Southeast Asia – July 25, 2023

We started out with some pretty intense training this morning that also included our local translators. These local men have leadership positions with mission organizations and have such a heart for the Lord!!

During this meeting, we were told of things not to do – like don’t ever go off from your team, or post anything on social media that could undo the ministry itself in the country, or talk about our experiences at these home visits and Compassion Kit parties (a presentation of how to wash hands and handing out of boxes with healthcare items and sharing of the gospel) outside of the hotel, reminding us that as 15 Americans staying in one hotel has already drawn attention. We were even told to not accept scooter rides as really, we would not know where anyone would be taking us!

We met with our translators as we broke off into teams, then set out for an afternoon of home visits and a Compassion Party assignment. As our team went into the first home, we were greeted with such kind hospitality! It was a mud house and they brought out their very few chairs for us women to sit on, while the rest of the family sat on a blanket, or just made do finding a seat. Their neighbors were also invited. Our biggest challenge was how to communicate love without knowing the language. For us, as a team of 3 women, it became apparent that just acknowledging these women by looking at them, eyes to eyes, smiling, and giving hugs spoke so much to these women living marginalized existences. We had the chance to share the gospel, also!

Next, we went to our assigned Compassion Kit Party in the home of a local pastor. Homes are not big in a typical neighborhood, so imagine our surprise that 45 people were sitting on the floor, with at least 5-10 spilling onto the porch, and others in an adjoining room…..all totaled perhaps 70 people…..would be hearing what we had to share through our testimonies and Bible stories. One young lady came to know the Lord, and many more heard of the saving power of Jesus!

We came back to the hotel for dinner, where we had the opportunity to hear how our own translator came to know the Lord! A precious story, indeed! Truly the same Holy Spirit residing in us also is at work residing in people a half a world away, doing what only He can do!!

And, we did see a lizard on the wall in the pastor’s house. Not nearly as big as the one in our room, but a reminder that the Lord truly prepared us well upon our arrival!!