Jim grew up on a farm in Illinois; Judy was the child of missionaries in Argentina. We met at Wheaton College and were both challenged away from middle-class comfort and safety. We got together as a couple while reaching out to the chronically mentally ill and others in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Here we discuss our introduction as young adults past the usual hurdles of fear and discomfort, into the joy of caring for folks at the so-called bottom.
Blog
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Addy: Next Steps in Ministry
Since he was an undergraduate student, Addy has pursued a vision to be a change agent in Thailand. We have watched him grow, including earning a master’s degree in educational management, a teaching certificate, and most recently, an M.A. in Ministry Leadership from Wheaton College.
Here is a current update on where he sees God leading.
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The Choice
Self-denial and sacrifice for the sake of Jesus and his Kingdom have fallen greatly out of fashion in the affluent West. And while I might consider myself having sacrificed–e.g. moving away from family, living by choice on below average income, in global and historical terms, I am extremely safe and comfortable, even prosperous, with a home and car of my own. And even a second home in Bangkok now that we live in two places.
Given the words of Jesus, and writings like Hebrews 11 or Romans 8:17 (“…if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”), it is clear that we 21st century anti-discomfort, anti-risk Christians would do well to at least bring up the subject. And indeed that is a key purpose of our mission.
This poem has been attributed to George MacDonald since at least 1909, but I have been unable to find an actual publish date or original source. It’s been given different titles, mostly “Obedience” and “What Christ Said”, so I made up my own. I am not a MacDonald scholar, but I am not aware of other writings by him on this sort of theme. So I do wonder if it was perhaps misattributed and caught on. MacDonald died in 1905. In any case, I’ve always felt it states very well the example of Jesus, and the call given to those willing to make tough choices for the promise of greater reward.
I said: “Let me walk in the fields.”
He said: “No, walk in the town.”
I said: “There are no flowers there.”
He said: “No flowers, but a crown.”I said: “But the skies are black;
There is nothing but noise and din.”
And He wept as He sent me back –
“There is more,” He said; “there is sin.”I said: “But the air is thick,
And fogs are veiling the sun.”
He answered: “Yet souls are sick,
And souls in the dark undone!”I said: “I shall miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say.”
He answered: “Choose tonight
If I am to miss you or they.”I pleaded for time to be given.
He said: “Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem so hard in heaven
To have followed the steps of your Guide.”I cast one look at the fields,
Then set my face to the town;
He said, “My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?”Then into His hand went mine;
And into my heart came He;
And I walk in a light divine,
The path I had feared to see.
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Loving People at the Bottom
When Americans ask me questions about our missionary work, they’re usually the straightforward, simple kind. “How long does it take to get to Thailand? What’s the weather like?”
Those questions are fine, but I wish people would go on to ask, “Who are some of the people there that are most precious to you?” Because then I would have a chance to share about dear co-laborers like Bpop and Dao.
Bpop and Dao live for the broken. They have a ministry to those at the bottom, the ones Jesus says his sheep normally care for. We raise their financial support to do this, but this is not a mercenary job, something they do for the pay. This is a call and direction they have sought out and live by with all their hearts.
Not long ago I recorded an interview with Dao and Bpop, asking them to explain their hearts so that other Thai folks might also respond. I was so blessed that I decided to subtitle the video and transcribe to bless others. Perhaps you will be blessed and respond, too.
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Practicing “The Most Excellent Way”
I am getting to know a young woman in Bangkok who I am tutoring for English. Some of her choices are risky and she doesn’t know Jesus. She is young, just 16 years old. I notice that part of me might want to jump in with my ideas of what is best, of how she should live her life. But I’ve been thinking more about love, wanting to love her well.
Paul wrote about many messy things to the Corinthians: church unity, sexual immorality, leadership, and money. Then he stopped and wrote the “love chapter” smack dab in the middle of all the directions. After Paul spent time defining love, talking about it, comparing it to other good stuff, and then wondering at the mystery of everything, he left us with 1 Corinthians 14:1: “Pursue love.” This whole section gives me a sense that love requires growth and work. We have to run after it. Love is a supernatural power that requires skill-building, practice, and discipline.
