All Categories

Home sweet home!

6/10/2011

Hello All!

WE ARE HOME!! After 18 hours of flying and a panicked ride to the Bangkok airport, we arrived in Toronto last Sunday safely. If you would like to hear more about our frantic ride to catch our flight in Bangkok (it's quite amusing) make sure to ask one of us in person, writing about it in a blog would not do it justice!

This past week we were in Kincardine, Ontario at a cottage on Lake Huron for debrief. It was a great week filled with lots of reflection on our experiences. It was great to hear from the other teams that went to Japan and the Congo. God is working around the world, it's incredible to know that we were part of His plan in Thailand, Japan and the Congo! God's plan doesn't stop for us because we left Thailand, He has plans for us here in Canada. We were struck with how we don't have to travel around the world to ultimately serve God. We can pick up a frisbee and get to know a child, help out in a ESL classroom, attend a Burmese church in Canada, smile at a complete stranger... the options are endless!

Today we had to say our "see you laters" (aka.. good byes) to the other teams and also each other. It was a sad "see you later" but we really were just glad to have had the opportunity to serve God together. "Rejoice and be glad" kept running through my mind while we were saying our "see you laters". I am so glad for the amazing group of girls that God handpicked for this trip, but I know that our journeys will not stop here!

We just wanted to thank you so much for your support as we traveled to Thailand. It was an incredible feeling to know that we had so much support back in Canada. We don't want that support to stop here and we want to continue to support each other! God intended for us to build a community together where we can encourage and support one another. How can we support you? Let us know!! We look forward to talking to you more about our experiences! Love you!

Thanks again and make sure to keep smiling!
Bethany Goertz :)

1 Comment

Longest day of LIFE!!!!!

6/4/2011

0 Comments

Hey all Sarah here!
Just thought I would give a bit of an update before we begin the trek home to Canada. Today began with a lovely wake up call at 5:30am to get ready to leave by 7 to Bangkok for a fun filled day of bargains and bartering!! We took a couple taxis with Sandy and Louise to Chatuchak market (35 acres market) and barely got through one section in 5 hours!!! Needless to say, we all ended up with amazing deals and plenty of wonderful things for family and friends... and who are we kidding stuff for ourselves too! Now the only thing that is in our way is getting it all home!!! This will be an adventure!
Anyways, this is our last post from this side of the world, which is crazy to think. I am full of mixed emotions at the moment; excited to get back and see family, but sad to be leaving my Thai home. God has really blessed me with this amazing opportunity and an awesome team. I have made life long friends here and can't wait to see what God has in store for each one of us
So that is about all I have to say at this point! It is definitely going to be a ton of fun flying for the next 18 hours... so pray for us!

Lots of LOVE
Sarah

ps... none of us of slept since we woke up at 5:30 :)

0 Comments

Last Week (Same same, but different)

6/2/2011

2 Comments

"Come to me.... STOP!" at Bethel Church on Sunday!

Hello family and friends!

We have been very busy here in Thailand. We have been able to travel outside of Chachoengsao a bit this past week. Lots of things have happen, so I will try my best to update you.

Last Saturday we headed to Chon Buri for the day to visit Ricky and Karen Sanchez. Ricky was able to give us a great tour of the beautiful town of Chon Buri and Karen (& the kids at the orphanage) gave us a very detailed tour of the orphanage that they are building. They are currently building 4 (beautiful) buildings to become a home to orphans that have been tested HIV positive. It's an incredible building project and it was a great experience to interact with the kids! While in Chon Buri we were also able to attend Ang Sila for their worship service. Cara had an opportunity to share her testimony with the congregation and allow her life story to potentially influence some of the members' own relationship with God! What an amazing opportunity and she did wonderful!

On Sunday, we taught the children Luke 18:16.. "Let the children come to me." God wants us to come to Him like children. As we were playing "Red light, Green light" (our version: "Come to me, Stop"), the kids non-hesitantly would walk or run towards me. Keep in mind that that they don't know me that well, we don't speak the same language and I'm a Furong (foreigner). I found myself wondering to myself "How can they do this?!" I ultimately want to imitate that non-hesitant run in my own relationship with Jesus on a day-to-day basis.

After Sunday school we headed off for our midterm retreat in Rayong. It was a beautiful place, and because it was "off-season" we literally had the beach to ourselves! The retreat was filled with lots of bonding and great conversations. God is so gracious and we thank Him so much for giving us that time to spend together as a team!

