We begin the homeward journey today.
This morning we spent half a day with our potential partners IDHP. They'll show us some coffee processing and debrief our time in the villages. Starbucks has come around much of their community development projects so we will be spending some time with them too (a nice touch to prepare us for integration home) :-)
The time here has been incredibly special. It's hard to put into words but it has done something to my heart and soul. The power of the gospel to transform, even from small activities is breath-taking. I can't wait to share some of the stories and journey with you over the coming weeks and months.
Looking forward to getting home with my family.
Blessing, JD.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Monday: Tearfund village
We drove the 3.5 hours one way (around chiang rai) to a tear fund village. It provided a really good insight to what tear fund / Compassion International does. Throughout Thailand, tear fund has 33000 children in 220 projects. Most of these are in the northern parts of Thailand. In the project we went to there are 127 sponsored children of the 400 or so children that live in this area.
We drove to one village and spent time with a family with three children who are involved as recipients of sponsorship. With the kids, we played a game similar to petanque(sp?) except with stones. Sitting in their thatched hut with fire burning inside and drinking Chinese tea, we were able to ask lots of questions with the help of our translator. Both parents married at 12 years old (which is common in the villages) and had children by the time they 14. Asking what the kids what they wanted to do when they got older, they replied "doctor" and "soldier." These are comments that would not be possible in the other villages we had visited where all anyone really knows is survival. Nor would they have been possible for their parents a generation earlier. These children have dreams because there is now education and resources available to them.
Tear fund works with families in need like this one. They come into villages where a church already exists and work alongside the church on the basis that the church (in their thinking) knows the needs of the community best. This means that the projects they do are a little further down the development chain from some we have seen in these last few days where there has been little contact with the outside world (and therefore no church, water, school or electricity) until Christians from groups like ITDP(our potential partner here) came along.
Once again we were treated incredibly well by the villages who prepared meals (which take 4-5 hours to prepare!) and gave much time to show us around. Their kindness in such poor conditions is a true blessing. We prayed together and celebrated the unity we have in Christ.
We drove to one village and spent time with a family with three children who are involved as recipients of sponsorship. With the kids, we played a game similar to petanque(sp?) except with stones. Sitting in their thatched hut with fire burning inside and drinking Chinese tea, we were able to ask lots of questions with the help of our translator. Both parents married at 12 years old (which is common in the villages) and had children by the time they 14. Asking what the kids what they wanted to do when they got older, they replied "doctor" and "soldier." These are comments that would not be possible in the other villages we had visited where all anyone really knows is survival. Nor would they have been possible for their parents a generation earlier. These children have dreams because there is now education and resources available to them.
Tear fund works with families in need like this one. They come into villages where a church already exists and work alongside the church on the basis that the church (in their thinking) knows the needs of the community best. This means that the projects they do are a little further down the development chain from some we have seen in these last few days where there has been little contact with the outside world (and therefore no church, water, school or electricity) until Christians from groups like ITDP(our potential partner here) came along.
Once again we were treated incredibly well by the villages who prepared meals (which take 4-5 hours to prepare!) and gave much time to show us around. Their kindness in such poor conditions is a true blessing. We prayed together and celebrated the unity we have in Christ.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Sunday: riding, rest, and reflections
After some full on days, we let our hair down today (though that might not be the best metaphor for everyone in our team). Included on the agenda was elephant trekking (30 mins of it if that counts as trekking) and in a cage with a couple of tigers. We survived and have pictures to go with it. This afternoon we reflected on the various budhist practices so prevalent here. As a team, the same potential projects keep coming up to the surface. We began tracing out what It might mean to expand in our global mission initiatives. Some really exciting stuff for us all to be praying and thinking about into the future. Better hit the hay. Early start again tomorrow with a visit to the tear fund village out towards Chiang Rai.
Saturday: village reflections ( and please no more rice when I get home)
Saturday
Walking through the villages here can be heart wrenching. They have so little. The average income for one of the village we went to was $83 a year.
Recently one of the men committed suicide. When missionaries spoke of the need to report his death, they replied "the authorities don't know we exist. We have no paperwork. We are nobody to them." Before Christians came to this village the people were without hope.
But Christians have changed this. It began in simple ways... Bringing water, a hydro water generator, beginning a school, starting a medical clinic. Ten years later, Christianity blossoms among this previous animist village. This surely is the power of the gospel in action.
We are doing well as a team. The long bumpy roads are tiring but give lots of room for discussion and reflection. The people are so gracious to us - though I don't think I will be able to eat rice again within the month (breakfast, lunch and tea on rice gets tired real quick) :-)
Walking through the villages here can be heart wrenching. They have so little. The average income for one of the village we went to was $83 a year.
