The Thai Disciple-Making Train – On Tour May 2013
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2 Week Bible Training for Thai CCC Ministers of the Gospel. Some of the books used are only available in English. So, guess who gets to “help the staff with their homework” each day…?
I’m not qualified by any standard of graduating from this and that place, so my job was not officially, “teaching,” but technically reading the English books before class, and then teaching, I mean, telling the staff what the books said. There you have it.
The first week we discussed the basis of systematic theology and the doctrine of the Word of God.
The second week was all about the Gospel and the foundations of it, and the response to it. The character of God, God’s standard for all mankind, our sinful rejection of our Maker, our sinful nature, and God’s righteous judgment and wrath towards us, the love of God at the cross of Christ, atonement, repentance, faith, new birth/regeneration, Biblical assurance of salvation based on the promises of God, the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the witness of new-creation life in us.
Basically, all the stuff that I teach all the time, and all the stuff I will spend a lifetime teaching – (as I spend a lifetime learning).
Praise God for the continued opportunities I have all the time to teach and preach Jesus. May these two weeks bring about life and ministry change – not just head knowledge.
T4T – Training for Trainers. In a day with a million different programs and strategies that are mostly a bunch of garbage – it’s sure refreshing to be a part of a training that is Biblical, simple, and practical – and simply follows Jesus example.
Sharing the Gospel with words and actions as a lifestyle. Following up on those whom God has prepared to listen, and learn – teaching them until God brings them to repentance and faith. Because of regeneration, knowing that true believers will be changed by God and have a heart to know Him, and make Him known. Therefore, training those who will be trainers of others. Teaching those who will be teaching others. Simple spiritual multiplication following Jesus’ exampe.
Glad to be a part of it as I translated from English to Thai to assist some of our foreign teachers.
Men. There’s not many real ones out there. (No, not just talking about the many ladyboys here in the Land of Smiles). Guys just don’t know what it means to be a guy in general – and are clueless about what it means to be a man of God. So, are we gonna cry and complain about it?
No, we’re taking responsibility, taking action, and doing something about it. Fixing dudes – starting with self – and knowing that the fixing doesn’t come by way of self-help, or motivational gurus, but it comes by death and new life in Christ. That’s it. Cross. Death. Resurrection. Life.
First Up – Authentic Manhood – Multiplication 2013. Finished Part 1 with my 4 Dudes and Challenged them to Build into other young men. They called on me to Cast Vision for Manhood & challenge to their dudes to Step Up too. Here we are as 33- Authentic Thai Manhood – 2nd Generation Begins. (Complete with Sleeveless shirts and Hybrid Mexican/Thai Tacos). Even though they can’t spell “Warrior” correctly in English, they are going for it!
Next – we had a men’s overnight retreat to hang out, eat a lot, and hear from some older dudes in leadership of the ministry. We were challenged to expect big things from God, to have big vision, and to step out and trust God that He would use us for His purposes. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Get in the action! Where God is moving, follow Him, and be used by Him!
Finally – what would a manly post be without a manly drink… (I have no idea what this stuff is, but someone thinks it is very manly)…
You read all about God’s amazing provision for the big Christmas evangelistic event in Karasin. The event was a big success. The Gospel was shared, and many people heard of the meaning of Christmas for the first time. Contacts were made, and follow-up with those who are interested in learning more about God is happening…
The first of November saw our annual church camp arrive. The leadership asked me to talk with our guest preacher about the background of the Thai church, and to present what we had in mind for the goals of the camp. Dr. Guy Saffold, the director of Power to Change, Canada, was our speaker for the weekend. Before the weekend began, we talked about the great need for foundational preaching of the Gospel here in Thailand. So many times, a weak and watered-down Gospel and a simple call to accept Jesus into your life is presented and left the hearer to think that simple nominal faith in this God Whom they don’t know but you seems to resemble a generous old man in the sky is all that is required.
Dr. Guy though, brought the Word. It was great to hear such solid teaching on the most foundational things that we discussed as being incredibly needed – (1) Who is God?, (2) Who are we as sinners?, (3) What is the real meaning of the Cross?, and (4) What is the response that God demands from us. Dr. Guy preached about the need to answer the greatest question correctly – this question that Jesus Himself posed, “who do you say that I am?” He continued speaking about the cross as showing both (1) how horrendously awful you and I are, and (2) how amazingly great is the love of God. The only thing that could deal with our filth of sin, was the brutal suffering death of the Son of God under His Father’s wrath. Finally, the only acceptable response is not just inviting Jesus to be a part of our life, but in repentance and faith, total trust, turning completely to God.
Awesome preaching of the Word, but for us, we left discouraged. Even with such solid teaching, the atmosphere of the camp was much like we often see at our church. Many people came, many people participated, but for most it was only about a church activity, not about growing in Christ. Many people were talking or not paying attention during the messages. They were interested in the fun stuff of the camp, and hanging out with friends, but many seemed uninterested in going deep with God. Again, not the conclusion you would hope to read, but reality. I ask for your prayers.
Here, Por shares the Gospel with a Thai police officer. Por is one of my housemates, a young leader with Thai CCC, and I guy I help to disciple. His dream as a child was to be a policeman. He pursued it, but God did not give it to Him. Instead, He has joyfully accepted God’s will, and He wants to be used to bring police officers to know Christ – to see lives changed and movements of the Gospel begin. Here, he was quite happy to share with a young officer as the opportunity was given.
This is how I roll. In a Thai-style open-air bus, filled with 70+ Thai university students and recent grads, hanging on for a spot anywhere I can find it.
