Flexibility, Perspective and Thanks.
General FBC Missions, Karen Project Team 2008 February 11th, 2008 by ElizabethThe following is a letter from Brett;
Traveling companions can make or break a trip, and in this case I had great guys to travel with. Steve and Todd came expecting to do some medical work, but our inability to cross the border the second time changed all of that. I don’t know that Bill, a masonry contractor, came expecting to use his masonry skills, but we ended up building three handicapped ramps, couldn’t have done it without him, wouldn’t have even thought to do it. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt seem to be qualities in great demand on these short term trips. No complaints were issued and lots of fun was had, I would travel with these guys anytime (not sure the converse is true!).
Karen 2008 Team Photo;
This trip wasn’t my idea; I was the last to sign on. But I am thankful I did. Not only to have my perspective of the world broadened, but to have the exposure to good and faithful people; not just my traveling companions, but all the people I have mentioned prior to this entry. Each person we met is investing their lives with a sense of purpose, and our fellow believers with an obedience that is inspiring. God uniquely equips his children to serve Him; you could see that very clearly on this trip. No more evident is this fact than in the life of Robert. His story is interesting and unique, but his life experience has equipped him to serve in Thailand and Burma and enjoy every aspect of the work.
Robert is nothing if not focused on, and committed to, the Karen people. The bulk of what Robert does is to meet the needs of the Karen people displaced within Burma. He does this in cooperation with all the groups I have mentioned, and in many ways is a common denominator using his gifting and skills to secure resources and link people like us to the cause.
We should all envy Robert his “purpose”, many go through life never finding what it is God has called them to do (some don’t look very hard), Robert has found his call. Ours does not need to be as exotic, overwhelming or challenging as Robert’s, but it does need to be aligned with God’s purposes.
One thing I noticed with all the men and women who are caring for the Karen, they are quiet, unassuming people going about their business with no fanfare. Each would not like the tone of this letter, but would endure it if is serves to motivate us to join the cause in some fashion.
The four of us want to thank Robert for his service and for serving us this week. Whether he liked it or not, he was stuck with us and was a gracious host, guide and friend. We also want to thank each of these ministering Saints we met; the encounter was a huge blessing to each of us. If you are reading this, most likely you have been praying for us, thanks we needed it. It could also be that you sent along money or equipment to be used to support the Karen, these gifts have made a huge difference and will continue to, thank you.
Some of the money will be used to finish and staff the clinic FBC built on the Thai side (remember Elephants skidded the Teak from Burma). Some will be used to help First Karen Baptist of Mae Sot finish the church they are building in a remote Thai Karen village in which they already have a mission worker. Some will be given to Bob to help meet the administrative costs of his work, Bob spends all his money on rice and supplies for the IDP’s and frankly needs our encouragement to care for those in his office (food, paper, ink, etc). Please don’t interpret this as negligence on his part; it is purely compassion for his people.
There are still projects that need our support. A “mobile clinic” (Western Shelter) and bamboo school in the first IDP village we visited. A water pump and pipe to supply water to this village. Another bamboo medical clinic near the IDP’s we were unable to visit and the constant, daily, never ending, overwhelming need for food and medicine. I think for good measure we need to find a way to help support the back pack medics and the already existing bamboo clinics. The church in Mae Sot needs bunk beds for their children’s dormitory and has big plans to send out 5 more missionaries to remote Thai villages. Lots of great people and projects to partner with.
I wanted to clarify one fact. Yesterday I mentioned that Pastor Roger’s father served in the Burmese Army during WWII and was killed by the same army as a Karen soldier. If you recall I was struggling to get the story straight with our language barriers. Last night at dinner I had Bob’s son do some interpreting for me and learned that the Burmese army supported Japan during WWII and the Karen Army supported Britain. Roger’s father fought for the Karen and eventually died, but not in combat. We are back in Chaing Mai and will leave our guest house at 5:45 AM for our long day(s) home. See you in church on Sunday.
In Christ,
Brett for Steve, Todd and Bill