Recently one of the men committed suicide. When missionaries spoke of the need to report his death, they replied "the authorities don't know we exist. We have no paperwork. We are nobody to them." Before Christians came to this village the people were without hope.
But Christians have changed this. It began in simple ways... Bringing water, a hydro water generator, beginning a school, starting a medical clinic. Ten years later, Christianity blossoms among this previous animist village. This surely is the power of the gospel in action.
We are doing well as a team. The long bumpy roads are tiring but give lots of room for discussion and reflection. The people are so gracious to us - though I don't think I will be able to eat rice again within the month (breakfast, lunch and tea on rice gets tired real quick) :-)
Friday: four wheel drives, leeches, and a real difference.
DFriday: Four wheel drive, leeches, and a real difference
Driving today was a real experience. "Rugged" is defined by these areas. I tried sitting out in the back of the ute for an hour stint ( Murray, if you're reading this you can proud of me!!) but car sickness got the better of me and my gracious team mates gave me the front seat for the 10+ hours of driving and took turns out back. There were certainly times when we didn't want to look down!! I consoled myself that the apostle Paul survived floggings and sea- wrecks. Surely I can survive a bit of car- sickness and travel ing, not to mention the leeches that get burned off the skin ( as you do).
In what seems the most remote area with nothing happening ( just 30 km from myranmar border), we drove into villages that just 10 years ago had to real contact with anyone else. But 10 years ago ITHP stepped in and brought water to the village. They then began a school 5 years ago and a hydro electriity generator 2 years ago.
The transformation to this village is amazing. Looking around at the fun- filled children learning, singing, and interacting is an incredibly moving experiene. The Ma Oh Jo School has 123 students from 5 villages within 4 km. The furthest a child walks is a 45 minute walk. None of these students had a school prior to this. It begins with a kindergarten and goes through to year 5. They are hoping to build further grades. The teachers they have are amazing to see in action.
The outcome of all this development is that a Church was planted that has around 30% of the village converting from animism to Christianity.
There is something incredibly moving here. Words can't really describe the experience. It's simply special to see what is happening here.
Driving today was a real experience. "Rugged" is defined by these areas. I tried sitting out in the back of the ute for an hour stint ( Murray, if you're reading this you can proud of me!!) but car sickness got the better of me and my gracious team mates gave me the front seat for the 10+ hours of driving and took turns out back. There were certainly times when we didn't want to look down!! I consoled myself that the apostle Paul survived floggings and sea- wrecks. Surely I can survive a bit of car- sickness and travel ing, not to mention the leeches that get burned off the skin ( as you do).
In what seems the most remote area with nothing happening ( just 30 km from myranmar border), we drove into villages that just 10 years ago had to real contact with anyone else. But 10 years ago ITHP stepped in and brought water to the village. They then began a school 5 years ago and a hydro electriity generator 2 years ago.
The transformation to this village is amazing. Looking around at the fun- filled children learning, singing, and interacting is an incredibly moving experiene. The Ma Oh Jo School has 123 students from 5 villages within 4 km. The furthest a child walks is a 45 minute walk. None of these students had a school prior to this. It begins with a kindergarten and goes through to year 5. They are hoping to build further grades. The teachers they have are amazing to see in action.
The outcome of all this development is that a Church was planted that has around 30% of the village converting from animism to Christianity.
There is something incredibly moving here. Words can't really describe the experience. It's simply special to see what is happening here.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Goodbye urban. Hello rural.
Our morning was spent with the team that coordinates correspondence courses for children throughout Thailand. Their passion for their work was contagious. We had lunch with them and prayed together for the work that they were doing.
We continue to be amazed at what God is doing here in church planting initiatives and work among those on the streets in Thailand. I wish I could fly each of you over here just to meet some of my new friends - John and Nok in particular come to mind, Thai church planters, who are in their late 30s. Their passion and faith is mind blowing.
One of the members travelling in our team, Murray, returned home today since his son who was admitted to hospital for some checks. Preliminary results are good but Murray ( rightly) wanted to head home to be with family, especially since we will be out of range shortly.
We then flew to Chiang Mai and drove the 4 hours of rugged countryside in 4 wheel drive ready for our village stint these next two nights. We go from urban ministry to rural conditions. We are certainly about to enter into poverty conditions. I'm told that the annual salary for some of the workers is $360! (a dollar a day). We will be hearing what God is doing among these struggling people and what the opportunities are for us to engage.
