thailand update - two weeks to go

So much has happened since my last update, so I must warn you that this is going to be quite long.

First, I should probably start with some not so good news. A little over a week ago, some issues necessitated an extra team meeting focused on team unity, which was pretty lacking at the time. There were other issues as well, but one of the issues concerning me was that people felt that I didn't want to be a part of the team. The previous weekend, everyone else had gone to Pattaya, a major tourist trap... I mean hotspot. I decided not to go because I'm not a huge fan of beaches and I'm going this weekend with the Lighthouse church anyway. But the team felt slighted because Monday is the only time we all have off at the same time, and I chose not to spend it with them. And to be completely honest, at the time I was indifferent to being a part of the team. Hector lamented over being on the outside of their inside jokes, but I didn't care. I've been trying to spend more of my free time with them, and it's been good.

This weekend, Phii Ruung took us to Lopburi, which is a rural area. It was a great experience and some people like to say that we've finally seen the "real" Thailand. Bucket showers. One room with AC. Blankets on a wooden floor for bedding. In Lopburi, we passed out tracts and went on a couple house visits before going to see the infamous monkeys. In the day and a half that we were there, three people accepted Christ! The Christians that we stayed with were so generous and loving. They provided for all our needs and more.

This week has been a little anti-climactic compared to the weekend, but it's still been good. The English classes with the high school students fell through because no one showed up, despite passing out nearly 300 flyers. My time at the nursery has been such a joy and a blessing though. The kids love to see me (or at least they pretend to) and they just grab my hand and take me wherever they're going. Another encouraging occurrence this week was when the teacher that had scowled at me and said she didn't want the farang in her class, smiled and wai'ed when I left the other day. Maybe the sudden change of heart is due to the fact that she's pregnant ;)

On Thursday I missed out on seeing the kids, but was blessed with another unique opportunity. Erik and I (because Hector didn't want to go) went to a juvenile detention center to minister to the inmates. Most of them are there due to involvement with drugs, but the center also houses thieves and murderers. We were free to share our testimonies with about eighty young men, aged 17 to 19. Phii Vit's 20-year old nephew, Daniel, gave a short sermon and altar call. Ten or more inmates stood up to accept Christ. Please pray for them to truly be changed and set free by the Holy Spirit, as they will be released from the center in less than a week.

Please pray for my relationship with Hector as well. Officially, we only have about four days of ministry left together, but I am beyond frustrated with him right now. On Thursday night, I told him I was leaving early to play with the neighborhood kids. But as I was walking to the church area, storm clouds started rolling in. And by the time I got there, roads were flooded almost up to my knees. (Faith to walk on water would have been really useful then.) Hector called to ask if he should still come and I replied that it was up to him. I pretty much knew he would then say he wasn't coming, so I wasn't so much disappointed as I was appalled (okay.. that word is a little too strong). I was upset because we've had so many door closed to us and this is one of the few that has remained open and he was so ready to forfeit one of the last four or five classes that we had left. The Holy Spirit even compelled Phii Vit to give an empassioned little speech last week about how we could snatch up one of the students, Phii Sah, for God's kingdom. Please pray for Phii Sah, that God would be at work in her heart now and after we leave.

Hector and I are leaving for Pattaya for a retreat with the Lighthouse church today, even though Phii Vit said that Erik could go in his place. Pray for God's grace to fill my heart as I deal with all this tension with Hector. Thanks for all your prayer and support. Looking forward to seeing you all again.

love,
rebecca