Nikki's Blog

Our missions trip theme - "Jesus Christ Our Hope"

The names of the people that went with me, that are mentioned here are: Sam (the teacher who went) and Mary, Esther and Michelle (the three senior girls who went).

Street Ministry

On Sunday, Sam and I were both moved by the compassion in the hearts of our students. I was taking them to an area in Bangkok and I said that we needed to cross the street. This is a place that I have been to many times and know how to get to. As we were going to cross the street it crossed my mind that Sam and I had discussed what to tell the girls about the street beggars and whether it is OK to give them money or not. As we went to cross the street we were going on an over walk bridge where I know there are often street beggars, so God reminded me to tell the girls. As we were walking God soften the hearts of our students for these street people. Moments later the girls asked if they could feed this particular woman and her baby who were on the over walk bridge. Sam and I told them it was up to them, and that they should do whatever God was leading. We continued on to where I thought the place was that I was taking them too, and we encountered more street people. All of a sudden it occurred to me that I was on the wrong side of the street. I believe that God did that on purpose, that He put a fog over my mind, so that only He could receive the glory for filling our students with compassion to minister to the street people. As we walked back to the other side of the street, the girls distributed milk and bread that they bought for the various street people that we saw. Michelle decided to buy a bigger loaf and milk for the woman and son that we saw. Again, God intervened in this part, because when we went back she had a daughter with her too. Praise the Lord! The girls wanted to get tracks, so I took them to a Christian bookstore. They gave us the tracks for free! Praise God. Sunday and Monday night the girls handed out tracks and gave bread and milk to the street beggars. (OK, I could continue but this part is already long!!)

Prison Ministry

On Tuesday afternoon we went to the International Women's Prison. There is a prison ministry already in place there and all of the women that we talked to were already believers. The idea behind the prison ministry is that we were to go and encourage them. However, we were far more encouraged by them, then they were by us. The women are testimonies to how little you need in order to have Joy in Jesus. Despite the fact that many of them have not heard from their families, have a cold floor to sleep on that is a small number of inches by a small number of inches, and that they are in prison, they are Praising the Lord for putting them there. They know that in all things God works for good, and He had a perfect and ultimate plan for putting them in prison. A plan to meet Him! We were so encouraged by their faith and joy. Please pray for those in prison who have not heard from their families, that their families would be filled with compassion and love for them despite their circumstance.

NightLight

We had divine appointments with 4 women. 3 who are workers at NightLight (used to be in the bars) and 1 who is a volunteer there.

On Monday, the girls gave their testimonies to a group of non believing women at NightLight. God used Mary's testimony to speak to the heart of one of the woman. "Joy" wanted to accept Christ as her savior. After talking to her we found out that she does believe and wants to accept Christ, however she does not want to denounce the spirits that she worships in Thailand. We believe that God got a hold of her, and we ask you to pray for her to accept Christ as Lord and Savior over the spirits.

On Tuesday, we went to outreach. The girls had a good learning experience as they saw night and day. The difference between going on outreach and going to the prison was eye opening. The girls all learned a lot. Esther and Michelle had an opportunity to build a relationship with one of the women that we outreached to, "Mora" I was able to build a relationship with "Beauty". Please pray that God would deliver both of these women out of the bondage that they are in.

On Wednesday, we worked at NightLight without any heavy ministry. Basically we worked on what we were working on the rest of the time when we weren't sharing or at outreach. The girls and Sam helped the women on the 3 floor prepare the jewelry pieces (separated clasps, cut chains, etc.) and sowed the ties into the jewelry bags. I worked in the office updating the email program for Annie.

On Thursday, we met with a group of non believers/new believers. We didn't really have anything planned, but we were leading the group. God used it to His glory. It was amazing! The women were asking us questions and we were clarifying using scripture. God was leading each one of us to scriptures and we were just sharing away. One woman, "Mickey" was questioning her attitude for God. She wanted to know how she could live for Him, and act as He wanted her to, when sometimes she was so frustrated about her past. God used each of us to speak truth through His word to "Mickey". At the end we prayed for her, and she was encouraged. God used us in an amazing way to help her not to dwell on the past. One of the girls (I don't remember who) found an amazing scripture that challenged her not to focus on what is in the past "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippines 3:13-14) How great is our God! Please pray that "Mickey" would be able to know that she is clean and forgiven and that God desires her to live according to His great will and plan!

On Friday, we met with the advanced believers group. I shared a personal testimony about being in God's will and it spoke to the heart of one woman "Hope" who was struggling with a very similar situation. God used my story to challenge her to be in obedience to Him. Please pray that "Hope" will be obedient to seek God's will and heed to His answer.

During the week we also ministered to one of the volunteers named Sophia. She has experienced many trials and difficulties. The Lord used each one of us to bring hope into her heart and remind her that where she is right now is part of God's plan and that the things Satan is using for evil God is using for His glory. Pray for Sophia to rest in God's will for her where she is, and in what she is going through. Right now her husband is in the USA and she is in Thailand. She is trying to get a visa to the USA, so pray that God would provide for her.
Please note that names are changed for the protection of the women.

Airplane ministry

How could I forget? Before we were even on the plane, Sam was witnessing to a non-believing western man. God's divine intervention landed him sitting right next to us during our flight too! Sam was able to share more with him while on the plane. Please pray for him, his name is Nathan. Also, on the way back there was a woman sitting with us who spoke French and was quite distraught about who she was meeting and how to find him, etc. God used Sam to provide assistance to her also! Praise the Lord for providing opportunities in our midst. Remember that everyone you encounter is a mission field!!

OK, well I could keep going as these are just the highlights. If you've read this far, I thank you from the depths of my heart for continuing to read.

Please remember to pray for the dark and Christ needing nation of Thailand.

Our theme verse - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."