Time

As we prepared for Team EPIC to arrive, we proceeded as usual, with very few obstacles.   Little did we know, opposition for the project had been quietly growing momentum in the village.  Just days before the team was to arrive,  a meeting of the village elders put the new church project at a halt and we were left scrambling, racing to prepare a new project for the team. It isn't difficult to find projects to do here in Thailand - there is always a need.  The problem we faced was time.  

What project could we pull together with such a short period of time?  Would there be enough funds?  What is the biggest need?  Question, questions and more questions filled our heads.  As we put the need before God, one thing became perfectly clear.  He is in control and it will all come together in a way that only He can do.

There was no time to get proper paperwork filed, or building materials for a larger project in this short of time. There is one project that had been requested, but just seemed small and insignificant.  We really had no other options.  But for the church in Pha Dang, a security wall was not small or insignificant.  In Thailand, all businesses, churches and homes are surrounded by a fence of some sort.  It is something that protects the property, establishes boundaries,  as well as makes it look and feel complete. 

The church in Pha Dang was started about 18 years ago by an 18 year old young man who used to drive his scooter 40 minutes each Sunday  in order to share the gospel to this little Ahka village lying near the hills, south of Chiang Rai.   Since then, the church was turned over to a wonderful lady, Pastor Dao.  It is now a thriving Christian community.  In the time that she has been there, Pastor Dao has raised the funds to completely repair and update the building that has been standing for many, many years, but were unable to come up with the funds to build the wall.

The TN team came with tools, funds for materials, open hearts and a willingness to serve.    As the team arrived at the church, we found the congregation were already at the site preparing the ground.   These villagers do not have much money, but they have an amazing work ethic.  This was their church, and they weren't going to sit and watch others come in and do what they could do them selves.   This community was so touched that a little church in Tennessee would care so much for them and their community, that they would fly around the world to help them.   It was beautiful to watch everyone come together and work side by side, sweating, laughing and smiling, to complete this wall.  

This wall in Pha Dang was only one of the projects that this team worked on while here in Thailand, and it only took a couple of days to build, but the memory of how God moved and touched all of our lives will remain in our hearts forever.  Thank you TEAM EPIC!!!