During class this week, our Thai language teacher shared a story with us about her family. It really left an impression on us, and we wanted to share it with you as well.
She grew up in a small village around five hours outside of Bangkok. Her grandparents were the first in her family to become Christians because of a missionary family that moved into their village many years ago. They shared about Jesus often but the people in the village were resistant to any kind of change. What made the difference was the way that they demonstrated God’s love over the years through acts of kindness, through sharing resources like food or money, and through showing compassion during difficult family situations. As these people “did life” with the villagers, change slowly began to happen in her family and others.
Our teacher’s grandparents had three kids, all of whom now serve in the church with two being preachers. Our teacher’s generation are all Christians and are also involved in the Thai church. Our teacher said that the missionaries never knew what kind of impact they had on the people of their village. A generational legacy was left behind because of their faithfulness to obey what the Lord was telling them to do regardless of whether they saw “the fruit” from it or not.
We hope that this encourages all of us to remember:
- That our job is to be faithful – 1 Peter 3:15 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
- To live out our faith through action – James 2:17 “In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.”
- To trust that the Lord is working even when we can’t see it because you never know what will come of the seeds you sow – 2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Discussion:
In the comments or on your social media, answer one of these questions:
- How did faithfully serving the Lord grow you as a Christian?
- We talk about remembrance stones in Joshua 4:2-3. Look back in how you served the Lord and share how the Lord showed you the fruit of your labors in Him. Keep that close to your heart as you continue to serve Him.
- How are you trusting in the Lord for what you can’t see, and what verses in the Bible bring you comfort?
Resources:
- Learn more about the Deckers by clicking here.
- Would you like to talk to someone about going to Thailand? Complete this form here.
- Explore opportunities at WorldVenture by clicking here.