A Missionary’s Favorite Question
So, what is a missionary’s favorite question? “When are you going back?” As often as others ask that question we probably ask ourselves even more.
If you can believe it, 4 August will be the one year mark that I’ve been back. I am struggling to wrap my head around that. How has a year gone by already? It feels like much has happened and not much has happened at the same time.
My original goal was to get back to Thailand in July. Obviously that didn’t work out. My next goal is to get back by the end of the year. That leads me to something I need to confess.
I got so caught up in the money side of missions. My budget became an idol of sorts. I was so focused on how much I have to raise that I became overwhelmed, bitter, and wanted to quit. I’ve been a full time missionary for 12 years. I’ve experienced some difficult times but never once thought of quitting. So for me to get to that place was disappointing and enlightening.
My life and my conversations began to revolve around the budget that I have to raise. A few months ago I was given a 20% increase in my budget. So, that’s more money that I have to raise. I began to be consumed by how much money is required to do what I do. I can’t get back to Thailand until all of the money is raised, but there’s so much more that God has planned for my time here.
The money appeared to be bigger than God. More than he could handle. Then I went to Missionary Renewal.
I was surrounded by a couple hundred other missionaries that are on the same path as I am. I am not the first missionary to have to figure out how to raise funds and I will not be the last. Being around people that are in the same situation that I am allowed me to lay it all down.
In one week’s time God prompted 3 different people to give me significant donations. God provided for me in ways I wouldn’t have even thought to ask him. He saw my desperation and graciously reminded me that HE is my provider. Inflation and all the things of this world do not hinder him. He is outside of the faults and strains of this world.
Over the weeks I was traveling, the message of the birds and flowers from Matthew 6: 25-34 kept coming up. The birds don’t sow or reap yet they are fed. The wild flowers don’t toil or spin yet are clothed. We are worth more than them. God knows my needs better than I do. That includes all that I need to raise to get back to Thailand. If I seek Him first He will, not maybe or probably, he will provide all that I need. He is faithful.
Now that I have the Lord, and my needs, in the right order I am not going to quit! There’s such a need for the gospel in Thailand. I cannot ignore the burden that God has given me to share the Good News!
I am currently finishing up a class then I’ll have two left! Praise the Lord! After that I will need to do a test and interview to officially be a licensed minister. I am also booking services at churches and small groups. Doing what I can and trusting God to work it all out for my good and his glory.
Thank you to each and every person that has come along side me on this journey. Some of you have been with me for a decade or longer. Some of you maybe just a few days. Together we are bringing Hope to the people of Thailand!! I cannot do what I do without you.
7 weeks. 5 states. Lots of memories.
In the middle of May I drove to Tucson. My sister had a hysterectomy and I went to help as she recovered. Destroyed my nephew in Monopoly. Then he annihilated me lol! I also had the opportunity to share about #MissionThailand at Way Family Church. I was there for a month then I drove to Missouri. On the way, I got a flat tire in New Mexico. A couple of older guys helped me out and I was back on the road. I met up with a childhood friend and a few of my supporters in KC and Lake of the Ozarks. After that I was in Springfield for 8 days for Missionary Renewal. Then I went to Nashville to see a long time friend and supporter. I just love the south! TN is one of my favorite states. On my way back to CA I went to Texas to spend a few days with my brother and nephew. I loved being able to celebrate the 4th of July in America! The littlest nephew loved it, too! I stopped in Tucson for a night or two then finally got back to Cali the second week of July. Such a long but fulfilling trip! There’s so much more I could tell you but this is already getting too long :)
Below are some pics. 
I’m back on Instagram!
Well, I’ve been back, kind of. I was using a social media manager for about 6 months. But now I’m back on it myself! I changed the name to @chagrinstateofmind. (If you know the definition of chagrin, you’ll know that describes me well lol!) I’ll be posting more personal things along with ministry things. Click here to follow me!
Coming up…
I will be at Faith Chapel church in San Diego on 13 August. If you’re in the area you should bring a friend and join us! I will be updating the church on what’s been going on in Thailand and I’ll have a table in the lobby before and after the service. I’d love to connect with you!
