Just some updates from here in Bangkok.
First. We are teaching a group of Burmese people.
It has been an interesting experience trying to teach them... they
don't speak very good Thai... but they're learning English. And so we
teach them in English. A lesson goes something like this. God loves
us. We are God's children. God has a plan for us. Which in all
actuality... are the simple truths of the gospel. Commandments go
something like this... Sister Painter wrote "God's Law #1" on the board.
No alcohol. No coffee... and on and on. :) They are so awesome.
Their responses... "I like these. These are good" "This is true"
What wonderful faith. The gospel is simple. It is beautiful... and
while sometimes teaching them can be a little bit difficult. (For
example sometimes... I accidentally talk in Thai... haha... like a
couple times... and then everyone laughs at me... and I try again in
English. Sometimes we're like... oh man... how do we explain this
commandment... this principle? But we always find a way to explain
it!!) it makes me so happy. And it is just amazing to see their
new found faith and willingness to learn and change. Truly simple truths
of the gospel. And simple but powerful faith.
My companion is a really good example to me of
seeing the miracles that happen here in the work. She's good at seeing
the potential in people and giving them the time of day and the love and
attention that they need. The other day we were inviting and she
stopped to talk to this man who is a one armed motorcycle driver. (You
can just hop on a motorcycle like a taxi here...) She asked him if he
wanted to stop smoking (he was smoking when we walked up), I think he
was a little bit stunned by the question, but they proceeded to talk and
as they did he looked at her and flicked his cigarette out of his
hands. The other day as we were walking by the same spot. She saw him
again! He looked cleaner. His hair was cut. He told her that he
hadn't smoked for 10+ days. Which was something he didn't believe was
possible at first.
I won't detail some of the other experiences that we
had this week. But... I will tell you that I know that this is really
the work of God. Whether it is helping people receive baptism, or
helping them come back to church. God loves each of us. He loves us
individually, and I can promise you that He didn't create one of us
thinking "Well... I don't want this one to make it." He is our Creator,
our Father. He loves us, and no matter our circumstances, our
challenges, the temptations that lie in our path... no matter what
burdens are on our backs. We are never alone or unnoticed. Our prayers
are always always heard. We had some incredible experiences that bore
testimony to me of these truths. God knows us... He has planned for us
from the beginning. We can lift those around us... and sometimes He
will specifically call us, prompt us, and prod us to help His precious
children. How important that we are ready, willing, and lovingly ready
to do what He would ask us to do! What an opportunity to be His loving
hands. I love being a missionary so much. I can't even tell you. I
cannot imagine my life without this... and I'm glad that that's the
case!
I love you so much!!! :) Have an incredible week! Stay safe, happy and healthy :)
Love,
Sister Croft
P.S.
I always forget to take pictures. But luckily... my companion is
letting me borrow her card :) Haha... and she gets lots and lots of
scary "Sister Croft type" faces... captured forever on film. I'll send
you a good couple to make up for what I forget to send you and forget to
take :) 
No comments:
Post a Comment