Planning to Go, Willing to Stay

As I reflect upon our Children’s Ministry Trip to Thailand...

I recall golden temples, the sound of a thousand ringing chimes and a wonderful, gentle people held in bondage to Buddhism. While our primary purpose was to provide childcare support for a Pioneers Missions Conference occurring in Pttaya, Thailand, we were also enmeshed in a culture that, though different from ours, was wonderful to learn about and experience.

Generally, Thai people are hospitable, proud and culturally rich. They enjoy vibrant colors and music; they have a great fidelity for their king and leader; and their food is flavorful if not spicy. All of this and more gave us an appreciation for God’s creativity in making the variety of cultures that compose the human race. We also saw the longing to touch the transcendent, as almost every home and business had a shrine in the hopes to appease their gods. It is said that 95% of the Thai people practice Buddhism, and the spiritual darkness and need for Jesus Christ was evident everywhere we went.

Our purpose was to provide childcare for the children whose missionary parents would be participating in the Pioneers Missions Conference. Partnering with other churches to provide childcare for ages nursery through high school, our team of 20 cared for children that were 2, 3, 10 and 11 years.

We had the opportunity to love, teach, care for, encourage and be a friend to children who, at times, are facing some pretty difficult circumstances while their parents serve in some of the most challenging ministry regions of the world.

One boy whom I met talked about only having one other local missionary family with whom his family spent time. However, his parents were now going to be moving from that community, thus putting greater distance between vital relational connections. Other children talked about long periods of time with an absent parent who was working within a closed country. The stories poured forth revealing both the joy and the challenges of being a member of a pioneering family. That is why this conference is so vital. Not only do the parents come together to be equipped and revitalized, but the children come, apprehensively at first and later excitedly, to fellowship with other kids their own age and background.

Years ago when I was part of the college ministry here at LBC, we had a memorable saying concerning missions: “Planning to Go,Willing to Stay”. I would encourage you to already begin planning to go the next time a missions service opportunity comes along.