This week we have been busy painting at the Bermese church (light green... my favourite) and teaching our last English lessons. Last night we had to say good bye to some kids at the park that we have been at for the past 4 weeks. The good bye was definitely bitter sweet. I don't think I'll forget the 10 kids that stood in a clump waving furiously as we drove off. The kids, the park, the massive amounts of sweat, the hello's, the good-byes, the love and the smiles will never be forgotten. Thank you God!

Anyways, this post definitely does not give our week justice. Please make sure to ask us about our experiences when we get home, since we will be home in about a week and a half!

Miss you,
Bethany

Golf, Cara, Leo, Ohm, Nothe & Bethany. We make a good team!

2 Comments

Happy Birthday to Me!

5/26/2011

1 Comment

Elllo, ello!!
So blogging is not my forte, hence why this is my second post, so just bear with me here as I take you through our last couple days. So, starting with Tuesday...Tuesday was a very, very special day, because it was my birthday!! We began our morning with a time of worship and prayer with all the church leaders in Chacheongsao. We all really appreciated this time as we were able to worship and praise God, read the word and pray in three different languages. It is amazing to see that even though many of us spoke different languages, we still felt united in God. Later on in the day we went to teach English in the park to children. This is the third week of us doing it and it finally started to feel like we were developing relationships with the children. Although my relationship with the children may seem semi abusive as they love to chase and hit me. It is really unfair as 20 of them will be after me and as I am fighting off one I am getting attacked by three others from behind. It is so exhausting, I realized that children really don't tire easily. So, after that we hung out at Dave and Louise's. Sarah, their daughter Cici and I all thought it was a good idea to jump on the trampoline during a lightening storm, it was a pretty decent time and thankfully there were no casualties. Then to end off the night we went to the Burmese church and the congregation and us ate my bday cake, which was lovely. All the Burmese people sang happy birthday to me in English which was really cute and they also all prayed for me out loud at the same time, which was super crazy and awesome and probs the highlight of my birthday.

On WEDNESDAY, we had the morning off and chilled. I ran, and nearly died from the heat and the rest of the team read..I think. Then, we taught english at the park again, where I was chased yet again. However, there were a few less children chasing me as Sarah distracted them all with coloring books. Oh, also one of the kids gave us some doughnuts at English and just as Bethany was about to take one Cara realized there was a gecko in the box, icky right? So, after the park, we ate TACO's, which was super super yummy and awesome. We devoured them quickly so we wouldn't miss the prayer meeting. The prayer meeting was great as we spent time praying for the Church, it's members and the community surrounding it.

TODAY, we woke up early and had a lovely american style breakfast with Dave and Sandy. It was really great hearing Dave speak as he has so much wisdom to share with us. So, between the great conversation and the American food it was a really great breakfast. After that we gardened for 55 hours which was great and grabbed some food at the market. And I am now currently sitting in our room waiting for our english lesson to start. So thats all for now!

Later gator's,
Kiara

1 Comment

Oh Pattaya!

5/24/2011

1 Comment

Pattaya just before the sun set

During our trip to Bangkok on Friday we asked one of our new Thai friends for advice on beaches to visit near our beloved adopted home of Chachoengsao. Pattaya was the city that was suggested to us and so we asked Sandy and Dave for their advice. They told us that the area was a tourist beach spot during the day but by night there were areas that were flooded with foreign and local males due to the nightlife and prostitution that Pattaya is known for as well; so don't miss the last bus back to Cachoengsao! With the intention of enjoying the beach and beauty by day and heading home long before the nightlife began, we boarded an overly crowded bus bright and early Monday morning and began a 2 1/2 hour trip to Pattaya.

When we finally got to Pattaya, we were beyond excited to see the ocean. However, we were very distracted by the ridiculously high number of foreign males that were at the beach. Everywhere we walked there was a Westerner; there were so many men, but no Western females to be found. Suddenly the ocean seemed less exciting to me and I struggled to express the emotions I was feeling as we passed white male after white male. Still as I write this, I don't know how to feel about Pattaya. Part of me is struck with sadness - sadness for the females who sell their bodies, sadness for the men who travel to this area to fulfill their sexual desire through the purchasing of sexual services. Another part of me feels disgust as so many of the men we passed looked like our fathers, brothers, uncles, and Grandfathers that we all know and love back at home. And yet another part of me is struck with shame, as I knew I was judging every man I passed by, making the assumption that they were there for the nightlife and letting their assumed struggle affect me emotionally.

