Valley of Grace

by Global Outreach | September 9, 2015

Over a year ago, I was 1 of 2 Global Outreach Ambassadors to visit a village in Northern Thailand on an IMPACT 195 International Trip. God spoke to our hearts and invited us to come back and make disciples and plant churches in Southeast Asia.

It’s been 9 months since we first arrived in Thailand, moved into the village, and lived amongst the people to develop relationships and learn the language. There are a few believers here, but the vast majority of people have never heard of Jesus. Our hearts groaned with desires to make Jesus known to them.

When God first opened the door for us to teach Sunday school in the village, only the children whose parents are believers came. But God quickly multiplied those who were coming, and within a month, the number of children who wanted to know Jesus, more than tripled.

"We believe God is raising up a new generation here, who will become His witnesses in this valley. We recently learned that this was the prayer of one of the local believers here for many years, and by His grace, the answer to that prayer is playing out before his very eyes."

One Sunday we noticed that a few of the kids came huffing and puffing, covered in sweat. We discovered that they had walked forty minutes from a nearby village. So we decided to go and teach at their village the following week. Lo and behold, 6 novice monks showed up too!

In Thailand, boys as young as 7 years old, enter monkhood believing that it will give their parents a direct pass to Nirvana. They are required to live at the temple where they learn to meditate and chant. Yet, these 6 boys continue to come week after week to our class to learn about Jesus.

We showed them the "Creation to Christ's Return" video in Thai and then presented the Gospel. One of the ambassadors asked one of the monks, Matt, to read from a Thai Bible, John 1:12, "But as many as received [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His Name." When the little ones were asked if they wanted to receive Jesus and become children of God, Matt shot his hand up, followed by the rest of the children. Glory be to God in the highest! Just as Matthew 11:25-27 describes, the Father has revealed Jesus to these precious children! 

Each week they learn more of Jesus, His love, and His power. They learn to pray to Jesus and ask for His help. Adults and parents have also started to come and listen in on our Jesus stories. 

We believe God is raising up a new generation, who will become His witnesses in this valley. We recently learned that this was the prayer of one of the local believers here for many years, and by His grace, the answer to that prayer is playing out before his very eyes.

Every week the children invite new friends to come and our class size continues to grow. Please pray that these young believers would grow in their faith and be the start of a wildfire that will spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this valley and beyond.

To give to the ministry in Thailand, click HERE. To go and serve alongside the team in Thailand, check out Global Outreach's upcoming trips HERE.

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