The fire had crackled and the marshmallows had been roasted. Most of the youth had gone inside to play a board game, but one remained close to the captivating allure of the glowing embers. As we sat there he said to me “Thanks for being there, and for being like a father figure for me.” He went on to pour his heart out about several things he had been going through recently and we were able to pray together.
This was such an amazing opportunity, especially with someone from a non-Christian background who is still on the journey towards being a committed follower of Jesus. There is certainly a lot of need here in New Zealand, but as I reflect on this, I realise that if this young man had been in Thailand, he most likely would not have even met a single Christian in his whole life! And for those who do come to Christ, there are very few who can disciple them and see them grow into mature leaders. Knowing this spurs us on in our journey towards the mission field!
We just heard this month from a church in Northeast Thailand that has doubled in the last two years but is now struggling to disciple and care for the newcomers – partly because the mature believers are all experiencing their own life struggles such as health problems or family relationship difficulties. This is just one example of why the church in Thailand needs people to come and simply be there, as the church continues to grow in many different ways.