I cannot

These people are real. They smile. They laugh. They sing. They dance.

I cannot pretend that this is just a "random" place on the other side of the world.

I cannot forget the people I have met and the relationships that have been formed. 

I cannot unsee what I've seen. 

I cannot unhear what I've heard.

I cannot forget. Nor do I want to.

-Jennifer

I Have This Hope

Bangkok, Thailand. A city with more 7-Eleven convenience stores than trash cans, where traffic lights are a suggestion, and where there are escalators that go up but not down.

The past week has been filled with blistered feet, cheap food, getting acquainted with the city, and helping the City English Project with what many would consider tedious tasks: passing out thousands of promotional material in the humidity of Bangkok, babysitting missionary kids, and organizing for the coming weeks. 

I have learned the importance of smiling to every Thai you meet even if you don’t receive a smile in return. 

I have realized how crucial it is to be joyful through all circumstances. 
I have been reminded that the Lord uses the “small things” for his glory in a way that I may not fully understand in my short time here.

Bangkok, Thailand. A city where millions attempt to appease evil spirits with food and offerings, where temples and shrines fill every corner, and where prostitution is rampant.

Every time I walk the streets, I see the “spirit houses,” and I am reminded of the grip Satan has on these people. I pass the Hindu temple, and I watch as little boys and girls follow their parents into a place that will never give them life and peace. I see desperation on the Thai people’s faces as they fall to their knees before powerless idols. I see their pain; I see their suffering. And I realize that I will never be able to erase these images from my mind even if I wanted to.

Bangkok, Thailand. A city where people are oblivious to the fact that they are walking in darkness, where the language barrier is difficult to cross, and where most have never heard the Gospel.

I feel the frustration with not being able to speak the Thai language. Every day, I see an elderly Thai woman; no matter where I go, she is there. Since day one, I have been burdened for her, but the language barrier between us is thick and high. The language barrier follows me wherever I go. It has been there as my team and I teach English and try to share the Gospel. I have seen the confusion on their faces and felt it mirrored on my own as we desperately try to understand each other. 

But I have this hope.

I love this city. I love these people. I love teaching them English and forming relationships with them. And I take comfort in the fact that the Lord loves them even more than I do. I can see His relentless pursuit of them; I see Him drawing them to Him. He is moving all around us- opening doors in allowing us to teach English and share the Gospel in the temples, in massage parlors, and to Buddhist monks who have willingly said that they want to learn about the Lord.

I have this hope because I know that the power of the Lord is much bigger than my inability to speak Thai and much stronger than the influence of the Enemy here. I have this hope because I know that even when I leave, the work will still continue. I have this hope because seeds are being planted and sowed in this country. I have this hope because He has reminded me that He is always present and moving even in the “small things.” I have this hope because I know that the Lord is still the king of these people even if they don’t know it yet.

If I’m honest, I have not prayed enough for these people. I see the need and think of it often, but I must remember that the Lord covets the prayers of those speaking on the behalf of those who do not know him.

So please continue to pray.

Pray for the power of the enemy to be broken here. 
Pray for hearts to be opened to the truth. 
Pray for the walls of these temples to be destroyed and replaced with the presence of the Lord.

-Jennifer

Remove Spiritual Blindness

I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. Acts 26:17-18
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4

Team of the Day: City Talk English

Country of the Day: Thailand

Pray for the binding of Satan amongst the unbelievers and that their minds would be opened by the Holy Spirit to see the truth of the Gospel. Pray for unbelievers to be turned from darkness to the Light.

Meet the Team: City Talk English Team

Amanda, Jordan, Noel, MaryKate, Jennifer, & Lauren

Sawada Ka! We are a team of six girls teaching English in Bangkok, Thailand this summer. Here is a short summary of each of us below!

1.   Jennifer grew up in Texas and is currently studying English at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She aspires to teach English as a second language, help translate Scripture into unwritten languages, and work with those who are considered outcasts in society. The Scripture which encourages her most in this season of life is Isaiah 43:1, “Now this is what the Lord says- The one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel- Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.”

2.   Amanda grew up in Arkansas and is currently studying political science and pre-law at Lyon College. She aspires to go to law school and work for the FBI. The Scripture that speaks to her most is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

3.   Lauren (team leader) grew up in Mississippi and just graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in languages. She plans on attending seminary before moving abroad as a career missionary. A verse that has been really encouraging her lately is Philippians 3:12, “Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.”

4.   Jordan is from South Carolina and currently studies in Wake Forest, North Carolina. She loves working with children and youth. In this season of life, Jordan has been learning a lot from 1 John 4:16-19, “And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this, love is perfected with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgement, for we are as He is in this world. There is no fear in love; instead perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us.”

5.   MaryKate is from Arkansas and is studying English Education at Arkansas State University. She plans to teach English as a Second Language in a big city one day. A verse that has been encouraging to her recently is 2 Corinthians 12:15 “I will most gladly spend and be spent for the sake of your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?”

6.   Noel is from the great state of South Carolina. She is currently a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina. When she grows up, Noel desires to be a disciple maker. Recently, she has been thoroughly encouraged by Luke 18:26-27, which reads, “Those who heard it said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ But He said, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’”

Please pray for the following:

• For our Thai students to recognize that what we are teaching them are not simply good stories but life-changing truths. This is only possible through the work of the Spirit.
• For the Thai people to recognize the futility of their idolatry. Pray they will realize that only Jesus can satisfy.