The Last Leg

After over a day and a half of traveling, I finally returned to the US having gathered experiences, understandings, burdens, and friendships that will surely grow. Ahead of me lies much processing and prayer for determining new possibilities in the future. While this will be the last update concerning this trip, I'll certainly post more as plans develop.

Due to the circumstances of my last location, I won't share many specifics of my activities. The country is closed, as the government wishes to control what goes on. Understandably, though, concerning attempts at colonialism and other influences in its history. However, here it is not uncommon for involved national Christian leaders to be thrown in prison or for such foreigners to be kicked out. So, for the sake of protection, I won't be naming names or groups. I did attend a Lao church, which is registered with the government and can meet legally. Otherwise, people getting together in groups remains illegal. Beyond church, I spent much of my time meeting with individuals who have a vision to help develop the nation in all aspects - spiritually, economically, and communally.

Church service

The capital city continues to develop rapidly; no doubt I would observe many changes if I returned in a year's time. However, development occurs much more slowly outside of the city. Many villages still exist without any roads reaching them. Infrastructure is poor. Much of the development occurring comes from China's pocketbook, which also contributes to the vulnerability of losing self-sufficiency within the country. Many positive activities are being accomplished, which I observed firsthand, but more laborers are needed when one considers the urgency required. Let me explain. I visited the first and only currently operational Harvest Center, which exist as agricultural bases set up by Christian leaders concerned with providing jobs and an improved economy to the people, particularly in the rural areas. Without establishing strong agricultural practices the threat exists of a big company coming in to rent land from farmers to grow crops on, keeping the farmer idle and lessening economic development.

I saw an article in the newspaper about a project to add insulators to the electrical wires. As you can see by the power line here, that's definitely a good idea!

I had the privilege of meeting truly visionary individuals passionate about transforming their country economically and with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It truly was a blessing to meet with them, for their enthusiasm is contagious.

Riverside walkway

Thank you to all of you who kept me in your prayers. As I review what I requested prayer for at the start, are there any that God did not answer? Not only did I connect with many individuals, but I was able to connect people involved in similar work to each other.

So will I go back?

God willing. I'd appreciate continued prayers that God would make that clear, and continue praying that the hope found in Christ Jesus would flood SE Asia, setting people free and breaking the chains of oppression. May God give you a greater understanding of His love and who He is.

So, the last leg. For now...

At left, our ride to church

Me with the owner of a Pakistani/Indian restaurant I ate at. He took a picture and video of me commenting on the food to upload online, as he did with all his customers for advertising. And not only that, but he had me write a review on tripadvisor.com! I can understand, since the food was great but the place was tucked away in an alley. So he was creative in getting the word out!

Chiangmai continues...and comes to an end

Monday I only had two appointments, but they lasted the whole day. In the morning, Marting, leader of a Thai Lahu Christian Church (TLCC) came and picked me up. He had contacted me about meeting together, and upon seeing me exclaimed, "You're so young!" I guess he expected someone a little more aged!

Me, Marting, Dave, and Gloria, who serve with TLCC

Where 18-20 guys stay. And we think dorms in the US are tight living conditions!

He showed me around the Thai-Lahu Christian bible school campus and told me a bit about the Lahu hill tribe. I was able to sit in during the students chapel and hear them sing. Unfortunately, the video doesn't capture how great they sound. Please contact me if you would like to adopt a Lahu hill tribe bible school student!

View from one of the buildings, looking at the chapel and surrounding rice fields students run to help support themselves

Marting drove me to a Lahu community. Originally mountain-dwellers, many Lahu migrated closer to urban areas for work and form communities.

Church (possibly the nicest building) in the Lahu village

Other buildings in the Lahu village

In the afternoon I met with Larry, director of the Garden of Hope, an after school program for children. Kids don't come on Mondays so I came back on Tuesday, too, to see what the after school program involves. They play, sing worship songs, and learn English. An effort is made to connect with their families, as well. Larry also runs a home for girls and young women on the Burmese/Thailand border who have been either rescued from being trafficked or are on the verge of being sold by their family, in which case they offer to pay the family a stipend to take the girls instead. What's lacking is a place for young boys. Whereas girls can provide money for their families through prostitution, boys apparently can contribute little financially and are pushed out on their own as young as age 12. Often a life of crime follows, likely by joining a gang. Find out more here: http://thegardenofhope.org/index.html

As my last Monday night in Chiangmai I had the privilege of leading bible study through the book of Habakkuk. What bible is that in, you ask? Yours! At a brief 3 chapters long, I highly encourage you to read through Habakkuk. The prophet Habakkuk cries out to God with frustrations that often plague us as humans. Ever question why evil persists and wrong-doers remain unpunished? How can a mighty and loving God allow such wickedness to continue? Habakkuk asks such questions, which are very fitting for the region of SE Asia. "God, where are you? Why is there so much injustice?" These questions keep some from trusting in God, but Habakkuk resolves to respond differently. Following his example, take a session to pour out your heart completely to God, and let Him fill it back up.

