Going Back to Thai Church

This was my experience going back to my Thai church here in Chiang Mai called, "Light of Sansai Church" (คริสตจักรส่องสว่าง). I only understood bits and pieces...welcome back to Thailand, Mydur! :) Most people don't think it's much of a struggle for a Hmong person such as myself to learn Thai. What they don't know is that I have to learn Thai just like every Westerner...the only thing that gives me an advantage is that the Hmong language contains 8 tones, of which 5 of those are already in the Thai language (praise God!). 


So this is the routine--it's Sunday school with Pastor Bunsoem Sankhamphae (Xibfwb Zaam Nug Yaaj), then it's worship, special songs, offering, communion, prayer for children, sermon, then eating afterwards (my favorite part! [the teaching would be my favorite part if I understood more]). One of the things I miss the most about being in the States is the worship and teaching. At least I would understand just about 100% of that. Seeing that I'm lacking in this area, I would have to spend extra individual devotion time with God (which is always nice, but I have to intentionally make time for it or else it won't happen). *Sigh* The life of a missionary :) God is good.


One thing I've realized by being over here is that my spiritual walk with God can feel dry if I'm not intentionally (and consistently) putting forth effort into our relationship. Usually, I would find inspiration from a book, sermon, someone, or something and it would keep me going for a while--like getting energy from food to keep going everyday. Of course, our daily bread is the Word of God but I also find it quite helpful to see how it is explained and applied in various ways through the different and creative personalities of God's children--ordinary people who use their extraordinary God-given gifts of teaching to edify the Body of Christ. When I read about great people like Billy Graham or Elisabeth Elliott, I can see that they are constantly quoting someone or finding their inspiration from somewhere. Recent things that have sparked my energy are:


Jaeson Ma's speech on prayer at Newsong Irvine Church
Paul David Washer's "Shocking Message" on entering the Kingdom (Matthew 7)
Chip Ingram's "Facing the Future with Confidence" lecture series


Great stuff! If you guys check it out, let me know what you think! ;) 

May God be with you, encourage you, and use you right where you are! 

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength." -Ephesians 1:18,19