Today was a great but looong day! I (Danni) lead the morning devotion which was at 6:15am, then we all enjoyed a delicious breakfast before heading out to a village church in Buntharik which was about 2 hours away from where we’re staying. This church had recently appointed a new board and Tham Fuan was asked to encourage them and teach them about Christian leadership. We didn’t have any children’s ministries today so the rest of the team sat in on the seminar too.
It was really encouraging to see the church leaders and how passionate and energetic they were! They were so hungry for God’s Word, they can never get enough teaching (we were told tonight that they have bible study with each other every single day!) and they hung onto every word Tham Fuan spoke with great attentiveness. During our debriefing tonight we were told that there is some tension amongst the new board and the message that Tham Fuan had for them about unity was exactly what they needed to hear.
All the leaders at this church very musical and loved singing and dancing in praise to God. Their instruments were really cool and unusual – they had these two urns with a strip of elastic over the opening that made a noise when you plucked it and also an interesting looking instrument that was described to me as a trumpet organ (a wooden instrument that you blow into but that has a mini organ attached to it).
There was one old man in particular who was extremely full of joy and on fire for God. He would randomly stick his hand into the air and shout “Hallelujah” at the top of his lungs with lots of gusto. After each session we were given a break and while our team went straight for the coffee and snacks, the church leaders would take out their instruments and start playing, singing and dancing. The old man was always the first to jump up and dance around and there were 2 other women who would join him too. We found out later on that this man (who I would have guessed to be 70 or so) was actually 91 years old! Incredible…
Anyway, tomorrow will be our last day in Ubon – we have one adults’ session and one more children’s ministry too. Watch this space for more!
Hi MMII crew!
ReplyDeleteIt's been great reading about your experiences each day. Also wonderful and encouraging to read about the love & enthusiasm of Christians in a different country!
Naomi definitely misses dad!
Pray that you have a good trip back to Bangkok tonight. And as you have some down time, that God will continue to speak to you as you reflect over the past week and a half!
Definitely looking forward to hearing from you all in person, about how God has been at work in and through you :-).
Hi guys! The blog looks fantastic! This is the first time we've seen it because we've been away without internet access for the last 9 days. Thinking and praying for you guys.
ReplyDeleteKheang and Melissa
You have left an imprint on the hearts of the people that you have come in contact with. No doubt they have left theirs on your heart as well.
ReplyDeleteTrusting that you all have a great visitation from the Lord.
Both Danica and Elysia misses dad a lot, so safe travel and see you all soon.