Thankful for... these young people too!

Our main role over these past 10 years in Thailand has been to support and encourage Karen young people to be faithful and committed followers of Jesus. However, we have also had the privilege to host three BMS Action Teams - in 2007/8, 2010/11, and 2013/14.

Our 2007-08 Action Team in Musikee: Mike, Sarah, Dave and Katie

I am so thankful for the opportunity that Lizz and I have had to work alongside these teams. Each 6 month placement was busy - from meeting each team at the airport, orientating them to Thailand, introducing them to their weekly schedules, liasing with local leaders, dealing with various issues as they arose, to finally debriefing each team and saying emotional goodbyes.

Our 2010-11 Action Team in the countryside: Peter, Sarah, Hannah and Ross

Every team is different, and every individual unique - but one of the highlights of our experience with all three teams was the time we spent together in Bible study and prayer. It was great to see each young person being challenged by God in an unfamiliar and sometimes hostile environment, and watching them emerge with a stronger, more mature faith. And the best thing is that this process isn't done yet. We hear regularly from our ex-Action Teams, and we do our best to meet up when we're in the UK - we even had a wedding invitation a few weeks ago!

Our 2013-14 Action Team at Siloam: Hannah, Sarah, Rosie and Hannah

There's so much more I could say about the Action Teams - the way that they interacted so well with our kids, for example, having lots of fun together and becoming big brothers and sisters for those 6 months. Or the way we saw each Team develop great relationships with local young people in their schools, hostels and churches. Or the way that, through their hard work and perseverance, they made a valuable contribution to the local churches - and set an example for others to follow. In fact, it was spending time with Action Teamers that inspired some of the Karen young people into mission themselves.

So, for these reasons and more, I am thankful for the Action Teams.