Update from Ollie

Thanks so much to those of you who have been praying for all of us sick people.  The last bit of this bug is finally dying - horray!  It’s been a long few days being so sick and pretty exhausting for Annette too trying to take care of her sick husband (what an amazing wife!).

I was pretty bummed to get so sick because I felt really excited to be here and get stuck into things, but God’s plans always aren’t always the same as mine hey.  It’s just been another of those lessons God teaches me that it’s not about ‘our’ or ‘my’ plans, but about his.  As my plans are ruined God is developing a real thirst in my heart for Jesus.

It’s been somewhat frustrating trying to communicate with people, let alone communicate the gospel.  But that’s not the only reason we’re here.  Because of the huge language and cultural barrier in short term missions, International Teams teach, in their training, that this trip about growing in Christ-likeness.  This is really liberating and gives greater overall value, I believe, to short term missions.  Part of growing more like Jesus is sharing the wonderful news of the gospel, but it’s also growing in other aspects of godly character.  At the moment, for me, that’s meant: seeking to grow in my own prayer life, patience and perseverance when I’m feeling physically and emotionally worn, humility in not being able to contribute much and feeling a little useless while being sick, and humility as I make mistakes accompanied with repentance as I learn how to love my wife, mission team and those in Bangkok better.  Praise God for his lavish grace!

Last of all, thanks again for all your wonderful support, prayers and letters.  It’s such a blessing to be in partnership with you from the other side of the world.  We’re excited to see how many people have been checking out the blog and getting excited about God’s mission for this lost world.

With love in Christ,

Ollie (& Annette).

These prayer houses are everywhere - this one is in the lobby of the apartments we are staying in.

Awesome way to get to the school, and a bit dangerous on Bangkok roads. 

Deb was loving the opportunity to teach kids.

Receiving gifts from the school principle after the english classes.