Thailand

Posted on July 21, 2009 by Buddy Champion

Thailand…what an incredible trip.  There are many things that could be highlighted but here are few that really stand out:

1.  What a great team of missionaries we have.  As a Southern Baptist Church we join with other churches and support over 5,000 foreign missionaries around the world through the International Mission Board (IMB).  The team serving in East Asia is awesome!

2.  There is a movement of young missionaries going on the field.  It was encouraging to see how many of our missionaries are in the late twenties and early thirties.  The future looks bright!

3.  The sweet Asian people can teach us many lessons about hospitality.  Their cordial and polite spirit left an impression on me.  Even though they have a false hope they still have a kind approach to life.

4.  There is still work to be done!  The fields are white unto harvest but we need more laborers to go.

5.  There was some stress among our missionaries because of some restructuring that is taking place within the IMB.  However, it is encouraging to see the IMB looking for new ways to be more efficient and effective.

6.  It is exciting to know that I have taken my last long trip by traveling “coach!”  When your legs are longer than the space given for them you get really uncomfortable after about 6 hours with 7 hours to go!  I will not do that again!  Remember:   A 747 is a big plane but does not have much leg room!

7.  There is an entrepreneurial spirit among our missionaries.  They do all kinds of things that allow them to live and travel in closed countries.

8.  I am extremely grateful that there was “American” food in Thailand!

9.  Because of this opportunity; our lives will never be the same.

10.  It is pretty amazing that everyone made it back safe and sound…with the exception of major colds!