Ten days have passed by since our arrival in Thailand. Amidst the heat, humidity and bugs, I have been experiencing anew daily God's amazing grace. Heat still suffocates me; humidity still drains me; rashes break out on me, and bugs still scare me. But they don't bother me as much. I was fully functional and filled with joy from deep within! But more than the miracles God performed for my personal needs and enjoyment, the wonders of His works are everywhere. With my ears I have heard the center started about five years ago with scarcely anything, but with my eyes I now see buildings and fields, ponds, and trees everywhere. But more the projects and objects that bespeak of abundance of blessings, I see the abundance of ministry. I see people with simple faith and genuine joy. I see the heart and desire and opportunity to reach out to the local community. I see youngsters being led in the path of righteousness. I see living at the basic and yet so full of thanksgiving!

Then I see the church at Wiengmork. My heart rejoices to see it filled to capacity with people different from us, with tongues different from ourselves. I see the courtyard filled with children attending Sunday School. Most of them come from abject poverty (from our standard), yet I see only their smiling contented faces. My heart aches for their poverty yet rejoices to see the Gospel light shining among them. I am enthused by the enthusiasm of the co-workers there. And I see the faithfulness of God reflected in the faithfulness of His servants.

Then I see the Drug Detoxification Center, situated right between mountains and sprawling with residence, huts, and fields designated to different uses. But more than that, I witnessed firsthand, the power of God in the lives of these ex-drug addicts: once hopeless, rejected and scorned by society, now regenerated and reformed, totally dedicated, bringing hope and life to many.

In fact, there are already 50-60 attendees/residents at the center while I am filled with thanksgiving at the magnificence of the work before me. The glory of God is more evident to me in these surrendered lives, which allow God to make all these things possible.

Then I see the Hakka fellowship in a humble home group meeting in a mud hut weekly. They burn sticks for cooking, and they sit on the mud floor covered with canvas. There was a dim light in the ceiling and a thin bench at the end of the room. Bugs were crawling all over and the dogs were barking near the entrance. The place had nothing to recommend itself except this: that when I see many dark-coloured faces of men and women sitting on the ground singing and worshipping God, my heart was deeply touched and I bowed down in worship to the God who cares in all circumstances. He considers every life and soul worth dying for. He would gladly make His presence felt whether in the palace or in a broken shelter! And I know that He is present in our midst there in the child-like yet weatherworn faces and in the roughened hands which grip so sincerely.

Throughout our trip here I have seen how God sees things through, puts things together and answers prayers. I have experienced His protection and His provision. His greatness and gladness amaze me. While these are not new to me, they come afresh in ways deeper and stronger. I have come to face again the almighty and majestic God who loves so intensely. I have also come into close encounter with lives that know no sacrifice but obedience. I have witnessed the front line battle taking place in both the physical and the spiritual. I have come to know faith that is borne out in unshaken conviction and labors of both sweat and tears.

I know not God's detailed plan for my life. But I know that He speaks and I want to hear. I do not wish to do more things for God, but just to be more obedient to Him and more real to others.