Thailand Reflections

I've been out of the Twitter/Facebook universe for the last week due to a somewhat last-minute trip to Thailand. It was great to spend a week meeting people from the mission world who are using their business and professional skills to gain ministry access to and bring economic empowerment to people in difficult parts of the world. Missions doesn't look like it used to; here are a few reflections:

• I met true tentmakers who have started sustainable businesses in the developing world that now provide them with an income, allowing them to be financially independent from the West. Yet, they still choose to maintain relationship with a mission agency for the purpose of accountability and prayer support.


• I met a pastor from an oppressive nearby country who set a goal in 2001 to plant 100 churches by 2020. He's planted 38 so far. As is the case in many such nations, he is looking for non-traditional ways to fund the ministry of national church leaders.


• Another US pastor-turned-missionary is doing just that by helping national pastors start coffee plantations to help them become economically independent in an area where drug trafficking is often the only viable income source.


• I visited an Aussie couple who were so passionate about staying in Thailand that, when their support began to wane in the troubled economy, they sold their home in Australia and started a farm, bakery and coffeeshop where they employ six Thai nationals. They raise pigs, cattle and tilapia.


• Aussies and Kiwis are fun to hang out with. Why can't I have a cool accent too?


• This was my second time in Thailand, but I had forgotten how good the food is. From the strange fruits that aren't available in the US to the curry and other typical Asian spices ... wow!