By Suzie, CBF field personnel
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us“- Ephesians 3:20
Thirty-four years ago, as a young Baylor graduate in my 2nd year teaching at Yonok College in Lampang, I moved into a new role as “Dorm Mom.” Eager to continue learning the Thai language and culture, falling in love with Kirk (he didn’t know that yet), and excited about my own little apartment shared with a close Thai teacher, I jumped at the chance!
I soon found out that I would rarely be alone because the students traded off staying with me in my little room. They could not imagine that I would sleep alone. They thought that surely, like them, I’d be afraid of ghosts at night. So they would take turns keeping me company. This was on top of a full teaching load and coordinating student ministries, but as an extrovert I loved it! God orchestrated so many deep conversations and I realized that listening and asking key questions might be one way God could use me, though my Thai was still so limited.
Two of these precious students were Kanika and Kaew. Both from Buddhist families, they had never heard much about Jesus and they had lots of questions. They came to cell group and Bible studies and Kanika decided to follow Christ. She was one of the most energetic and bold students of the group, and it was such a JOY to walk alongside as she grew and embraced Jesus more. She graduated, married Methit, a Yonok student who grew up in a Christian family. They moved to Southern Thailand, and she began working with Thai Air.
Kaew continued in activities, helped plan our Thai wedding along with other students, but when we left to attend seminary in Texas, we lost touch (pre-internet days). As far as we knew, she never made a decision and we lost contact until a few weeks ago. Upon arriving at the Krabi airport for a meeting with Mahidol university colleagues, Kanika, who still works with Thai air, met us at the gate and immediately called Kaew! She told me that they had met “randomly” at the airport a few weeks earlier and that Kaew is a believer! They live in the same town.
Unfortunately, Kaew was in Bangkok this week, so we didn’t get to share lunch together, but we got to talk again after 30 years. We both started crying, amazed at God’s timing, His sovereignty and that we have a glimpse into how He has been working in Kaew’s life. We look forward to meeting in person soon and learning more! We were so excited to learn that Methit is starting his own taxi service, and their daughter Canaan shared about life in high school and dreams for the future.
In this type of ministry in Thailand we can easily feel discouraged at the seeming lack of “results” or disinterest in the Gospel, but yesterday was a glorious reminder that God is indeed moving in ways we can never imagine, according to His power that is at work within us!