Traveling and waiting for planes has enabled good prayerful discussions and dreaming about what can. Interestingly, the same projects that require further prayer and dialogue resonate with each of us. God's hand seems to be in this. Together we look look forward to the next few days and the possibilities of what God might do through us in the years to come.
P.S. There won't be any updates till back in range.
We continue to be amazed at what God is doing here in church planting initiatives and work among those on the streets in Thailand. I wish I could fly each of you over here just to meet some of my new friends - John and Nok in particular come to mind, Thai church planters, who are in their late 30s. Their passion and faith is mind blowing.
One of the members travelling in our team, Murray, returned home today since his son who was admitted to hospital for some checks. Preliminary results are good but Murray ( rightly) wanted to head home to be with family, especially since we will be out of range shortly.
We then flew to Chiang Mai and drove the 4 hours of rugged countryside in 4 wheel drive ready for our village stint these next two nights. We go from urban ministry to rural conditions. We are certainly about to enter into poverty conditions. I'm told that the annual salary for some of the workers is $360! (a dollar a day). We will be hearing what God is doing among these struggling people and what the opportunities are for us to engage.
Traveling and waiting for planes has enabled good prayerful discussions and dreaming about what can. Interestingly, the same projects that require further prayer and dialogue resonate with each of us. God's hand seems to be in this. Together we look look forward to the next few days and the possibilities of what God might do through us in the years to come.
P.S. There won't be any updates till back in range.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
A small but powerful seed: Wednesday
Only .4% Christian in total population of Thailand of 66 million which means at there over 63 million Thais in Bangkok who are not in relationship with Jesus. The Gospel was proclaimed here for 180 years but has had little fruit among the people.
While the people here are incredibly nice and welcoming, the huge need and oppression in this place is visible. Idols dominate the landscape. The sex market and drug scene is apparent. Even our Taxi driver today gave us the brochure of girls he could drop us off too. I guess a car full of guys on apparent holiday hints at this in this culture.
Amidst this though, I am blown away by the power of God at work among simple Christian ministries. I met one Christian local who had led
75 families to Christ in 9 months with 700 people saved/ affected. She is a stay at home mum. One church of 100 people here have begun a church planting movement. Over this past year they have baptized 1000 people and begun in 12 of the 77 provinces here. 75 churches. Probably 3-4 house churches in these. Its a simple model and the stories of these local people blow my mind. Last night we saw another ministry reaching out to girls who work and service the bar scene here. The ministry, Rahab, reaches out with the gospel to these girls and train them to reenter society through micro loans. In all is the power of the gospel is obvious.
The day has been long and full. But today I am reminded of Jesus' stories of the gospel beginning with a small mustard seed which grew and had an abundance of fruit. This is what I've experienced today. The song of Chris Tomlin rings in my ears ... " you are the lord of this nation and God of this people .... Greater things are still to be done in this city."
While the people here are incredibly nice and welcoming, the huge need and oppression in this place is visible. Idols dominate the landscape. The sex market and drug scene is apparent. Even our Taxi driver today gave us the brochure of girls he could drop us off too. I guess a car full of guys on apparent holiday hints at this in this culture.
Amidst this though, I am blown away by the power of God at work among simple Christian ministries. I met one Christian local who had led
75 families to Christ in 9 months with 700 people saved/ affected. She is a stay at home mum. One church of 100 people here have begun a church planting movement. Over this past year they have baptized 1000 people and begun in 12 of the 77 provinces here. 75 churches. Probably 3-4 house churches in these. Its a simple model and the stories of these local people blow my mind. Last night we saw another ministry reaching out to girls who work and service the bar scene here. The ministry, Rahab, reaches out with the gospel to these girls and train them to reenter society through micro loans. In all is the power of the gospel is obvious.
The day has been long and full. But today I am reminded of Jesus' stories of the gospel beginning with a small mustard seed which grew and had an abundance of fruit. This is what I've experienced today. The song of Chris Tomlin rings in my ears ... " you are the lord of this nation and God of this people .... Greater things are still to be done in this city."
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
First morning
We're he're. Arrived at our hotel 3.30 am nz time so a bit jagged. Looking forward to brekkie with the guys shortly.
On the flight over we managed to solve all the problems happening in new Zealand so we' re ready to focus on efforts elsewhere now :-)
On the flight I began reading the book "half the sky" by kristof and wudunn. It looks at the oppression many many women face in this part of the world in a culture where girls have at times appeared liabilities. We are certainly about to see that work itself today inn some of the ministry teams we are exploring.
Off to brekkie . . .