To love others in God’s way requires practice. We must want to love and then be willing to work for it, to learn how. I recommend service as your training field. When we intentionally live life as servants, we have many opportunities to practice love. We think about how to love and serve, which is helpful. Automatic, unconscious behavior is generally a deterrent to loving behavior because our natural self is mostly focused on our own needs: safety, significance, and security. But when we are intentionally serving, we are more apt to consider the needs of others. Intentionality—that understanding that we are pursuing something—helps the process move along. When we choose to serve, we develop patience, thoughtfulness, and empathy. It’s great practice.
Loving others in God’s way requires prayer. Love does not end. So if we love someone, we cannot stop. Maybe that is why we are called to pray for our enemies. This kind of love extends past the normal, human kinds of love. This is the God part of love, those impossible requirements of love. It is supernatural. Prayer is where we find this God-level love for others, even the “how to” parts of it.
Paul also talks about what love is not. Love doesn’t compare, envy, or boast. It doesn’t claim to be right; it is not arrogant, rude, or impolite. It doesn’t have to have its way. It is not irritable or resentful. These ways of relating are human, but service and prayer are two things that can help us move into the supernatural power of God’s love.
This is a lot. It’s a challenge for me. I think of this 16-year-old and her choices, and how parts of me want to be right and have their way. But I will be still, move my fears aside, and prayerfully consider. I will bring God into these questions of how to love her well.
The more time I spend with others and the more time our team spends in service, the more opportunities we have to mess up. Yet each time is a learning chance. Prayerful service gives us all tremendous opportunities to grow in love. The farther and deeper and wider we are stretched in serving others, the more God reaches in and builds us better. His love for us is careful; He watches over us and gently leads us. His plans for us are clear. His love is perfect.
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Congratulations, Addy!
Anusorn Kotchakreng graduated with a Master’s in Christian Leadership from Wheaton College. Addy earned the H. Wilbert Norton Award for the “student who has consistently demonstrated good scholarship in missions, and who has demonstrated through life and ministry a commitment to world evangelism.” Addy continues his work with The Well and the Glass of Water church plant.
Addy is grateful for the support, prayer, and encouragement of the entire Servantworks team. Thank you for supporting future leaders in Thailand!
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Broken Windows
In the early morning of February 10, a man I will call “Bank” broke the front glass door of our main building at The Well, which hosts the Glass of Water church, because he thought we had taken his daughter and wife. We had no idea about where his family might be, but before he destroyed the door, he came to our house around 1 a.m. and yelled a lot of bad words at us about The Well and the church. He was very drunk and shouting enough for the neighbors to hear. Though he mentioned my name, I decided not to go down and talk to him because I knew it would do no good when he was like that. After he broke the glass on the church door, our neighbors who lived on the street called the police, and he was arrested.
Around 6 a.m. that day, I went to the police station to provide a statement about the incident. I told the policemen I wanted to talk to Bank for two reasons. First, I wanted him to know that we did not have any clue where his wife and daughter were. And second, I wanted to give him the option of going to a rehab center. The police told me to come back at 2 p.m. because they needed to wait until Bank was sober.
We know this family because Bank’s wife sold grilled pork on the street near the church a few months ago. Their daughter ran around on the street, and we saw it was unsafe. We let her know her daughter could come inside the church to play safely while her mom worked. We also told her we would care for the girl and give her meals. My wife, Ann, helped the girl take a shower because she hadn’t washed for a few days and wore the same clothes. We also talked to her mother about helping with her education because she had often skipped classes. But before the New Year, the mother took the daughter with her and ran away from this man because he was drunk every day and also used drugs.
I went to the police station that afternoon and met with Bank. I told him we did not hide his daughter and wife, which he said he understood now and apologized. I told him I could see a good part in him and believed he could be a better man and have his family back if he could leave his old life. I told him God loves him and would like to give him a second chance. At that moment, he just cried. I told him that I would look for a rehab center for him to recover his life. He needed to leave his place and this area. He said he would return to be with his dad in the country when he had money. I asked for his phone number and told him when I found the rehab center, I would call him. If he wants to go, I will take him there. If he doesn’t want to go, that is up to him. I prayed for him in front of everyone at the police station.