As a team we discussed how easy it is to judge or assume and how obvious the sin and struggles of others is in Pattaya. Yet we all have sin and struggle in our lives. It doesn't matter whether we are a man or woman in Pattaya or in Canada. It doesn't matter whether we are a Christian or a Non Christian; we all stumble and fall and give in to struggles and sins we know are not healthy, we know do not bring joy to our lives or the lives of those around us and we know our struggle and sin does not bring glory to God.

As I am writing this on our blog, a particular Chapter comes to mind....

John 8: 1-12
Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”
6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.
9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”
11 “No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

The Bible was written so very long ago, yet it applies this very day. How can I judge the men I passed by, how can I condemn anyone for their sin and their struggle? I can't. You can't. No one can. We all have free will to make our own decisions on a daily basis. We are all tempted and we have all stumbled. But I am reminded, that when I look to the light of the world, when I follow Jesus and I ask for help and guidance, He will lead me.

Jesus says in John 14: 12-14
12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

Please pray for the city of Pattaya. Pray that their hearts will yearn for something more and that they will come to know and look to the strength of our God. Please pray for me and for my team as well. That we will not rely on our own strength to conquer our own personal battles, but that we will look to Jesus. And please pray for yourself, so that throughout your own journey, you too will know the strength and the power that can only come from the Holy Spirit.
Cara xo

1 Comment

To Bangkok!

5/20/2011

1 Comment

Temple at the Grand Palace in Bangkok!

This week has been amazing. We are now officially recovered from jet lag and are getting used to the Thai culture... and obviously becoming fluent in speaking Thai and Burmese.

Yesterday we had the opportunity to go to Bangkok for part of the day. We actually found ourselves missing Chachoengsao throughout our day whenever someone asked us where we were from. Upon hearing "Chachoengsao" people would just ask "What? Why?" and we would instantly begin defending our beloved town of Chachoengsao... the greatest city in all of Thailand (Biased much?). In Bangkok we took the Sky Train, Taxi's and the Water Taxi. It was incredible to see what a big city looks like in Thailand. We headed to the Grand Palace and were in awe of the marvelous temples and buildings that were built for the King. We met a Thai friend named "Palm Tree" (at least that's what we called him) and he toured us around the site. He spoke English well and I think he was excited to test out his English skills on 4 eager Canadians. After that we had to quickly take the transits back to the airport. But, if you are unfamiliar with Thai culture "quickly" just doesn't exist. Our way home ended up taking twice as long as we anticipated. Thankfully Dave was able to cover the first half of our English lesson until we arrived back at the Hope Center.

Today we are having a "Sandy" day! She has been our incredible host (and Mom) to us for the past 2 weeks, so we are excited to see what she has planned for the day!

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. If you could pray for Palm Tree and Nathan (two Thai's that we met in Bangkok) that they would continue to consider a life for the Lord. Out of the million people that live in Bangkok (less than 1% being Christian) we met 2 people, both with Christian roots. Sandy told us that those encounters are called divine appointments that would help them affirm their relationship with God. How exciting is that! It makes me smile just thinking about it. Thanks again for praying!

Love you all,
Bethany

1 Comment

Mingalabah

5/17/2011

2 Comments

Mingalabah (Hello in Burmese),

How is everyone doing back at home? I hope you are enjoying the nice weather (hopefully it's nice weather) and not sweating profusely like we are!

The past couple of days have been very busy and great! On Monday night and Tuesday night there was an evangelism outreach in two local markets. Like Sarah said, it is some sort of Buddhist holiday so the markets were packed with people (great evangelism opportunity). On Monday we were actually able to hand out tracks (pamphlets) to the market venders, customers and also people around the market. I am terribly awkward when it comes to evangelism, so I knew I would have to rely on God for the courage and strength to reach out to the Thai people. It was an incredible time for me to experience God visibly working through me, pointing out certain people that He wanted me to hand a track to. It was very humbling to only rely on "Patdowlacoon" (God loves you in Thai) and our smiles to represent God's love. Please pray for the people that have read those tracks that they would feel God's love and want to pursue a relationship with Him!

