Sunday, July 5, 2009

4th of July


Our veterans are amazing! Here in Thailand a VFW group organized a 4th of July celebration for all the Americans here in Chiang Mai. It was located at the Chiang Mai Stadium and filled with ballpark franks, watermelon, apple pie, and of course fireworks. I heard about this event through the principal, so I decided to go and hopefully meet people and hang out with some of the school staff. I sat there for about 2 hours all by myself, observing the various dynamics of kids competing in a potato sack race to watching the live band perform patriotic songs. 
Rewind to the night before. It was my first night in my new home and of course when I walk in the door, there is the biggest spider I have ever seen as well as two lizards! I freaked out and was up all night crying because I didn't know what to do. I sat there talking to God and asking Him if I was brave enough to be here in a house by myself and all alone in a foreign country. 
Well, the next day He did prove yet again that He hears the cries of His children, no matter how illogical they may sound! I was sitting at a table watching the festivities when three college aged people came and sat at the table in front of me. They began talking to me and asking me where I was from and what I was doing here in Thailand. Come to find out, they are here working as teachers up North and they are Christians from Azusa Pacific! It was so great and we all clicked instantly! We hung out after the event as well as today and they are actually all staying at my house, so that they will not have to spend money at a guest house or hotel! God is so amazing and it was such a blessing to make friends! 
They will be leaving on Tuesday to go to Chiang Rai, but we will definitely be staying in touch! I am also going to visit Lanna Cafe this week and see the missionaries from ITDP (Inter-Tribal Development Program) whom I went with during December's trip to the village. What an exciting few days! 
"When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
   and delivers them out of all their troubles." Psalm 34:17


* Today my friends and I visited Wat Phra Thart Doi Suthep, which is a Buddhist temple. It is one of the major attractions here in Chiang Mai. The architecture is beautiful, I just wished that it was used to glorify the Lord Jesus rather than deceive souls into thinking that gold statues will bring them good luck and prosperity and ultimately salvation. My heart was very heavy for those who burned candles and bowed in rhythmic fashion to a prayer that could only be heard by those standing next to them. Those statues could not hear that desperate plea! I could hear those prayers and I could feel the heaviness of sadness that I know the Lord sees all around the world every day. The ritual prayers of deceived souls that instead of saving themselves are condemning themselves to an everlasting destruction. My eyes began to swell with tears as young children walked around, head lower than the Buddhas, in ritual prayers. 
This is the society that I am living in. This is the society you are living in. Lost souls who are being deceived by false doctrines. Be a light that reflects the awesome glory of Jesus Christ. The One True God who is living and active, who does not grow weak or weary, who is eternal! 

6 comments:

  1. Heavenly Father, I am so blessed by my sister, Cynthia!

    Another great post, Cynthia! I have been checking in every day hoping to hear what is going on. Thanks for keeping us updated and we will keep up the prayers. I love seeing the Lord working in your life.

    xoxo, Veronica

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  2. I am so proud of you, and happy to hear how the Lord is answering your prayers.
    You are so strong in the Lord, and are a great motivation. Praying that God will bless all your endeavors, which he is proving to do.
    God Bless you Cynthia.
    Dan White

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  3. What a GREAT journey you are on, Cynthia. Looks like this one will have lots or 'bends in the road' where you come upon different scenery or terrain and can't really see around the next corner.

    You'll get a little anxious, maybe. But you'll also get to exercise your 'Trust Muscles' during that time. You'll Learn to Lean becuse can't see too far down the road and you won't know what the next bend in the road will reveal.

    Upside is that, by the time you come home, you'll have the strongest Trust Muscles around! You'll be a Trust Stud!!!!

    Trusting in God is just one of the things we can do to invite His love...

    dv

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  4. Cynthia, what a great journey you are on. Seems like it's going to be one of those where you'll often come upon a 'Bend in the Road'. You'll come upon some new scenery or terrain and won't be able to see too far down the road because it makes a bend just ahead.

    You might be a little anxious and you'll have to exercise your Trust Muscle. Learning to Lean on Him during these times might be a little stretch beyond what it was when you were back in the good old U S of A.

    Upside is that, by the time you get home, you'll have the strongest of Trust Muscles.

    Trusting in God is just one of the things we can do to invite His love....

    dv

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  5. Oh sweet girl....as my heart broke for you i prayed for the Lord to comfort you...He did more as usual!! Praise the Lord for the new friends and another sign of His hands on you. I love you and thank God for your bravery and willingness to step out-of-the-box to serve Him!!! xxooxxoo Auntie Darla

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  6. Cynthia,

    We prayed for you on Sunday morning that you would not be too lonely and that you would find some friends quickly.

    Hang in there. Soon it will be home for you.

    I do think you will have to get tough when it comes to lizards and bugs!

    In Christ's love,
    Pastor Steve

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