On the flight over we managed to solve all the problems happening in new Zealand so we' re ready to focus on efforts elsewhere now :-)
On the flight I began reading the book "half the sky" by kristof and wudunn. It looks at the oppression many many women face in this part of the world in a culture where girls have at times appeared liabilities. We are certainly about to see that work itself today inn some of the ministry teams we are exploring.
Off to brekkie . . .
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Tomorrow!!
I wish I had a remote to press "pause." Crazy times.
Why is it that I come down with a cold the day before? Why is it tenants don't pay when they're meant to? Why is it that things tend to get crazier than normal before these events?!! I guess it's good preparation for what we're about to see anyway.
Can't believe we leave tomorrow . . .
O God, please break my heart with what breaks yours. Amen.
Why is it that I come down with a cold the day before? Why is it tenants don't pay when they're meant to? Why is it that things tend to get crazier than normal before these events?!! I guess it's good preparation for what we're about to see anyway.
Can't believe we leave tomorrow . . .
O God, please break my heart with what breaks yours. Amen.
Monday, 16 May 2011
Itinerary
6 days and counting . . .
here's a short, crisp itinerary to give you a heads-up . . .
24th May - Travel to Thailand
25th May - Meet with Good News Team/ Visit Rahab Ministries afternoon and evening
26th May - Muang Thong church and missions centre/ Prasert Taksin/ Top Kids Ministry/ Fly to Chiang Mai
27th May - Travel to rural village (stay night)/ ITDP Partners exploring a) Micro Finance b) Church Planting and c) Teacher Support
28th May - Travel back to Chiang Mai
29th May - Meet with ITDP and discuss the future (Mike Mann)
30th May - Tear Fund sponsored village
31st May - Visit Chiang Mai Coffee Process Plant // Travel back to NZ
here's a short, crisp itinerary to give you a heads-up . . .
24th May - Travel to Thailand
25th May - Meet with Good News Team/ Visit Rahab Ministries afternoon and evening
26th May - Muang Thong church and missions centre/ Prasert Taksin/ Top Kids Ministry/ Fly to Chiang Mai
27th May - Travel to rural village (stay night)/ ITDP Partners exploring a) Micro Finance b) Church Planting and c) Teacher Support
28th May - Travel back to Chiang Mai
29th May - Meet with ITDP and discuss the future (Mike Mann)
30th May - Tear Fund sponsored village
31st May - Visit Chiang Mai Coffee Process Plant // Travel back to NZ
Further details (for good accountability)
Though I tend to fly at the 20000 foot level and forget to mention details, it's good to pause and give you the details for good accountability measures.
So, we grabbed the template used by an international NGO . . .
Participants (from Mt Albert Baptist):
- Michael Bain
- David Asbury
- Jonathan Dove
Country/ Date
- Thailand
- Date of trip: 24th May 2011 – 1st june 2011
Organisations / Individuals to meet with:
Tear Fund, Rahab Ministries, Good News Team Bangkok, Top Kids, Mike Mann (I.T.D.P.)
Overall purpose of trip:
Research how Mt Albert Baptist can play a continued long term involved role in completing the Great Commission by being involved in extending God’s Kingdom in communities globally.
Key Objectives: (i.e. what are the key reasons for undertaking the trip?)
1. Identify and meet with potential MAB mission partners in Northern Thailand to work with/receive from.
2. Expose leadership of church (pastoral and eldership) to the two thirds world to help wider church grapple with our global responsibilities and involvement.
3. Identify and meet with para-church organizations (NGOs) in Northern Thailand for potential partnership.
Expected outputs:
1. Insight gained about potential partnerships in North Thailand.
2. Potential increased focus on Northern Thailand within church activities.
3. Church leadership exposed to Two Third’s World and hearts broken as God’s heart for the poor and neglected.
4. Inspiration for continued missions focussed series/messages.
Budget:
Flights – $2750 (2 people)
Internal travel – $250
Travel / Health Insurance – $350
Food and sundries – $1000
Accommodation – $500
Koha (gifts) – $50
Total: $4900 Budget Source: Harding Trust
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Holistic Approach
One thing that we've chatted much about is that the gospel has something to say to the 'here' as well as the 'to come.' It has something to say to our relationship with God, as well as our relationships with each other . . . So, we can't ignore a persons physical or community challenges and just focus on a relationship with God (or vice versa).
Here are some comments from earlier reflections:
1) The Lausanne Covenant (1974) affirms “that evangelism and socio-political involvement are both part of our Christian duty, for both are necessary expressions of our doctrines of God and man, our love for our neighbour and our obedience to Jesus Christ”.
2) Jesus’ mission focused on word, sign and deed (Luke 4). He says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 17:18 and 20:21).