When I talked to Bank, I didn’t see any aggressive action. He is a small person, broken and lost. The alcohol and drugs change him into another person. Most importantly, I am thankful I could show Bank God’s love and grace, which I am sure no one had ever shown him. People in the neighborhood spoke negatively of him and even cursed him for his background. I do not know whether he will accept the offer to go to the rehab center, and I do not know that he will leave his old life. But I know that on that day, we showed this man God’s grace and love—and offered hope for the future. We let him know that God’s kingdom belongs to him because Jesus also came for him.
This incident reminded me of the “I give you back to God” scene in Les Misérables when the priest forgave Jean Valjean after he stole the silver. Jim and I talked about this scene long ago; I love it so much. I am thankful that God has used us, Nam Nueng Gaew (Glass of Water Church), to be His tool of love for the community.
Update, March 7:
We received the sad and shocking news that Bank died February 29 while he was working at a construction site. I can’t imagine how I would feel now if I had told him to leave us alone and not to come to the church area or if I had not gone to the police station. I would have been very regretful that I had not done anything to show God’s grace, love, and compassion to him. Indeed, people would not be angry with us because he had done wrong and deserved consequences. Even some of my Christian friends thought that way. However, as Christians, we are called to do and act differently, aren’t we? That is why we are trying to imitate Jesus, who has shown us to do the Father’s mission creatively with love and compassion.
One thing God is showing me in this situation is expressed in Psalm 90:12, the prayer of Moses, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” I believe God is stimulating Nam Nueng Gaew church to enter the season of evangelism. The death of Bank reminded me that death is near us. We need God’s wisdom to help us live according to His mission and purpose.
After hearing the news, I began praying for the opportunity to see his wife and daughter to make sure they were well, and their needs were met. I asked a few friends to pray with me, and God answered our prayers quickly. We have been in touch and are taking steps to help ensure the daughter is safe and able to attend school. Her mother has expressed that she would like to attend the church.
Nam Nueng Gaew has been in this community for almost one year, and our strategy is to get to know the community and make ourselves known to them. God has reminded me that He has an excellent plan for this church and is in control. We have a high hope that they will not only see us in their community but also see Jesus, the One who leads us to do such a thing.
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Mentoring Youth
I like being 66 years old. Not only does my body work well (for now), but I enjoy the diminished interest in self-importance and heightened care for others this age has given me. This combination has given me a deep love for people earlier on the journey, including a desire to provide acceptance and careful counsel to those tripped up by potholes or stuck in the mire of a path wrongly taken. And there are some excellent senior discounts.
A granddaughter (another senior blessing) just turned 6, perhaps the ideal childhood age of wonder and innocence, as A. A. Milne showed us. Oh, that we could keep that forever and ever! Very sadly, within a few short years, our fascination with discovery is flooded by the insecurity of the teens, the uncertainty of the twenties, and beyond. We learn that we’re not so “clever as clever” through both our failures and others’ thoughtless words.
Of course, we must learn to navigate the realities of a cold, cruel world. When we do so with others who see us, understand us, and know when and how to either give a hand or tell us to stop complaining, the wonder of childhood can transition into a mature life of worship. Such connection is everything. Whether in finding personal significance, healing from childhood hurts, choosing a spouse or career, or the many challenges that come from our roles in family, work, and elsewhere, no one can go it alone. But often, we are alone, even when surrounded by well-meaning friends and family. We may not know how to share our difficulty, don’t want to bother anyone, or the idea of asking for support doesn’t even occur. Meanwhile, those around us are in the same boat.
This reality troubles me greatly—especially since it happens so often in the body of Christ, where significant connection is the expected norm. I hope I’m not being too strong to put it this way, but many Christians are far better at talking than actually connecting. How many churchgoers know how to “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24) in ways that benefit rather than hurt with unwanted advice?
This apparent deficiency of skill points to a dichotomy: Judy and I know many wonderfully kind, humble, and mature believers. At the same time, we see today’s youth and young adults challenged in ways that no one knows how to address. Might there be a way to put the two together? Can baby boomers find better ways to share our journey towards love for God with Millennials and Z’ers?
Decades of working with hurting, vulnerable people in both the U.S. and Thailand have taught me a few things. I would never say I’m an expert, but it is my top priority to continue learning, and I yearn for others to join me in it. And while I’ve become very comfortable initiating mentoring relationships in Thailand, factors in American culture make it more difficult.
