. I realized how near it is, and I felt an overwhelming desire to be poured out for the sake of the kingdom amongst these people. In his letter to Philippi, Paul writes that "even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." (Philippians 2:17) A similar spirit has been laid upon me. Relatively speaking, I am going to serve with the church in Thailand for a very short time. Three months is not too long to pour myself out (as far as I know how) for the faith of the Thai people. When I return to the states, I can rest as much as I need. But for that time, I desire to give myself as fully as I know how to those people and that church.

I cannot determine how the Lord will direct my heart up until mid-April, when I leave for Thailand. However, I am full of anticipation over seeing His work continue in my own life, in the lives of those in New City Fellowship Church, and in the lives of the lost people of Thailand. May we see God's glory in that work.