John 13:34-35
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love another. By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love another.
(At our ministry this month we were given a puzzle piece to leave a message…even though we were only here for a short while, we were a small part of what God is doing here in Thailand!)
There is power in Jesus’ love. This month (December in Thailand) I have been a witness to this, especially being in a country where Jesus’ name is not very well known. As we wrap up our time here, my team and I are leaving a ministry that is rooted in Jesus’ love for others and shows His love through actions and in relationships.
Here is one of those examples from this month…..
On a warm December night in Chiang Mai Thailand, Taylor & I headed out on their first night of bar ministry. There was some hesitation and trepidation about what that night would entail. But we decided to trust the Lord and see what He had in store. After a few encounters, we ended up at a bar called M & M where we met a friendly bar tender named Jame.
Bar Street – Red light district – in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Jame didn’t speak much English nor did Taylor & I speak much Thai but we played pool for about an hour laughing and communicating best we could. As the night wrapped up and we headed back to debrief our praying team, we did not think that the time spent with Jame was of much significance. Little did we know…
As the week progressed, relationships for many on our team between the team and men and women in the bars began to build. So our team decided to throw a holiday party at Zion Café for our new friends. Plans were discussed and a date was set. Taylor & I headed to M & M bar to invite Jame and any of his friends to the party.
To our delight, Jame, his younger brother Benz, and their friends all showed up to the holiday party, participating in the games played and socializing with the people there – including some of the Zion Café staff like Emmi. The holiday party was a success and we all said our goodbyes with smiles on our faces.
Jame & I at the holiday party
Holiday games!!!
Yes those are panty hose!
The next day around lunch time, Jame, Benz and their sister Ploi walked into Zion Café to everyone’s surprise. One of my teammates ran up to get me to which I then ran up to get Taylor. We headed downstairs not knowing what to expect but trusting that God had stirred something within their hearts. Although the conversation was broken and sometimes hard to converse, there seemed to be an unspoken communication between them all. Benz informed us they would be coming back to visit everyday. Everyday? I exclaimed. They smiled and confirmed, Yes, everyday.
Where we served and lived this month
Staying true to their word, the next day they joined us for lunch and invited us to the holiday party that night at M & M bar. We gladly accepted the invitation and decided to bring along two of our friends, Ryan and John, who are serving on a similar missions trip through YWAM. That night, as we walked into the bar, excitement was obvious on Jame’s face upon seeing us. Ryan and John were introduced to Jame and their friendship began playing pool. After being offered food and drinks, and accepting our loss at pool to Jame, we headed out telling Jame that we were looking forward to seeing him again at Zion soon.
(L to R – Benz, Jame, Ploi, Ng, Me & Taylor playing Uno)
Sure enough, the next day, Christmas day, Jame and friends came to hang out at Zion, playing UNO and interacting with Ryan and John (as we were not there). Later that week at another lunch date we had the opportunity to discuss the ‘thank you’ note everyone received from the holiday party, which included a short message about the reason for Christmas. The good news is that the letter was written in English and Thai so despite our language barrier they both could at least read it. The letter focused on Jeremiah 29:11, which states God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. Benz opened up and shared best he could that he had attended a Christian school in Chiang Mai for 2 years but still considered himself Buddhist. Jame while he had not attended that school also believed in Buddhism.
Our last day in Chiang Mai came up quicker than we expected. As usual Jame and the crew showed up for lunch and a serious game of UNO ensued. We shared desserts, laughs and conversation as the time approached for us to part ways. I had asked Emmi to come over and translate our final thoughts with them. Many words of thanks were shared and some tears too. Photos were taken and hugs given as we promised to stay in touch via facebook.
(L to R – Jame, Benz, Me, Ploi, Jame & Ng outside the cafe)
Later that day as my team pulled up to the bus station to leave for Bangkok who did we see there? Jame and his friend Jame. They were waiting to see us off. What a surprise this was! And good timing as Jame ended up helping us figure out which bus to get on…and he offered to carry Taylor and I’s large packs to the bus too. As we parted, Jame handed Taylor and I laminated cards carrying the Black Wolf symbol on it (see below). This is a gang/club that Jame and his family (Benz & Ploi) along with 3 other people are a part of in Chiang Mai. He extended an invitation to us to which we gladly accepted!
Black Wolf CM membership cards!
While Taylor and I did not give Jame a Bible or verbally share the Gospel with he and his friends, we were able to shower them with God’s love. We introduced them to a safe place to have fun and deepen their relationships with people at Zion Café. Only the Lord knows what’s ahead for he and his friends, but we know they are in good hands….our great God and Father who loves them more than we do!
This truly was an amazing month….it has taken me SO long to put my thoughts down for a blog because there has been SO MUCH God has taught me. Thanks for your patience….
Happy New Year!
Looking forward to all God has in store for us this next month and YEAR!!!!
Original post by Lauren Madawick & Taylor White World Race-K Squad (3rdGeneration)
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