Thailand/ Philippines
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” - Psalm 105:1
Sawasdee ka!! สวัสดี - Mabuhay!
Hello and greetings from Thailand and Philippines!!
Over the past few months I got the opportunity to serve at Abundant Life Home in Chonburi Thailand. I love children so much and it has been a life long dream of mine to visit an orphanage. When I got to the orphanage it was very different than what I had expected an orphanage to be. This was so much more than an orphanage - it was a thriving community of people who really know and love Jesus. I met Katie 2 years ago and served with her overseas. Katie is the director of ALH and has been serving in Thailand for 10 years. She speaks fluent Thai and is always inspiring me to do hard things. I am so grateful to have been able to visit my friend and serve alongside her in this ministry.
At Abundant Life Home there is typically around 35-40 kids ages 0 -18. There are 5 houses with a “house mom” living in 24/7. This community gives homes to orphans but also focuses on keeping families together through discipleship, for families who are coming from hard situations. These kids are growing up in a loving community with school, sports, music, and so many other opportunities. Everyday is a day of thanksgiving and praise. It did not feel like these children were coming from such broken homes. There was so much laughter, joy, and LIFE here. It gave me so much inspiration to see God’s hand over these precious children’s lives.
While I was there I was able to teach Biblical Foundations of Freedom (healing ministry from back home) to the house moms and teenage girls. We focused on getting rid of the spirit of Bitterness, Fear, and Self-Bitterness. It was so encouraging to see God show up and speak to His people. Such a moment of freedom and blessings. I also got to teach English and lead bible study with the teenage girls. - God is so good!!
Divine appointment from God - every week I got to teach English and Bible stories to kids in a nearby fishing village. These kids are unable to go to school. It was so amazing to see God move in these families lives through simple acts of generosity of others. “And they all ate and were satisfied.” - Matthew 14:20
I got to preach for my first time at Zion International Church and help with kids church. I taught on something I learned from Bible school in Switzerland. I spoke on the topic of how God desires to be with His people, we see this theme very clear throughout the Old and New Testament. “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” -Exodus 25:8
God surprised me with a quick trip to the Philippines to end my time in Asia! We went to a global gathering in Manila where 4,500 believers, from 110 different nations, gathered in worship (from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages -Revelation 7:9 ) After, I stayed in the jungle for 3 days and was able to help with a livelihood program for nearby villages.
Where am I now? I am currently serving in Kona, Hawaii. I am helping lead a discipleship training school for missionaries. We will be training here for 3 months and then be sent out on a 2 month outreach. I do not know which location I will be sent to yet. Thank you all for your continued prayer and support along this journey!
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance..” - Proverbs 21:5a
Love you guys!
Kayla
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! We love you and miss you and are SO SO! thankful you came! Always welcome back sweet girl!
Wow, this is incredible! Thank you for sharing all that God is doing through you. You are AMAZING! Love you ♥️