On Tuesday I also visited Kit at the New Life Center Foundation, which provides a place for ethnic minority girls and young women to learn life and vocational skills. As victims of or vulnerable to human trafficking, labor exploitation, and sexual abuse, the center allows the girls to live in a safe environment, attend school, and learn skills to obtain good jobs in the future. Learn more here: http://newlifecenterfoundation.org/

That night, Latin dancing!

Some of my friends with the dance instructor (center)

On Wednesday I met Mike at Upper Crust. He intentionally selected Upper Crust as a meeting place since almost all of the workers have come out of prostitution and received training to work there instead. His role now mainly consists of training ministry and church leaders around the region. As he has invested much time in Thailand I appreciated hearing his perspective.

Upper Crust with Mike

Later that afternoon I played Ultimate Frisbee at Chiangmai University with a whole gang of people Lots of fun, followed by Thai barbecue with a couple friends.

They like me!

Thursday I finally checked elephant riding of my list! Additionally, we watched an elephant show, which involved elephants playing soccer, painting, and other shenanigans. Impressive show!

Such a good artist!

That evening I spent time with friends at the weekly spaghetti dinner and then went salsa dancing.

Last night in Chiangmai

On Friday, my last day in Chiangmai, I had the privilege of meeting with Bethsaida, who runs outreaches in the Red Light district, teaching English and building relationships in bars with prostitutes. She told me that before beginning her work she assumed that maybe 8 out of 10 women disliked that line of work, as some appeared to enjoy it. Now, based on her experience, she figures 10 out of 10 women dislike that occupation but don't know what else to do. God certainly showed His good timing with the order of my meetings as I was able to connect her with some of the other organizations and people I met in Chiangmai!

At the top

For my last few hours I went with friends to Sticky Waterfall, named so because you can climb up the waterfall. Many of the friends I made recommended going there and I found out why!

 Praise God for safe travels (especially driving a motorbike around the city!), health, and the many connections and wonderful people I met.

Thapae gate in Chiangmai, a common meeting point for my appointments

Enjoy a video of my Thai friend playing "Might to Save" on his ukelele, and may the whole world see the light of Christ!

Chilling in Chiangmai

After the initial encounters and experiences, I'm beginning to dive more deeply into what's going on in Thailand. For this update I'll continue with the play-by-play of my days and get into the color commentary later as my time here wraps up. For those unfamiliar with such terms, for now I'll be reporting on my activities and share later what I've gained through this trip and what's on my heart after visiting Thailand.

Me and Paul

Tuesday morning I had the privilege of attending bible study with Paul, where I met a couple other men. One of the men, David, has a lot of experience in Thailand and he discussed some shameful issues within the Thai church and problems with some service organizations. Unfortunately, amidst much good being accomplished, efforts are tainted by groups that fail to operate with integrity or with any analysis of positive contributions. In other words, many organizations remain active without actually helping anyone.

After the study, I met up with Dean. His primary endeavors involve planting churches, and he seeks to operate strategically and effectively for the kingdom of God. We also spoke of the prevalence of and contributors to sex trafficking. I won't go into too much detail here but please, call on the name of our Father as in Psalm 10:

"Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor...The helpless are crushed, sink down, and fall by his might...Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up Your hand; forget not the afflicted...Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till You find none...O LORD, You hear the desire of the afflicted; You will strengthen their heart; You will incline Your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed..."

v. 1-2,10,12,15,17-18

Wednesday I met up with Ozzie, who I met through Anisha, and went with him to play ultimate Frisbee with a bunch of other students/teachers/others at the university. Lots of fun, and I'm thankful to make great some friends here.

Thursday evening an elderly couple from church hosts a spaghetti dinner at their home, so I went there to enjoy some food and fellowship, connecting with people who are doing a variety of things here in Chiangmai.

Friday I left at 6am to travel to a city a few hours north of Chiangmai called Fang to visit the ECHO seed bank center with Rick and Abram. Abram will take over Rick's role as ECHO Asia Director when Rick returns to the US to work at the ECHO center in Florida next year. Fascinating work is being done as they experiment and continue to develop efficient ways of growing valuable plants and animals to help with community development and self-sufficiency. 

Rick taking me through the agroforest where they have many plants growing as they would in the wild

At ECHO they also are experimenting with different feed for pigs

A termite mound. It's approximately the size of me curled up in a ball.

