Thai team 7 Feb 2010 worship w refugees behind barbed wire

In the last message we reported that the camp had five churches and the team had accepted to “preach” at three of them. Well let us tell you an interesting flexibility story.

Upon arrival the team was again asked to preach at all five churches but we politely declined citing a need to remain in teams of 2-3 persons. So at Church 1 Larry delivered the “encouragement” (that’s what they call the sermon) accompanied by Jim and Lois. Unexpectedly, Lois was put on the spot to give “encouragement” to the children (Remember what “encouragement” meant?) At Church 2, Jerry gave the encouragement accompanied by Sylvia and Renda. At Church 3, Min did the same at his location with Kyu Kyu. Somchi agreed to cover the fourth location. All these services were going on simultaneously; remember there are five churches.

The groups are heading back to the “office” meeting location on different paths (remember the camp holds over 50,000 people) and we all miraculously end up at the 5th church. Jerry’s group arrived first and we were asked to share our “testimony,” which we did. About the time we finished – Larry’s group arrived and they were asked to share their “testimony.” Next to arrive were Min and Kyu Kyu and finally Somchai. Now, you know what’s going to happen next? You guessed it – they asked, “Who is going to provide the encouragement?” Larry “drew the short straw” as they say (even though anyone of us would have told our encouragement again). The fifth church had waited for at least an hour and a half for us to arrive. They were not going to be denied hearing the Word of God from the visitors from Mountain Christian Church in America. What a lesson in patience (you may say, “Well, they are living behind barbed wire and they have nothing else to do.”); they view the “encouragement” as the high light of their week. WOW. We hope we view our own worship in the same way.

Next there were lessons to be taught. One lesson was “Teaching English as a Second Language” with kids and adults. Other lessons, for adults, were “Living with Jesus Day to Day;” followed by “The Power of Prayer.” The team was excited to teach our prepared lessons and, as usual, have a sense of flexibility. The senior leader of the Christians in the camp is 72 years of age; two years ago he sent his whole family to America stating, “I am too old to go; I am not finished my work here.” Whether it was fear of the unknown or faith in the known, it was wonderful to see him again. (Tom and Alex we know you are following these messages – Samson is still here, we have photographs of him and his new baby boy. The young woman who was to give birth any day (when you were here in 2008) and was given the “stuffed toy” by Alex is still here – she had a boy. Wish you two were here. The Mae La Camp has many gracious Christian people.)

In the “Power of Pray” class we taught A.C.T.S. Oddly, (tongue-in-cheek) the adults had never heard of this method of prayer. The process was excellent. Here are a few of the things they said for each of the letters: (remember, we are in a camp – behind barbed wire – with very limited access to the outside world.)

A (Adoration) = 1) God, you provide for me everyday. 2) The blessings of God come everyday and I respond in love. and 3) He is our Castle; He is our protector.

C (Confession) = 1) I, when I was younger, insulted God every day; now I am saved. 2) I don’t always obey the Word of God. 3) I insulted my neighbor and my brother; I am sorry.

T (Thanksgiving) = 1) I am thankful for a healthy family; for food; the life He gives to us. 2) I am thankful that the Lord forgives my sins; I am safe in this camp. 3) I am thankful that God is in this camp. 4) I am thankful to God for the ability to speak openly about my faith in Him.

S (Supplication) = 1) I would like to be like this group from Mountain Christian Church who can come to other countries and spread the news of God. 2) I want to be a witness for God and the chance to do it. 3) I want a chance and the strength to help the poor.

It was wonderful that the adults felt free to talk openly during this session. This is not the style of teaching/learning that usually happens in this part of the world.

There is much to tell about the lessons with the children but we will save that for another day.

Finally, at supper this evening we were able to talk with Somchai alone. The following are our observations:

· In the three camps that we visited Somchai has the ability, through his presence, to touch over 120,000 individuals.

· He has five churches in Mae La camp, and one each in the other two camps. He has a church in Mae Sot. He influences the Love and Care School and the Wickalow Orphanage.

· There are 17 pastors that Somchai influences in the above situations.

· Somchai has been here almost 30 years, doing his Pauline style mission work.

· Somchai had the “feel of a single parent” when he had no visitors from Mountain Christian Church, but now he “feels more empowered to minister.”

· Somchai said, “The team becomes the face of Mountain Christian Church and people around me now have a different respect for me and my ministry; even the government officials.

· This is a symbiotic relationship – Somchai and teams from Mountain Christian Church.

· It was also observed, “Just think when the camps are closed and the Christians are released from their long time of study and patience – what a blessing the world is in for – when they disperse across the globe or simply back to their homelands.”

AMEN – The Thailand Team