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!