On our way back we drove up into some mountains to see a village where a superb example of an agroforest exists. A variety of plants grow naturally in the forest that are used for food and resources. Driving along the edge of a nearly straight down plummet provided access to some breathtaking scenery.

The road up the mountain, coming to the village.

Friday night I spent some time at a lounge at a hotel with some friends I've made here

Saturday I had the privilege of meeting with Katherine, a medical doctor with many roles in SE Asia. She started an organization called Relentless (http://gorelentless.wordpress.com/), which also happens to be a great way to describe her as an individual. I also connected with one of the missionaries staying at the Juniper Tree who is involved with sex trafficking prevention programs in China, so we chatted a bit at breakfast and she'll be emailing me more information.

Dancing on a rooftop at a birthday party Saturday night!

Sunday I attended a small Thai church service in the morning and CMCC (Chiangmai Community Church, which I misnamed the first time) in the evening. 

I also spent some time with a few Thai Christians I met here and listened to their stories of coming to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. A very enjoyable day.

Walking street market only set up on Sunday evenings

Umm...what?

I have meetings scheduled for the next 3 days...praise the Lord (PTL)! I've made some good friends here with some awesome people...PTL! I just watched a lizard devour a smaller lizard in my room...umm..

The following video is not for the squeamish.

I ask that you please continue in prayer. I'm leading bible study Monday night, so pray that the Lord uses that time. I hope you enjoy hearing about what I've been up to, but I am more looking forward to sharing about the impact this trip is having on my heart and the knowledge I'm gaining. 


A video during the unpaved part of the drive up the mountain:

Thailand - First Encounters

On August 9th I arrived in Bangkok and stayed for only one night at Thongta Resort. I ate at the hotel's restaurant but didn't do much outside other than briefly walk by a small food market area. The next day I headed back to the airport and flew to Chiangmai, where I will be until August 24th. I started having these sort of thoughts: "What am I doing in Thailand? I know absolutely no one and nothing planned. Back in Korea I had friends and all sorts of things to do." I trusted that God would answer my question.

The first two nights I stayed in the Chiangmai Plaza Hotel. Very fancy looking place with a wonderful breakfast provided in the morning. I walked down to the Night Bazaar area for some food and to look around. I also bought a cheap phone, as it will be quite convenient to have one in Thailand.

I wonder what the next couple weeks will bring.

Live music with these instruments in the evening

The following day I met with my first contact, who someone I had emailed referred me to: a man named Paul who has lived in Thailand for over two decades and has had many roles within CCC, church, and school. I spent the day with him (this was Saturday) and he brought me around to some different sights in Chiangmai, including a rehab center which originally started as a treatment center for leprosy. It still does house lepers but treats other medical conditions as well. 

My first time eating an entire frog...tasty!

Christian Medical Rehab Center

We also drove by the school where Paul is on the board. The school is Grace Academy and for kids of missionaries. They're waiting for a decision to be made on an appeal they made on a lawsuit against them, so please pray that the opposition they've faced will dissipate.

Name comes from 1 Kings 19:4-8

Very nice landscaping at the Juniper Tree

On Sunday I moved to the Juniper Tree, which houses missionaries for short and long-term stays. Although it's a bit outside the city and more humble housing arrangements than I've had, I'm able to meet missionaries from around the world serving in countries around the world. Meals are done family style so the conversations provide much encouragement and excitement for where people are at work for the sake of the Gospel of Christ.

A bit more humble living conditions than I've had so far

I attended service at Chiangmai Church of Christ (CMCC), which holds a church service for foreigners. Praising our Lord Jesus with people from around the globe is always an awesome experience. Here I met a couple other individuals. One woman has over a decade of experience in combating human trafficking and will send me information on different organizations at work in the region. The other person I met, Josh, was involved with an organization that provides relief for people in Burma, where civil war continues to ravage the population. I don't really have the training to be involved in that way but he invited me to a bible study he'll have at his house.

CMCC prayer room

CMCC - A Thai service is in the morning. Foreigners rent the space for a late afternoon service.

Monday morning I had the opportunity to meet with Rick, the director of ECHO Asia. They primarily serve as a resource center for other agencies, providing seeds and other agriculturally related support. For the many communities and villages suffering from poverty this often provides a way to develop self-sufficiency and improve the local economy. 

Monday evening I went to a bible study I was invited to by Josh. Here I met Anisha, who basically has the role of a Resident Assistant in a dorm at Payap University, which is a Christian university attended by mostly non-Christian Thai students. I'm guessing that meeting will lead to connections with others, as I hope to meet some Thai students.

Anisha, who also served as my driver back home

What I ask now is that you please join with me in prayer for the following:

• Discernment in what to pursue and how to be involved
• God connecting me to the right people
• Using my time efficiently
• Praise Him for my health, travels, and contacts so far!