Thailand Journal 11 – Aug. 31, 2018

Today makes one week since the team arrived for our 16^th consecutive mission and cultural trip to Thailand. Since 2008, in collaboration with Mission College (now Asia-Pacific International University) we have focused on two main projects: assisting a disabled farmer and his wife with their farm, and helping public school elementary kids learn and practice English. For those who

are new to this outreach, I’ll mention this much: the farmer became SDA a couple decades ago, and lost his lower extremities in a train accident soon after. His wife remains a Buddhist. It is only in the past three or so years that she has shown some interest in the religious aspect of our mission. Those who know my work and book on “Complete Evangelism: The Luke-Acts Model,” are well acquainted with a model that is non-traditional – not one that does quick baptisms in vibrant Christian communities and countries.

Rather one that is long-term - modeling action rather than proclamation, as Jesus did; and one that is more appropriate in pre-Christian (like Buddhist’s cultures) and post-Christian (like Caucasian western, on post-modern cultures) settings. It is also a
2-way street: We are learning and appreciating Thai culture. We are building friendships and relationships. Oh I should mention that some years we also partner with the School of Nursing in Community Health in nearby villages. See tomorrow’s blog.

Today Kaye led off the day with another wonderful devotional. At the farm we worked both morning and afternoon. For the week we weeded approximately 30 rows of corn. Uncle Prasarn shows off the photo of the 2011 team every year. It was an unforgettable group!  The students at the school can’t wait for Monday. They love the teachers and the farmers in the team. We get so many hugs even in our muddy clothes. The students are also teaching the team members, Thai. We ended the day at Vespers. They showed the movie, “The Blueprint.” A good movie/documentary about SDA education.