Several months ago, I reconnected with an old friend, Bill Warner, who now teaches the Bible at a nearby Christian high school. Addy was in town from Thailand and was looking for models/examples of education, so we arranged a visit. Not to my surprise, we found Bill eager to share his love for students and his desire to find any possible avenue to help someone grow. I thought it would be fun to record a conversation to introduce the idea of intentional mentoring to our friends and supporters.
If you have time to listen and send feedback, we would be most grateful.
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The Second Book the World Needs
Last October, I took Addy to meet my friend and visionary, Jimi Allen. As we spoke, Jimi pointed to a thick paperback titled The Book that Made Your World, by Vishal Mangalwadi. (Amazon | Indiebound). “Everyone needs to read this.” Jimi often recommends books, but never so emphatically. I bought the Kindle version and, within a few chapters, decided he was right.
Vishal Mangalwadi grew up Hindu in Allahabad, India. He met Jesus as a teen, but when philosophy studies at university prompted him to question the concept of truth, Vishal decided to go on a quest. That search led him to conclude that no single source has done more for the world than the Bible.
“I found some parts of the Bible to be exciting, others boring, some even repulsive. But I discovered far more than I anticipated.”
Vishal’s journey began at a Hindu bookstore, but was told that the content of the Vedas was not considered necessary, only their sounds. He inquired at the Islamic store but discovered he would need to learn Arabic. So he started into the Bible, beginning from page one. At first, he was impressed but soon got bogged down in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
But then: “As I was contemplating closing this boring book once and for all, something intrigued me. Our folk history told us of great and glorious rulers. This Jewish book, in contrast, told me about the wickedness of Jewish rulers. Why?”
This observation piqued my interest. Now more than ever, it would seem, the Bible is being attacked by critics poking holes in the claim of divine inspiration. To these, the Bible is ultimately nothing special. But while they scoff at the Bible’s raw messiness, I see it as a powerful piece of evidence to its divine revelation. Like other ancient writings, the Bible tells fantastic stories and chronicles ancestor heroes, but is astonishingly unique in its self-critical telling of Jewish history.
Besides this, the Bible has a surprising and extraordinary mission, which Vishal decided to take personally:
“It didn’t take long to realize that God’s desire to bless human beings begins in the very first chapter of Genesis and culminates in the last chapter of the last book with a grand vision of healing for all nations. […] The implication was obvious: The Bible was claiming that I should read it because it was written to bless my nation and me.”
Had the Bible blessed India? Vishal delved into two millennia of Western history and then of modern India. He found evidence that many positive features of modern Western culture have roots in the Bible: equality and human rights, health care, education, science, morality, the elevation of women, and justice. “The Bible is the only force known to history that has freed entire nations from corruption while simultaneously giving them political freedom.”
Vishal found Bible-based blessings right in his hometown. He concluded that its university, democratic government, court and legal system, newspaper, botanical garden, public library, railway lines, and medical system all “came to my city because some people took the Bible seriously.”
“The Bible is the only force known to history that has freed entire nations from corruption while simultaneously giving them political freedom.”
In his scholarship, Vishal is careful to separate the Bible from Christianity. He highlights the transformative work of specific Christians throughout history but emphasizes how the Bible influenced their worldviews. In fact, “The testimony of history is that Christendom was as corrupt as any other part of the world until it recovered this biblical gospel during the Reformation.” And how did this recovery happen? By getting the Bible into the languages and hands of everyday people.
Vishal Mangalwadi For me, Vishal’s thesis confirms and adds inspiration to a vital longing I’ve had for some time, to make the Bible more readable for Thai laypeople, especially the working class. Our vision for Thailand has always included social transformation, believing that as Thai people turn to Jesus, they will change their nation. But I never made such a clear connection between transformation and actual Bible reading.
Two related values unique to the Bible have become more evident over my years here: its moral standard and what might be called its “active compassion,” that is, caring for others outside our familiar circles. Jesus teaches this clearly, but the imperative is also very clear in the Old Testament. The lack of both values in this culture that lacks a Bible heritage is striking.
In other words, Thai people need the Bible.
