Today we had the privilege to join the church at Deen Kow for their worship celebration. We treked through the mountains and finally made it to the place where the church meets. It was a community pavillion that had a few fans and a beautiful open air view of the Thailand mountains. It was in fact the most beautiful "sanctuary" I have ever met in for a worship service.
Next came an even greater honor when I was asked to preach the morning message. It was an incredible honor to preach to the entire church with a translator going along right next to me. God led me to II Corinthians 13 and James 5. As a part of the service, we had a time of prayer and annointing with the Thai believers. I led our team in annointing with oil and praying over a Thai believer who was unable to walk and covered with bedsores, a Thai seeker who had just gone through a failed home abortion attempt, and an older Thai woman who was paralyzed on her entire right side. It was an incredible time, and I expect God to heal these people. In fact, two women shared testimony that God has healed them from seizures and near blindness in the last year. These Thai believers see God work miracles because that is the only thing they can hope for.
Keith (our missionary) was so moved by the service that he asked me and another of our team to go with him to pray over another man who could not make it to the service that morning. We arrived at the home, a square concrete block structure as big as an American garage. We entered the home in which the smell of closing death permeated the air. The man could not move and laid near motionless as we moved towards him. He may have weighed 80 pounds. We annointed him and prayed over him. Afterwards, Keith told us that the man suffered from HIV/AIDS and death was imminent. It was a sobering experience to say the least, and one that will never leave my mind...ever.
Following the worship service and prayer visit, we grabbed lunch, and headed to a village to drop off Dat-Ta. This 9 year old Burmese boy had been staying with us while we were going to the schools. If I could get away with it, he'd be in my bag on the way home. But he had to go back to his home in a remote mountain village. SB and I were asked to come along to drop him off and meet his family. Needless to say it was another sobering visit. Although, we did meet his mom, sister, and brothers.
This afternoon, we had a few hours of free time and ended up at a local park to feed monkeys. Yes, they just run around and grab bananas and fruit right out of your hand. It was awesome, but SB was scared to death. She said she had watched Outbreak too much to trust those monkeys.
We're now at the missionary's home for dinner and worship, and it's time for me to head out. The trip has been amazing. I've seen things that I will never forget. I have been able to preach and witness to people in areas that have never heard of Jesus. I've seen Muslim kids enthralled by the story of Jesus Christ and His love for them. I've sweated off at least 15 pounds (hopefully!!!). I've watched SB lead and minister to children and adults like never before. It's truly amazing.
4 comments:
Mike, it is so amazing reading how God is working in everything. His power, grace, and love is truly being felt and seen by some who are believers but the majority whom have never heard of Jesus, until ya'll showed up! How awesome it must be to bring the Word of God to their ears for the very first time. You now know what it felt like for the disciples when they were sent to preach Jesus. I know time is flying for you and SB over there, but we miss ya'll however; I am praying God will really "show off" in your final week! Love ya-- David
Not sure if you got my last message? If not, here it goes again:) How exciting is this? Know that when you leave, God will not be finished using your words or your works. Finish strong. Leave it all on the field. Preach as if Jesus died yesterday, rose again today, and is coming again tomorrow. We got your back in prayer. Love to you and SB. I finally put together website and blog (www.gusspanos.com). Its been up for a few weeks. If you need anything, be sure to email. G
Mike and Sara Beth,
Shared with a number of people at church your work in Thialand. Everyone is saying a prayer that all continues to be blessed. Mom S. ans Dad S. had dinner with us Sat. night and we had a GREAT time. We know your ears were burning.
Few more days for sharing your lives with those there. Praying that Jesus is multiplied 100 times !!!!!!
Love Mom P. and Dad P.
Hey you two,
What an awesome trip and how our Lord is working in Thailand through you guys- you know reading all of this made me cry - happy tears!!!! We are praying for you all the time and praying that the Holy Spirit continues to go ahead of you preparing the way for the Thai people to come to know Jesus. We miss you and pray for an extra measure of strength and endurance as you go through this last week. All is well at home... Everyone asked about you at church and they are praying for you too. You two soak it all in and let JESUS SHINE. Say, I love the hat!!!
We love you,
Mom and Dad
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