3) We think that the best holistic mission is done hand in hand with area churches, where local needs are understood and there are people on the ground to help guide spiritual development.
4) There are basic needs that many people don’t have. We simply can't ignore this:
• 1.3 billion live in abject poverty, living on less than 1 dollar a day
• 3 billion live on less than 2 dollars a day (this is half the world population).
• Of these in poverty, children fare the worst. Children who are malnourished in the 1st two years of life suffer irreversible brain damage due to lack of protein.
• 30,000 children die every day due to poverty: that’s one child every 3 seconds.
• 2.2 million children die every year because they are not immunized.
• 15 million children are currently orphaned due to AIDS
Monday, 9 May 2011
The Downtown Inn
So, are we staying at Downtown Inn in Thailand, the hotel where a Wellington young adult, in addition to other tourists, have died (after staying or eating there)?
Short answer - no. We DID have reservations there but are (gladly) moving elsewhere. In fact, TV3 interviewed Michael Bain (one of our team) about this last night. You can see the story here - http://www.3news.co.nz/WHO-investigates-Thailand-death-hotel/tabid/313/articleID/210415/Default.aspx .
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Foundations
Here are some brief take-aways from our board discussions together. They lay a bit of a foundation for global missions . . .
• Our God is a Missionary God. The Father sent his Son Jesus. Jesus is the ideal missionary in becoming one of us. The Spirit is involved in convicting the world of sin and bringing the presence of God to us (and his filling believers involves launching them into His mission).
• The Bible’s message is missional. It does not simply contain verses about mission. It is the message of the Bible. Christopher Wright, ‘The Bible renders to us the story of God’s mission through God’s people in their engagement with God’s world for the sake of the whole of God’s creation. The Bible is the drama of this God of purpose engaged in the mission of achieving this purpose universally, embracing past, present and future Israel and the nations, life, the universe and everything in it.’
• The heart of God is for all people of all cultures. As a Board we prayed “ . . .for our hearts to be broken by the things that break the heart of God” – Bob Pierce
• Mission is both ‘here and there;’ local and global. It is part of our regular jobs, home and life. It is what we do as a local church. It is equally what goes on at Rocket Park, our jobs and Calcutta.
• Cross-cultural ministry is both here and there. Globalisation has brought other cultures to us (eg students learning English at ESOL). Our approach needs to be here and there.
• There is a natural drift away from external focus to internal focus. There will always be a natural drift towards an internally looking church causing outreach and missions to be negatively affected. We have to be proactive to keep focus off ourselves.
• The gospel is holistic in approach. It has something to say to physical and social conditions – not just the state of our souls.
• God holds us accountable for what we do with those in need when we have the ability and resources to help.
• Mission is costly. Suffering and difficulty is never wasted. We need to share in the suffering of our brothers/sisters in our countries. The mission God has called us to is not ‘safe.’
• Partnership: There is much to learn from brothers and sisters outside our own country and cultural bias as part of our own discipleship.
• Our God is a Missionary God. The Father sent his Son Jesus. Jesus is the ideal missionary in becoming one of us. The Spirit is involved in convicting the world of sin and bringing the presence of God to us (and his filling believers involves launching them into His mission).
• The Bible’s message is missional. It does not simply contain verses about mission. It is the message of the Bible. Christopher Wright, ‘The Bible renders to us the story of God’s mission through God’s people in their engagement with God’s world for the sake of the whole of God’s creation. The Bible is the drama of this God of purpose engaged in the mission of achieving this purpose universally, embracing past, present and future Israel and the nations, life, the universe and everything in it.’
• The heart of God is for all people of all cultures. As a Board we prayed “ . . .for our hearts to be broken by the things that break the heart of God” – Bob Pierce
• Mission is both ‘here and there;’ local and global. It is part of our regular jobs, home and life. It is what we do as a local church. It is equally what goes on at Rocket Park, our jobs and Calcutta.
• Cross-cultural ministry is both here and there. Globalisation has brought other cultures to us (eg students learning English at ESOL). Our approach needs to be here and there.
• There is a natural drift away from external focus to internal focus. There will always be a natural drift towards an internally looking church causing outreach and missions to be negatively affected. We have to be proactive to keep focus off ourselves.
• The gospel is holistic in approach. It has something to say to physical and social conditions – not just the state of our souls.
• God holds us accountable for what we do with those in need when we have the ability and resources to help.
• Mission is costly. Suffering and difficulty is never wasted. We need to share in the suffering of our brothers/sisters in our countries. The mission God has called us to is not ‘safe.’
• Partnership: There is much to learn from brothers and sisters outside our own country and cultural bias as part of our own discipleship.
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