Hello, devotional subscribers!

Our Thailand mission team came back from Thailand safely last Friday. The six of us went to northern Thailand for two weeks, and led English camps, VBS’s, and English classes at public schools. We have realized yet again how many opportunities there are for those who live in America and speak English to serve the rest of the world, who are eager to receive us and interact with us.

But all of us have realized that we have received much more than we have given. At first, we thought we were there to offer what know (English) and what we have (money & prizes). But we realized in the middle of the trip that we have learned more than we have taught and we have received more than we have given.

We have learned that we can be happy without much of what we think we have to have. For example, we saw some of the happiest children playing on the dirt ground, and they had none of the niceties we have in the States. They had no running water indoors. They had no bathroom inside. They had no beds (only cots), no electronic devices (phones or iPads), no AC, no refrigerator, no elaborate toys, no TV… But they seemed much happier than most American children who have all those things and more.

We have also received more than we have given in that we received the gift of grace. God has bestowed us with His grace, and it was sufficient. Yes, physically it was uncomfortable to say the least. 90 degree heat, 100% humidity, fighting with mosquitoes, and unfamiliar language.. But they were all the more reasons to hang onto God for His mercy and grace. We came away humbled by the missionaries we have met and the children who touched our lives. It really is true: “Give, and it will be give to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

Thank you for your support and your prayers. We will be giving a full report this Sunday during our service at our church. And we will be posting them on our church Facebook page as well. The devotionals will resume as usual now that I am back. Thank you Pastor Eldie for being faithful in posting the devotionals  every Tuesday and Thursday even while I was gone.

PH