Mission teams can accelerate the advance of the Gospel when they join the missionary in their work to reach the community. The missionaries here utilize Eye Glass Clinics to help local churches with Entry strategy. Entry is the first phase of the Missionary Task.
We worked alongside Light of Life church’s Eye Glass Clinic in a community near the church. That night twelve people came to get their reading glasses. After the glasses were given out, more people were tested for reading glasses in the small room of a church member’s home. Then our group sang worship songs, and the pastor shared the Gospel. In a city where only 1% of the population are Christ followers, every chance to share the Gospel is important. Many heard the Gospel for the first time and seven new believers excitedly read the Word clearly with their new glasses.
Encouraging and listening to missionaries is another way we served this month. All of the workers here face challenges of living in a different culture, learning language and raising families. We took time to laugh and listen which helped lighten the load on our missionaries so they can serve longer. Never underestimate the importance of time spent with missionaries on the field. While Member Care personnel serve a vital role on the field, all of us in the body of Christ can share in the ministry of bearing one another’s burdens. Providing ongoing care is one of the steps in becoming a good sending church taught by The Upstream Collective. I hope you will find many ways to care for your missionaries on the field and when they are stateside.
Thanks for those of you who’ve prayed for us during our time in Bangkok. This week we will travel back and look forward to sharing more about our journey and how you and your church can support and join the work going on here. I am thankful that the SC Baptist Convention allowed me to take a sabbatical this summer. The time spent in prayer, reading and traveling has helped “re-fill my tank” so I can serve as long as God allows.
