Pastor Siripawn has met many mission teams during her ministry in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but a recent group stood out as unique. 

From May 16 to June 7, 12 Olivet Nazarene University students joined Pastor Siripawn in ministering and discipling locals in Chiang Mai and Maetang. 

“God really used them in a special way,” she said.

The team encountered problems early on, including financial challenges that might hinder the success of their trip. Despite this, Pastor Siripawn was confident. She felt that God had another plan for the Olivet students’ ministry.

An opportunity opened when a Buddhist temple school agreed to provide the team breakfast and lunch in exchange for a full day of English class activity groups. At first, Pastor Siripawn was hesitant because it meant a full schedule that might be too heavy for the team to take on, but the team was eager.

The Olivet team members led students in singing Christian songs each day and taught a class of 15 students.

"It may have been a demanding schedule that could take a lot of time and energy, but somehow,  the team did not grow weary," said missionary Lisa Lehman. "In fact, they found their daily activities fun and refreshing!"

The team’s positivity and spirit influenced the school's faculty and staff. Since the team left, school directors are more open to the Christian message. There was also a softening of the teachers’ response toward the message of Christ. They have even invited future teams to visit the school.

The local community also supported the Olivet team. Siripawn initially asked if the team could join in one of the children’s football (soccer) practices. They were allowed to do so,  but Siripawn was surprised when community leaders and several moms volunteered to prepare food for the Olivet team.

"People have come to accept Jesus and His word because of the Olivet team’s passion to evangelize," Lehman said. "There was one story about a student from the social development school where the team taught. This particular student had a critical tongue, but when the team was there he was willing to listen and even followed instructions from Pastor Siripawn. She saw potential in the boy, and Siripawn continues to build a teachable relationship with him since the team left."

Since the Olivet team's visit, local church members began to feel open and eager to build relationships with visiting teams. Local members are now requesting to have more teams visit the communities.

Pastor Siripawn and local team members are grateful for mission teams that have helped them transform lives and make a difference. 

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region