One at a time:

ONE of the MANY
Photo by Kati*

We have a directive from God... a command from Jesus to go out into ALL the world. When you look at that in the light of the current state of the world it can be pretty disheartening, in fact the sheer enormity of the task almost makes you want to give up before you've begun. Its hit me before, even just thinking of Thailand itself I wonder what on earth I can do. Its a mission field, which traditionally has been very hard to see any visible fruits to one's efforts.... Its disheartening sure, but after being encouraged by God its even more exciting! to see God break through! After the past year God has AGAIN dramatically changed my ideas of missions, and even my priorities. It also seems he is continually refining my vision, giving more details as I walk along this path.

I'm convinced that even if I saw just one person come to know God's love during the time I spend in Thailand, even if its a lifetime, it would be all worth it. Jesus came to change the whole world!! but how did he do that? He didn't become a TV evangelist, He decided to impact this world firstly by reaching individuals, by meeting people. In one of my favourite books called "Authentic Relationships" the authors note that we dont have to love everyone! meaning that we aren't called to love, serve, admonish, or share with everyone. Its something we can do for one another, and it works when apllied to one individual at a time. Jesus wants us to demonstrate love freely in the moment with the people we're with.

Ever since meeting Tuu's parents, I've had a desire to spend some time with them. Even live close to them. I see more clearly now the reason God placed that desire on my heart was because God wants us to be able to serve them, to share with them, and to love them. When I think about the possible obstacles in the way it seems like a tough ask. But its not impossible, and I already see glimpses of what will happen when Tuu and I serve in whatever way God asks of us. I know that the impact will be far-reaching, far further than simply the four walls of Tuu's house. The timeframe is unkown to us, the methodology is unkown us, the difficulties and obstacles are yet to appear fully, but at the moment I'm happily ignorant just having to trust in God. If I knew the details I honestly doubt I pursue this crazy idea that we can make a difference in Tuu's house, in her village, in her district, in province of KORAT, and in her the country of Thailand.

I dont believe this is an ambitious hope, its heaven's reality that is just yet to be realized here on earth. Mat 6:10 "May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done here on earth,
just as it is in heaven". We are ALL part of that reality, dont be discouraged by the tasks at hand, dont focus on just what appears to be, but rather on what can be. Place your faith in a God who intends to CHANGE the world, and who intends to us to spark flames wherever we may be.

There is a familiar story of an old scientist lamenting over a large group of starfish that had beached themselves on the shore at high tide. Shocked by the immense need, he stood paralyzed on the beach until he noticed a little boy grabbing starfish and throwing them back into the ocean. Spying on the old man, the boy rushed over and pleaded "Mister, you have to help me, we've got to get these starfish back into the ocean before they die." The boy went over to pick up another one and tossed it back into the waves. "Do you see how many of them there are out here?" the scientist asked scanning the shoreline. "What difference can we make?" The little boy looked down at the starfish in his hand, thought a moment, and finally said, it makes a difference to this one" Then he threw it into the ocean and reached down for another.