August 16, 2012
By Ed and Sue Danneker, serving in Thailand
Have you ever thought about taking a short-term trip to advance God’s Kingdom in an exotic location like Thailand? Recently, we were blessed with two Envision teams that impacted many young lives for eternity during their brief stay.
On May 4, 2012, five enthusiastic students from Simpson University in Redding, California, rolled into the town of Mahachai for a ministry-packed weekend. They started on Friday, meeting some of our teens and area children. Then, we headed to the streets for an extensive prayer walk.
Making Connections
On Saturday morning, we hosted a music festival at church. The ice broke as the teens in attendance warmed up to the team. The local children were thrilled when some of the American college students played soccer with them.
That afternoon at a local park, a group of teens participated in a scavenger hunt with the Simpson team. Later we went to one of the biggest area markets to distribute Christian literature and go shopping.
On Sunday, the team members connected with our English students. They met Non, a young man studying to be a judge, who hung out with the group later in the week. The team’s special music, testimonies, and preaching blessed during the worship service.
Team Two
The second Envision team of four young people ministered with us June 16–17. Several of them are interested in returning to Thailand to serve the Lord long term.
Only a few Thai teens came for the music on Saturday morning, so the team focused on the children. Pastor Somkit’s 11- year-old son, Nong Yiw, a budding evangelist, gathered many of the neighborhood kids to play games with the group.
In the afternoon and evening, we visited some Thai church members. On Sunday, students from Sue’s English class for young professionals connected with the team members through the interaction and activities. Their testimonies and special music during the worship service were a blessing.
Two of the team members volunteered to help with the children’s church. This was great, because, again, Nong Yiw had gathered a large group of friends and acquaintances for the Sunday service.
What we love about these and other short-term teams is that real ministry happens. God arranges just the right people at just the right time.
What You Can Do
Pray
Join with thousands of people who lift up the weekly Alliance prayer requests.
Give
- Give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF) and partner with Alliance workers, such as those in Thailand, in bringing the good news to people trapped in spiritual darkness.
- Give now
Read
- Read another story about child evangelist Nong Yiw.
- Read about the 4/14 Window—youth from 4 to 14 years old, the group most open to spiritual input—in the January 15, 2012, issue of Alliance Life.
Learn More
- Check out exciting, short-term missions opportunities with Envision Culture. Visit our Envision Culture Trips page for more information.
- Check out the G.C. Kidz Club! With online games, stories, Bible studies, and more, it is a place where you and the kids in your life can learn more about Alliance missions. Also, kids will be challenged to live out Jesus’ Great Commission in their own lives.