Missions Blog

From Levina Mulandi, Nairobi, Kenya:

I try to read the proverb chapter of the day as part of my day. My proverb today as our mission to Thailand comes to an end is:

Proverbs 28:26 NIV
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

This proverb captures my thoughts and memories of all of us who were part of what God did in and with Faith House, in Thailand this week. God helped us not to be fooled. No one tried to trust in themselves. Our leaders Uncle Glenn, Brenda, and Maria, tried to walk in wisdom, always consulting and admitting when they were clueless about what to do next. And because they did that we were kept safe in many ways. 

My friends, (Jesus calls us friends) so we can call each other friends in Christ. And that is what He gave us in this mission trusting friendships; a number of us had days when we were not well, and again no one trusted in themselves, but humbly and wisely accepted to be benched by God on that day and lie down to recover. And trust that God will accomplish His work here even without them on that particular day. And they also trusted the rest of the team to do their part, that was wisdom and insight right there.

My friends at Faith House did not trust themselves in this mission but wisely and humbly allowed us to partner with them and take their girls (that they obviously love so much and are giving their lives to) and we got to teach and love them too. Even though they know more about the girls and how much better to love them. These co-workers have done well. Jesus said let the children come to me. And they have done that. And this week they wisely and in trust stepped back and let us be part of letting the children come to Christ too in some way. Jesus also says, what you do for these little ones in my name, you do it for me. And the Faith House staff graciously and wisely and with insight let us share in this privilege of giving to the girls and so giving to Jesus. An amazing experience in and of itself. To be able to give to our God and our Father!

I had the privilege of sharing my book, The Sisterhood Secret", with the Faith House girls, all from 9 years old all the way to university level  28 years old, the Faith House staff, and my friends on the mission. And again I observed these people of God from the youngest to the oldest (70+ years) walk in wisdom and insight into what they took away from the book, as the Lord led them and as we talked. Not trusting in themselves and thinking they know it all, but humbly and wisely listening to God and to one another. The Faith girls in the university graciously and with lots of energy listened to us and we're ready to take up the mantle to 'Go and make disciples of all nations,'  (more like run) beginning with Thailand universities and the  Myanmar village kids that they left behind, just as in the princess lost narrative. 

Working together with wisdom and insight, we had a taste of heaven. Where every tribe, every people, every nation, will stand before One God and be together in One Spirit, and One Word. We experienced that this week, because of God's lavish wisdom and insight at work among us. 

As I prepared to come on this mission and for each day in the mission, this was my prayer. "Our Father Who art in heaven... 

And God put His Name on us literally,  His Kingdom came in a way as we sought His Kingdom first, by teaching on the discipleship of nations. His will was done on this part of the earth, Thailand, this week. And He forgave us many times and gave us the wisdom to forgive one another as we are forgiven. He gave us each day all we needed and the savior like a shepherd led us, especially our two leaders every step of each day. And when the evil raised its head to attack us; in sickness, money access trouble, the heat, language differences. God delivered us from all evil. 

Here is the song that says it all so much better. Listen to it and worship and thank God with us.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=y8VerH9rqc8&si=B1F4qc9J2f2c5QA4

We said our last goodbyes to the girls at Faith House so thankful for a great week of sharing God‘s love with them. Helping them learn more about how to evangelize to others in their schools and in their community. Teaching them more about discipleship from one to the other. During this trip, we were able to equip them with so many techniques from the wordless bracelet, to the evange cube, to discipling each other so they can share Jesus with others around them.

Everyone hopped in our van, including Maria from Faith House and took a six hour ride up to Chiang Mai, Thailand. This is a place that has 6,500 missionaries and can reach 30% of the world’s population in a three hour plane ride. It’s a smaller urban center, but has lots of American influence as there are a lot of expats here. We will be here for a day and a half with the Faith House girls who are attending university here. There are 10 girls attending university from Faith house because of an organization called Bbright. It was started in 2021 by Brenda Tenison after a mission trip to Faith House when she realized that so much could be done to help these courageous girls make their dreams come true through education. To find out more about Bbright, visit www.bbright.org.

Great ministry happening here this week.

Our final night at Faith House was a special one. We have a banquet for the girls with a special catered menu they have chosen. This night they chose fish as the main entree and our team enjoyed cashew chicken. About an hour before the banquet Maria gave each of the girls a white traditional Karen dress we had purchased for them to wear. As we’ve shared the girls are ethnic Karen from Myanmar. Following our meal, the girls sang and danced for us, as always it was special.

Another special event occurred during the banquet with the arrival of new girl.  They had been waiting for the girl for more than a week but she arrived in the middle of the banquet.  You could clearly see was overwhelmed.  The staff and girls received her with great tenderness and  affection, it was  so touching .  The number of girls at Faith House has nearly doubled since last year. 

- Glenn Delich

Today was our last full day with the girls in Mae Sot,  before we travel to see the University girls in Chaing Mai.  We continued in the book Princess Lost with a lesson on shame; healthy and healing shame versus  unhealthy shame. Teaching the girls that expressing their feelings, and confiding in a trusted friend is a good way to process shame.  We led an activity for them to create a collage in their journal with words and images from magazine clippings, and drawing to express their future dreams.  

In the afternoon we shared the gospel through the last chapters of Princess Lost and Levina shared her very touching testimony.  

We also welcomed a new girl from Myanmar who arrived TODAY at Faith House. Our team got to witness how they welcomed her with open arms and care and comfort into a new environment where she’s safe and secure away from the bombs that are dropping 15 minutes from here.

We ended the day with a farewell dinner banquet.  Everyone got dressed up and the girls wore their traditional ethnic dress.  We sprinkled them with shimmering sparkles and told them how special they are to us, that many people are praying for them, and that they can go out and shine the light of Christ to others.  The girls shared song and dance with us before we left. Their smiles were endless and our hearts are overflowing.  

Back to Faith House today with just the girls! Our team met early for breakfast, our Bible devotions and preparations for the day. We then travelled to Faith House where the girls were anxiously awaiting us with welcoming smiles and love. 

        

Whew… what a day. We started our day off by inviting about 30 more kids into our time together with the Faith house girls. For a total of 75 people in our camp sessions. Heather did a lesson on God‘s creation and how we are created in his image. And Brenda followed on with a lesson about how we’re created uniquely special, and loved by God called to his family and as we are children of God. Our fingerprint is uniquely made to us and so we did a fingerprint art activity to reinforce that concept. Followed up by fantastic games by Traci and Bill. The theme song for the day was PRAISE by Elevation Worship. This evening Heather presented a lesson on good hygiene and how to avoid mistakes of touching your hands to your face and cleanliness. Glenn finished our evening with a discussion on shame and guilt and how Jesus is not ashamed of us. Followed by a bonfire, which is appropriate for any team camp. God very much blessed our day with an air-conditioned large activity room so we could be inside during all of this as it was 110° outside today. 

Thank you for your prayers surrounding this team. God is on the move here. We’re praying for reached souls tomorrow as we present the gospel to them.

 
Blessings and Love
Brenda  & Team