God has a Plan

From holding babies and changing diapers in an orphanage, to puppet shows and skits to music, Team EPIC-ER from Tennessee did it all.  We were touched by the ways God used all of us during their short stay here in Thailand.  There are so many stories that we could share about what God did over that 7 day period, but one story put us in awe and amazement at God's perfect timing.  

"God has a plan."  That was the message for the evening at Pha Dang Church.  With any good message is a personal story that goes along with the message to help bring the point home.  Our friend shared a story of a family of 7 or 8 people that was traveling together and had gotten in a car accident.  There was only one survivor.    What was God's plan?   We may not know or understand His plan, but we still believe there is one.

At the end of the message a husband and wife were brought forward to receive prayer.  We could see on their faces, expressions that spoke a thousand words.  They were lost, filled with agony and pain.  With tears streaming down their faces the pastor shared their story.

Their son had been doing drugs for some time and in order to support his habit, started stealing from the community.  Friends and neighbors were becoming outraged with this family and the parents were frustrated and angry.  The boy's mom confronted her son about his stealing and scolded him harshly.   The boy (13 years old) then went and took his own life.

Horrified, the mother questioned and blamed herself. 

How do you comfort someone that has experienced this kind of pain and grief.  What could we possibly say?

In a way like no other, God provided the words of comfort that were so desperately needed.  Lovingly encouraged by another team member, a lady from our team stepped forward to share.  She too had experienced this same pain and understood what they were going through.  She had lost a child at a young age and had experienced the same kind of grief.  Our friend shared how God is the only one that can help them through this.  It is through His word and His love that they can overcome such heartache.  

"The pain never fully leaves, but if you allow God to help you though, things will get better". 

After praying for the couple, ministry went on.  There were puppets, skits and dances set to music.  At the end of the evening, the service was closed with a song that involved a lot of dancing with arm movements. 

At the back of the room we noticed the couple.    They were jumping and dancing with everyone else.  There were no longer tears of sorrow, but joy, PURE joy.

We do not know what God's plan is in the loss of a life, but one thing we know for sure is God had a plan for that evening.  His plan was to bring comfort to a couple who had experienced excruciating tragedy.  He wanted that couple to know that He loves them, is there for them and that He will help them through. 

Thank you God, for your perfect timing and words of comfort in times of need.

Jeremiah 31:13

New International Version (NIV)

13 "Then young women will dance and be glad,

    young men and old as well.

I will turn their mourning into gladness;

    I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow."