Attempting great things for God

The Thailand Karen Baptist Convention (TKBC) has a long and distinguished history.  Missionaries from Burma first preached to the Thai Karen in 1881.  The first Karen Baptist church was founded in 1882.  The TKBC itself was established in 1955, and today there are 153 churches in the Convention.

Now, you might not find that information particularly inspiring, or even interesting.  But they were the opening words spoken at probably the most inspirational and exciting gathering that I have ever been a part of. 

The history lesson was addressed to a group of committed young Karens, and it was followed by this challenge: 'Today, 129 years after the first missionaries came to us, isn't it time for us to take seriously the missionary call to all nations - even to the ends of the earth?'

The gathering was the first ever Cross-Cultural Mission Training Seminar for young Karen Christians, organised by the TKBC's Youth Department.  Following months of preparation, we were thrilled by the dedication and interest shown by the 36 young people who attended.  Held over a weekend, we enjoyed powerful times of worship, extended sessions of prayer, and workshops studying together what the bible says about mission.

We also learned some helpful practical lessons about the importance of communicating clearly - and had a lot of fun doing so!  We then broke into small groups for discussion and brain-storming about ways to be more involved in God's mission in the world. 

As I watched the young people having a wonderful time role-playing sharing the gospel, it struck me that I was witnessing a new page in the TKBC's history being written.  As the Seminar ended, we shared our vision for sending out the first-ever TKBC Youth Mission Team in April 2012.  The team will travel to an area in the North East of Thailand, to visit and encourage and work with a tiny church plant in an area with almost no Christians.  The idea is catching on, and we're taking applications to join the team now!

I'm praying that God will continue to lead and guide the TKBC Youth through this whole project.  I'm thankful for BMS' support, enabling dreams to become realities.  And I am praying that, for those 36 history-making young people who attended the Seminar, the world will never be the same again.