“So…When Are You Going Back?”
If you read Mike’s post on March 28th, you may
recall the topsy-turvy experience we had while trying to get to the U.S. when
COVID-19 was emerging. Our original plans for our U.S.-based time included
itinerating among churches to share mission updates, connecting with family,
and renewing our visas so we could return to Thailand. Little did we know that
COVID-19 would lead to temporary church closures, meeting postponements, periods
of self-isolation, and a halt to visas being issued.
If all had gone as planned, we’d already be back in
Thailand. Yet, here we are, still in Kentucky! Lately, it seems the most common
question we hear is, “So…When are you going back?”
The short answer is, “When COVID-19 in the U.S. is brought
down to a level that our citizens are considered ‘safe’ by the Thai government.”
As we look at the news and current projections --- that may be a while.
Our situation is not unique among missionaries and other
cross-cultural workers serving globally. In the last few months, we’ve had
online meetings with other missionaries who’ve not been able to return to their
places of service. Not only is COVID-19 impacting individuals, churches and
communities here at home, but it is impacting the sharing of Christ
throughout the world.
We Can Make Plans… But Sometimes We Need to Wait
Rather than being overcome by discouragement or frustration,
we’ve found peace for our situation through God’s Word. For example, in Acts 16:6-8 we find:
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region
of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching
the word in the province of Asia. When they came to
the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus
would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.”
As we read of the Apostle Paul’s work and the early church’s
expansion, we’re reminded we are not the first who’ve had a door to Asia
temporarily closed! We’re also reminded, “Plans may change…so make the best use
of time in the situation.”
While we’ve been able to be productive here at home,
developing curriculum and working with folks in Thailand for programming
purposes via Zoom, things are definitely not the same. Yet as we reflect on the shift, Mike has
marveled more than once, “God is making lemonade out of our lemons.”
“So, we see how the U.S. is dealing with COVID… how about
Thailand?”
Thailand has implemented a very coordinated, consistent policy
for addressing COVID-19, and it shows. As of this writing, Thailand has recorded
less than 3,200 cases, with 58 deaths. Presently, 65 people are receiving
treatment for COVID-19. While the nation (and particularly the cities) had been
on strict shut-down (causing no small economic hurt), step-by-step controlled opening
is now in process.
For example, as stores are opening, shoppers’ temperatures
are monitored (below, left). “Check-ins” are also done with phone apps
at the entry of shops. This way, if a COVID-19 case is identified, reporting
and contact tracing can more rapidly be carried out. (Below, right,
David is “checking in.”)
Last week, schools were able to begin re-opening. From
communications with our missionary team & Thai partners from various
locations, we know that schools have different plans by which they are
operating. For example, May and Teddy’s kids (see photo) have rotating
schedules: on Week One, they go to school on Mon., Wed., and Friday; on Week Two,
they attend Tue. and Thursday. At another school where some of our Blessing
Home kids attend, girls go to school part of the week, and boys go during the
rest of the week.
In all locations, before children enter the school yard,
they go through a temperature check, sanitizing and hand-washing station.
(Click to see a short clip from the first day back to
school.)
“Practice of true community involves responsibilities and
actions that do not come naturally to us.” — Jerry Bridges
(Author of books such as: The Pursuit of Holiness;
Trusting God When It Hurts, and True Community: The Biblical Practice of
Koinonia).
Despite these good signs, it could be easy to forget the
challenges affecting our Thai brothers and sisters. Currently, borders are
still closed to international tourists. This is a blow to the national economy,
and to the “everyday finances” of families – especially in urban areas, where
costs are high. (Thailand NOW is continuing to provide funds to city
churches for emergency food relief, and we are so thankful for your faithful
giving, which makes this possible!)
The challenges our Thai friends and family are experiencing
are not light. In fact, the heaviness is such that it would be easy for people
to turn against one another out of frustration. Instead, it seems they are
committed to practicing “kreng jai,” a Thai cultural value that is hard
to translate.
The
closest explanation would be to say they practice a type of ‘consideration’ for
each other, which seeks to put the feelings and well-being of others first,
before themselves (similar to what is described in Philippians 2:1-14). A prime
example of this can be seen in the photos above, where the wearing masks in
public during COVID is the norm.
(In our earlier years in Thailand, I was confused by Thai
people ‘masking up’ when they were feeling sick, or ‘had a cold coming on.’ Why
would they put on a mask after they were feeling bad? Wasn’t it ‘too
late’ to protect themselves from getting sick? At the time, I didn’t yet
understand how deeply “kreng jai” – or consideration for others was
woven into all parts of life. Thais were putting on the masks not for themselves,
but out of care for each other.) Though wearing masks may feel strange, and
does not come naturally, this act of consideration is a part of practicing
“true community” and is admirable.
While We’re Waiting to Return to Thailand, Here’s How
You Can
Help…
Please pray for doors to
open, so missionaries waiting to return to their place of service can
be re-deployed globally.
Please continue to pray
for our Thai brothers and sisters, many of whom truly struggle, financially living
‘day-to-day.’
Please pray for our
own nation. For protection; healing; peace,
and that we may have hearts of humility and “kreng jai” (deep consideration) for
one another, knowing that our decisions and actions -- no matter how small --
always impact others.
“Practice of true community involves
responsibilities and actions that do not come naturally to us.”
Blessings in Christ
Jesus!
