Missions Blog

We were blessed to have safe and delay-free flights today in Pittsburgh and Atlanta, and arrived in Panama at 1 PM. Stepping out of the airport, it was quite hot and humid, and we jumped into the van from The Word Of Life Camp and started to drive to the camp. Right away, just seeing the difference of palm trees everywhere and 5-foot high grasses along the highway is different from back home, and seeing the cultural differences, being present in the moment, and taking it all in.

We arrived at camp around 4:30 PM, and in the distance behind camp, you can see Mt. Chame that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, which is quite stunning. The fellowship has been great between the guys, and lots of good conversations and good unity between the guys to serve and be the hands and feet for Jesus.

We were greeted with amazing hospitality and hugs from those living at the camp, and they made us feel at home. After getting unpacked, we went and were shown the projects we would be fixing and working on. We were able to get a quick start on the boy's room bathroom, tear up tile, and get the doors removed to be worked on the rest of the week.

Around 7 PM, we met for dinner, and the full-time Missionaries at the camp made us an amazing meal with fried yucca, which is like a French fry, but in our opinion, maybe better than any fries you've ever eaten.

After dinner, everyone stayed, and we all opened up God's word. Ben Hirsch led us in a great devotional. We were in Judges Chapters 13, 14, 15, and 16, and we read a few verses from those chapters. Taking away from what we read, we see how Samson, rather then trusting in God's plan for his life, he chose to fulfill his own desires that came with consequences. Yet, God still had a plan for him, and Samson just needed to trust in God rather than himself.

I pray that we, as a team, trust in serving to do God's purpose and to do His will through our mission team. 

The presentation was on “We are family. “The message was taken from the book of Ruth while focusing on Ruth and Naomi. The point included we may come from different backgrounds, but still, all of the family of God. The girls were divided into two groups: one represented Ruth, and the other, Naomi.  The girls picked a partner from the opposite group and encouraged them to be a mentor to their partner. The mentor was encouraged to help the partner to see they are Chosen, Called, and Loved. As a reminder, they are Daughters of a King.

Day of Love and Boundaries at Faith House – Mae Sot, Thailand 

Greetings from Mae Sot, Thailand! 

Our team has been blessed to spend time serving alongside Faith House, a refuge and home for young girls from the Karen tribe who have fled the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. Many of these girls have experienced hardship beyond their years and are vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. But here, in this safe space, they are met with God’s love, encouragement, and the joy of community. 

Hearts of Friendship 

Today was full of joy and purpose. One of our team leaders, Brenda, led a beautiful lesson on Godly friendship. Through Scripture, she showed the girls what it means to be a true friend— loyal, kind, forgiving, and loving as Christ loves us. 

The girls then participated in a creative activity where they decorated paper hearts with Bible verses about friendship. Each heart was not only a craft project, but a reminder of God’s word planted in their hearts. Watching their faces light up with glitter and glue in hand was a beautiful reminder of the healing that joy can bring. 

Gifts of Care 

Our team also had the privilege of providing the girls with hygiene gift baskets. Each one included essentials along with a special touch—a shower headband! It was a small gesture, but for these girls, it was received with gratitude and excitement. It reminded us that dignity and care can be restored in the little things. 

A Night to Remember 

Next, we traveled with the girls to a local hotel—a special outing planned to treat them to rest, comfort, and fun. In Mae Sot’s warm climate, air conditioning and soft beds are a luxury, and the girls were absolutely thrilled. 

But the highlight? The pool! It was all laughter and splashes as they played and swam. It was a moment of freedom, of simply being children, surrounded by safety and love. 

Teaching Boundaries with God’s Wisdom 

Later, we gathered together for an important lesson on healthy boundaries—a critical topic,  especially for vulnerable youth. The presentation covered ten biblical principles that help guide relationships with wisdom and strength. A few key messages included: 

• Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23): Know when to say yes and when to say no.
• • Sow good seeds (Galatians 6:7–8): Your choices shape your future. 
• Own your actions (Galatians 6:5): You’re responsible for your choices—not someone else’s. 
• Respect others’ limits (Matthew 7:12): As we want others to respect our “no,” we must also respect theirs. 
• Speak up with love (Ephesians 4:15): Boundaries require communication and courage. 

While this part of the day was more serious, it was powerful to see the girls engage, ask questions, and begin to understand their worth and how God calls us to live in freedom—not fear. 

Closing Reflections 

Today was about more than activities and lessons—it was about planting seeds. Seeds of truth,  hope, identity, and joy. Faith House is a sanctuary in a hard world, and we’re grateful to play even a small part in supporting these incredible young women as they grow into who God created them to be. 

Please continue to pray for the girls of Faith House, for safety, healing, and a future filled with light.

Hello dear family! This is Yindi reporting from Mae Sot.

What incredible days we had today!

Today was our first complete day. We started with an (unplanned) Thai breakfast before starting with the first lesson (taught by me) about Evangelism; in the afternoon, Grandpa Glenn taught about giving back. Girls are very participative during lessons, and what a great joy it is to hear them recite the biblical verses (several of them from memory), even if we do not speak the same language.

We spent a lot of time with the reinforcement activities: they learned to write their personal testimony, painted rocks with bible verses and phrases to evangelize, and made encouragement cards.

For lunch, we were able to spend some time with the staff in a restaurant where you could see Myanmar (and the scam center) on the other side.

I am impressed by how sweet, affectionate and obedient all the girls are - this speaks very well of the love and care they receive from Maria and Faith House staff. I am so grateful for Deborah (my translator); she made my lesson more enjoyable.

One of the times we enjoy the most is worship. I do not exaggerate when I say that they are a choir of angels, surely that is how it will sound when we all praise God together in eternity.

PS: Thai food is amazing!