The Long-Game

Working at Grace International School (GIS) was not always what we had in mind when we were beginning to put plans together for ministry in Thailand. As we sought counsel and formed plans, though, it became really clear that this was the direction that God was leading us, at least for our first few years in Thailand. We also saw it as a great place to land—specifically to help our kids settle, build friendships, and get acclimated to life in a totally different culture, while simultaneously giving Nick a space to use some specialized gifts the Lord has given him to help the staff, students, and community around the school. GIS exists so that international Christian workers are enabled to remain abroad while the educational and spiritual needs of their children are being met. What a treasure this school is! There are many missional families whose kids attend GIS, which allows these parents to continue to effectively minister in over forty countries in and around SE Asia.

Additionally, while there is the necessity to place Thai believers in leadership positions in order to maintain the core values of the school, GIS also consciously employs Thais who are not already followers of Christ, with the hope and prayer that they will be introduced to Jesus through the ministry of the staff, and ultimately make a decision for Christ. In the 20+ years that GIS has existed, that is exactly what has happened. In fact, one of the Thai families that has been key in our church are a perfect representation of this. But this is a slow process—often taking years for individuals to hear more and learn more about Jesus before choosing to follow Him.

This month I had the chance to meet with our Thai School Manager, Khun Soong, to hear about ten different Thai staff who have come to Christ just this year. My heart was so full as she recounted the stories of each one, and over and over again expressed that they all stated that it was the evidence of Christ in the lives of their Christian coworkers that led them to make a decision for Christ. Some of these staff have worked at the school for many years, and over time they saw the consistency, kindness, and genuine love of their Christian coworkers. Most of these individuals are “blue collar” workers (grounds-keepers, security, janitors, etc), and some shared that they were amazed that the leadership within the school would greet them each day. While this may be startling for many Americans, Thailand still very much operates with social hierarchies in place. Social norms would cause few in leadership or high-ranking positions to ever acknowledge the blue collar workers, let alone invest into them purposefully and directly.

For most of these individuals, making a decision for Christ has quite literally meant giving up their families, friendships, and strong cultural expectations. Buddhism is deeply ingrained into the family culture in most homes, and by choosing to follow Christ, and give that up, it often means they are rejected by family and friends. Join us in praying for these new brothers and sisters in Christ.

Additional Highlights