Responding to The Need...
- James Gonzalez
- Apr 17, 2021
- 4 min read
Gonzalez Family in Thailand Vol. 2, No. 4
"What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like."
-Saint Augustine
Showing Love Amidst the Turmoil
I know we mentioned the situation in Myanmar in our last update and most of you know that our calling to Thailand is focused on working at the Lanna Theological Center. However, while we are on the road toward the "destination," God often provides opportunities for us to show love and compassion to those who are in need. We must not forget the story of the Good Samaritan. The difficult circumstances in Myanmar have provided such an opportunity for many of us here in Northern Thailand. While we pray that peace prevail in Myanmar, we should also seek to minister to those who have been adversely affected by the conflict that continues to escalate. It is circumstances like these that give us some of the greatest opportunities to share the life saving message of Jesus. When people wonder why others would sacrifice for them, we can be ready with a response that echos throughout eternity. For the Christian, the motivation to serve is not one of self edification but rather a response to the great love that was shown to us when our God took up the cross for our sins.
It is a sobering sight to see men, women and children fleeing their villages as they run for their lives into the jungle. Sometimes, as we each go through the daily struggles of our own lives, it is hard to remember that there are migrant camps full of displaced people without running water or electricity. These camps are increasing in number as the situation in Myanmar devolves into further chaos.
There is good news...the bride of Christ endures. We have had the privilege of partnering with a couple of Burmese churches seeking to meet the physical and spiritual needs of their countrymen. While we are unable to speak Burmese, we are able to help mobilize resources for these pastors who are willing to drive long distances, climb through rocky trails and endure austere conditions just to show the love of Jesus. We have and will continue to divert some funds donated to the Lanna Discipleship Program toward these efforts. Our entire family got to prepare food bags for distribution and Sara and the girls helped with a small clothing drive to provide for some refugees who were forced to leave their homes with only that which they could carry.
We are so thankful for these opportunities. We are grateful that your prayers and support have enabled us to be a small part of the work God is doing here. If you are interested in learning more about how to pray for and/or support the work that is being done to help those impacted by the coup in Myanmar, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Food, clothing and supplies gathered and distributed among displaced people along the border with Myanmar.
LTC End of Year Celebration
LTC has completed the 2020-2021 school year. Despite the challenges associated with Covid, the staff and students at LTC did a great job overcoming adversity and completing a successful year of study, growth and furthering a commitment to proclaiming the Gospel. This year's graduates will now begin their post graduation internships. These ministry opportunities range from working at a Business as Missions restaurant to serving at one of the many orphanages in our region. These internships are a requirement for LTC graduates as they take the knowledge and skills they learned over fours years and apply them in full time ministry settings. Sara and I were grateful to be apart of this year's celebration.
Now, the staff and returning students take a short break and begin preparation for the new school year beginning in early June.
Songkran and Covid
This week, Thailand is celebrating the three day holiday of Songkran, which marks the Thai new year. Usually, this is a very festive week where most people return to their home city/village and engage in what amounts to a three day water fight (seriously). However, due to Covid most of the festivities have been cancelled and the mood is fairly subdued. Many businesses and schools are closed this week (including our language school) and the atmosphere is noticeably calmer. Honestly, it is a welcome couple of days of rest for our family.
Speaking of Covid, Thailand is currently experiencing its third major wave of Covid cases and Chiang Mai is experiencing the worst of it this time around. Many restrictions have been reinstated to bring the situation back under control. It will likely be quite some time before Thailand will be able to rely on a vaccination strategy. As of today, less than 0.7% of the population has had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Please pray for Thailand as many people continue to suffer the economic effects of Covid restrictions.
Specific Prayer Requests
Praise - We think we have found our long term home. If everything works out we will move next month. The girls are really looking forward to a little stability.
Praise - I (James) have a 1 year visa. Please continue to pray that everything works out for the Sara and the kids' dependent visas, which we are scheduled to get on April 22.
Pray for Endurance - The initial novelty of living in Thailand has now worn off and we have entered a stage that requires us to exercise our faith as much as we ever have. Language is hard, the culture is different and the kids miss their friends back home. I miss my work in manufacturing somedays and Sara has never been busier. In fact, she has been the rock in our family these past few months as I have struggled a bit with the transition. However, despite these challenges, we have complete peace that this is exactly where we are supposed to be. Such peace is worth it all.
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
-Matthew 25: 35-36
The entire family was involved in preparing the food and clothing for distribution.
Praying for you guys.