Last night we were lucky enough to join the Burmese people in their weekly Tuesday night worship. I would often find myself standing there with my jaw wide open in awe because of the incredible deep passion that they had for God while they worshiped. The Burmese have illegally immigrated into Thailand because of the devastating massacre that were happening in Burma (Mynamar). These people are the lowest of the low, they have absolutely nothing and are looked down at by the Thai population. They may look like they have nothing, but they have everything through Christ! It was definitely an eye-opener for me and I look forward to learning much more from them in the next 3 weeks (and then of course sharing it with you).

Thanks for all the support everyone! We are continually being challenged and would much appreciate your prayer support.

Lots and lots of love,
Bethany

Worship at the Bermese Church on Tuesday night!

2 Comments

pray pray pray

5/17/2011

1 Comment

Hi all! Just thought I would throw up a quick update before going to bed! All is well and the past couple days have been a whirlwind of activity! The 2 outreachs have gone well. It was really neat for me to see people being healed from their pain and sickness as well as coming to Christ! We went on a tour of the temple today, which was eye opening! Its a Buddhist holiday right now, so it was quite crowded! It was extremely sobering to see the complete hopelessness that Buddhism offers. Pray pray pray for the Thai people that they would find their hope in Jesus! Could you also please pray for us individually I know I am fighting exhaustion and just being emotionally tired! I don't doubt the other girls are dealing with stuff too :) Thank you all for the tremendous support and love that each one of you have given! I love reading the encouraging comments and getting incredible feedback! Until next time....

Lots of Love,
Sarah

The Buddhist temple in Chachoernsao

1 Comment

Finally.... :)

5/15/2011

1 Comment

SOOO finally I have found time to sit down and blog about the past couple days! I want to first thank our WONDERFUL host, Sandy, who has been a mother to us! She has been so understanding to our adjusting, which has not been easy!
The food has been interesting! The fruit amazing!!!! It was tons of fun going to the market on Friday and picking up our own fruit and catching a Took-Took (taxi/motorcycle... picture to follow) home. That morning we had an awesome team time in city park, which is beautiful! We are going to try and go there in the morning as much as possible and do our devos!
We added another ESL class on Thursday and Friday. This one is at the Hope Center, and we are hoping to get more adults/teens. Thursdays class, we had 10 people! It was amazing! One of the guys, who works at the neighboring garage, was amazing! None of us expected it. It was encouraging to see everyone come back on Friday for class!
Thursday, we also went to the grocery store to grab some breakfast food. It is a mini mall! Its amazing, believe it or not we found a DQ and a KFC!!! Yah American food!! lol We also managed to find a pizza place, which we ate at 2 nights in a row! (so much for Thai food) lol But really the food has been great! A lot of rice and chicken though. My fav so far is the Pad Thai, the stuff we have at home just doesn't compare. It is SO good here! We had Burmese food on Sunday, which was also really good! The Burmese people had made us a meal after our English class.
The English classes have gone really well! It has been a real blessing to see the Thai people come back and gradually learning more and more. The relationships that we have been building give us such an opportunity to share the gospel. Sunday, we got an amazing idea from Louise to teach them English by teaching them a song. So we have used a worship song and we have written out the lyrics and we will be teaching all three of our classes the song! So not only will we be teaching English, but also about Jesus!!!!!!! WOOOO :) I have been really enjoying watching Cara, Bethany and Kiara teach. Each of them have such a gift of teaching and they are totally in their element in the classroom! I love it!!!
Saturday, Gun's son, Ton came to stay with us til Monday before his school starts on Wednesday. He was an amazing help in our Burmese English class on Sunday! We will definitely miss him when he leaves.
Today we are heading to the temple in town and we are meeting Dave and Louise at an outreach in the market tonight. If you could keep us in your prayers that would be FANTADII!!! :)

Lots of love from the other side of the world,
Sarah

ps. We are planning on updating daily with shorter posts :) Sorry again for taking SOOO long!!!

1 Comment

Quick Update

5/14/2011

2 Comments

Hello family and friends!

Sorry for the lack of updates, but the BARA team is doing great. We have been teaching lots of English lessons, visiting the local markets and even brought some Thai friends for Pizza last night (They loved it).

Today we are teaching Sunday School at the Bethel Thai church this morning and then we are off to teach some English lessons at the Burmese church. Sarah will be giving a more in depth update tonight.

Thanks for all your support!!

Bethany

2 Comments

<<Previous