LTC Senior Send Off and Being Called in the Time of Covid-19

James Gonzalez
Mar 16, 2020
4 min read

Gonzalez Family in Thailand Vol. 1, No. 5

"The Spirit will lead you to the way of the cross, as He led Jesus to the cross, and that is definitely not a safe or pretty place to be."

-Francis Chan

10 Days in Thailand

I returned home Wednesday evening from a 10 day trip to Thailand. I was thankful to be home given all of the uncertainty around traveling these days. The trip was successful as I got just about everything done I had hoped to accomplish and I feel like we have a decent plan for our arrival in Chiang Mai in June. However, I must admit the trip didn't go perfectly. Many of the realties of this calling began to set in while I was in Thailand this go around. On our previous trips I didn't spend as much time thinking about all the details as I had to this time. I quickly became overwhelmed at the thoughts of relearning how to do simple things like get around town, communicate when there is any degree of complexity in the situation and figuring out how we are going to establish new community, especially for our children. On top of that I got to experience first hand why Chiang Mai consistently ranks at the top of the list of cities in the world with the worst air quality. I am thankful that God's calling to this ministry has been very clear because that is what gets me through tough times.

The other thing that weighed me down during this trip was how prevalent prostitution really is in Thailand. Honestly, it is heartbreaking. I unwittingly booked hotel rooms near areas that were not far from this type of activity and so it was not unsurprising that on my way to a few destinations I caught glimpses of parts of town that exploit that which God gave us to hold pure and sacred. As the father of four daughters, it was hard to see. At some point though I realized that sitting in each bar and along the sidewalks of these less than reputable establishments were people made in the image of God. I don't know their stories or what they believe but I do know that Jesus sought out the broken during his ministry and his death on the cross made a way for them as much as it did for any of us. I wish I could say I did anything about what I saw but I can't. I focused on preparing the way for my family and looking forward to being part of the ministry at the Lanna Theological Center. However, my heart has new places to consider when I pray and I hope you will spend a moment this week praying for these souls as well. We truly live in a broken world and our hope in Jesus Christ is the only way it can ever be healed.

Lanna Theological Center Senior Send Off

The highlight of my trip was to spend time with the staff and students at LTC during the annual senior send off. Our seniors were celebrated and prayed over as they have completed their academic work and will now begin ministry internships. Each of these graduates spent time telling some of their story about how LTC has impacted their life. Through tears of joy and reflection God was glorified for how He has been a way-maker in some amazing and unexpected ways. In the future I hope to share some of these incredible stories that your prayers and support are helping create.

Covid 19

How could I not mention the topic that seems to be dominating all our lives? I only have one thought on this matter and that is this, seek your calling. When you are doing what God has called you to do you can order your actions in context to that calling. Whether you are called to motherhood, business, being a teacher, healthcare or vocational ministry, if you know you are doing what God has asked, you don't have to worry about second guessing every move. That doesn't mean we don't seek wise counsel and make reasoned decisions in light of circumstances. Sara and I will be taking every precaution to avoid any type of unnecessary challenges for our family or others in our lives. However, we know that God has called us to this and until we discern that He is no longer doing that we will continue to follow Him. In this I have more peace than I have ever had about anything in my life. So let us heed all the good warnings we are receiving, but only after we seek God first everyday.

Specific Prayer Requests

That we are still able to get everything done despite the world seeming to slow down considerably (garage sale, sell home/vehicles, support raising etc.).
Staying healthy around transition time in June.
Our original itinerary was going to take us through Hong Kong but I found out yesterday that will no longer be the case. Not sure yet what the new itinerary will look like.
82 days until launch.

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble."

2 Peter 1:10