They do have it – with several translations freely available via apps such as YouVersion. But unfortunately, most working-class Thai people lack the skills and knowledge to understand the Bible independently. To begin with, lower-educated Thais seldom read, and many have never read a single chapter book. On top of that, but Bible is filled with language, history and concepts that are completely foreign to the millions of folks who have only completed the sixth to ninth grades. There are dozens of Thai Bible teaching videos on YouTube, but these tend to be simple “talking head” recordings geared to a churched audience. The Thai people we serve, especially the lower working class, need explanations that better fit their culture.
The Geneva Bible It’s therefore a major burden of mine to somehow encourage the development of more tools to help average Thai people understand the Bible. Vishal mentions the impact of the Geneva Bible, particularly due to its inclusion of extensive notes. We need something similar in Thai–not just a translated English study Bible, but something specific for Thai readers. A phone app would be ideal, but would be a huge project. But necessary. Please pray for God to make it happen.
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Rethinking Church
Not long ago, a car pulled up in front of Sorn and Gik’s house. A young man knocked on their door and asked if he could learn about the Bible. Mee had been interested in Christianity and found Sorn and Gik’s address via a Google search for “church near my home.” He began following Jesus that very day.
Sorn and Gik have been growing a new church in their community in far eastern Bangkok. Most recent believers are young–from age 12 into the twenties. Until a few months ago they conducted traditional Sunday services in a rented room. When they lost the use of that space, we began talking about a different approach.
The approach Sorn is now trying – and liking – centers on the individual. He creates a “whole life” growth plan with each mentee (like an Individual Education Plan, or IEP). From there, he can design group teaching plans and Bible studies that fit common needs.
Rethinking “Sunday Morning or Bust” Gathering
Research and experience show that young people are most open and responsive to the Gospel. With 99% of Thai children growing up in Buddhist or Muslim homes, young adults like Mee seem most likely to question and search.
But the young adults of Thailand are busy. Those who pursue university are part of an academic system that highly emphasizes extracurricular learning and activities. Those who enter the work force without high education typically have retail jobs with required evenings and weekends, six days a week, often with an inconsistent shift schedule. Getting a group of young people together is difficult; gathering consistently is nearly impossible.
With the “IEP” model, Sorn can meet one-on-one, in small groups, or online to have meaningful connections that fit into the schedules of the young adults.
Rethinking “One Size Fits All” Teaching
The individual approach flips the traditional, historically Western church model entirely on its head. The group-centric model of doing church works when people live in homogeneous, local communities, especially when the bulk have Sundays off. You could preach one sermon to the whole group and it would make sense. In a 7-day-economy melting pot, it doesn’t. So most churches pick one flavor, or one demographic, and don’t worry about the misfits.
In a heavily Christian area with multiple church options, maybe that’s not a big deal – people can find a church that fits their needs. But in Christian-starved Thailand, options are far too few. You can’t leave someone out and assume they will find another group. They will likely be left out of fellowship and discipleship altogether.
Rethinking “Discipleship Optional”
There is more value to this person-centered approach than including people: the quality can be better, too. Instead of general sermons and Bible lessons, Sorn’s young disciples are getting tailored instruction. With the whole life approach, they get guidance in not only reading and learning about the Bible, but actually living it. “So much fun,” they often report.
These “IEP’s” are holistic, applying Bible to life situations. For example, one way to address the work/life balance is small business, where young adults can have more autonomy and choice setting their schedule and priorities. Pea, 23, has become Sorn’s “Timothy,” both mentee and ministry partner. With Sorn’s support and coaching, Pea sells barbecued meat at a nearby market and has ample free time to learn from Sorn at his home and accompany him on ministry visits. Selling food also provides Pea with a natural opportunity to learn to reach others.
Church is a Community, not a Location
Without another location, Sorn and Gik’s small home has become the hub, and it now has a reputation in their neighborhood as “The Christian House.” Sorn and Gik pray for the time when God provides a new gathering place, especially given that their small living/dining room can squeeze in maybe 15 people. In the meantime, they’ve made some interesting community connections to find good ways to gather.
However, they see this time as an opportunity to foster church as a growing network of true disciples of Jesus. We celebrate these relationships and moments of growth, while also aware that the risk of focusing on a small number is that things can go south in a hurry. However, our hope is this depth of discipleship will produce width via multiplication. These young followers are talking to and even bringing friends. Pea has been so transformed from his delinquent life that his mom is asking questions.