Confession for all my farming friends… I’ve never harvested a field. Yep, I live in farm country, population 1500, surrounded by hay fields and cattle, but I’ve never harvested a single thing. However, I will gladly eat the steak and butter the corn on the cob.
All of that is about to change, but I’m traveling half way around the world to do it. When I head to Thailand in December, I’ll be right in the middle of rice harvesting season for the “Hilltribe” people. The kiddos will be working right alongside their parents in Chiang Rai, and I’ll have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we harvest their livelihood together.
It’s Not What You See on the Post Card
Thailand is a country that looks like a postcard at the first glance – gorgeous scenery, beautiful climate, delicious food and warm smiling people. But underneath this facade there is a great void for spiritual freedom and deliverance.
Are you ready for this? Thailand is a nation where only 1% of the population are Christians! You and I have an opportunity to change the statistics!
Millions live in areas without a single church. Countless people have never heard the Gospel and have never knowingly met a Christian. Their lives are centered around making a living and earning a better reincarnation. They worship idols in the hope of a prosperous and happy life. Or they are just concerned about material things and never even think about spiritual things. As a result, there is great brokenness among the Thai people.
[ctt template=”5″ link=”88g4f” via=”yes” ]Did you know Thailand is a nation where only 1% of the population are Christians?[/ctt]
Taking to the Mountains
As we travel to the mountains in the North of Thailand, our focus will be the “hill tribes” of Thailand and other underprivileged minorities. The “hill tribes” whose ancestors came to Thailand from China are not recognized by the Thai Government as citizens and therefore are in a dire economic and social situation.
We’ll visit the tribe villages and witness the harsh and primitive conditions they live in. We’ll be able to reach out to them by helping with used clothes, vitamins, food and, of course, the Gospel message.
In partnership with a local church we will also reach out to university students in Chiang Rai. These young people are the future of the nation and the partner church with World Missions Alliance has been reaching out to them and even holding an informal Bible study among them. We get to share testimonies and Bible teaching with the spiritually hungry youth.
Back to the harvesting part…. After school, the kids at the orphanages help the adults in the fields. This provides food for the year. Our team will be helping prepare food for the kids as well as give them joy through games and songs and sharing the Gospel. And since I’m an overgrown child myself, I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble we get ourselves into.
We have a great opportunity to make a difference for the people without hope. Would you prayerfully consider investing financially into this life-changing mission trip? I’m so close to reaching my goal.
Let’s offer the hope of Christ to these friends together!