I cannot believe that the time is almost upon me to head to the airport and begin the adventure in Thailand and two of the surrounding countries! A huge ‘thank you!’ to everyone who contributed financially to make this dream become a reality! And thank you for all of you who will pray for me while I am over there.

We live in such a surreal time. Technology has taken our world and has made it a very small place in a number of ways. Through the technology of travel I will be able to literally travel halfway around the world in 21 hours. Through the technology of our phones I will be able to record and post parts of my experience and share what God is speaking to my heart with people halfway around the world! I am feeling very aware that without that ‘in-person’ connection we can still remain pretty removed from others’ lives when there is not only that large geographical separation but also a cultural separation.

I am reading articles about the cultures I will be entering into, trying to familiarize myself with the basics because I want to show they honour and respect and not accidentally offend. It certainly has me pondering my reality with what others’ lives are like. Countries still feeling the after affect of the Vietnam War that struggle to rebuild even now…possibly for generations to come. Youth being sent to the city to find work to send back money for the family to survive. Predators preying on such easy targets who aren’t there for their own advancement but the survival of their family. I think of Thailand and the warnings about being approached by sex workers and how to spot restaurants which function as fronts to this prolific business that communicate with red or pink lights OR can also be identified by the large amount of male tourists gathered inside. I reflect on the Buddhists monks that I will meet and their temples I will pass by. One question sits in my heart: How can I be Jesus as I have divine encounters along the way through this experience? I already know that my heart will be even more softened for the incredible people of Asia and even broken for the stories I will hear, the realities I will see and the lostness of religions that offer no hope. To me, this is a blessing. Exposure to situations and stories that expand ones world view is always a good thing that bears fruit.

Please pray that as I progress through my time there and process as I go, that I will be open to learning and have spiritual insight in translating this in such a way that I can communicate what God is teaching me when I arrive back home with opportunities to share. When I was last in Asia I truly began to love the Nepali people and my heart was broken for the Rohingyas – a people without a country and vulnerable to abuse and slavery. Who will I encounter this time and what will their stories be? How will I see God’s hand moving and His Spirit saving and transforming?

Also, please pray for all of the international workers that are coming to the Global Gathering. Pray they are well cared for and are refreshed with a new vision for the future of missions in the world. I will have the privilege of hearing their stories and praying for them and it is such an honour to serve them and be peers in ministry.

All glory and honour and power to the One who hears and sees and loves and moves with transformative power in our world. Amen.
More updates to come!