The following is an edited excerpt from Missionary Lauren Christman’s recent Substack post, written after attending the annual Friends Network missions retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Lauren (pictured on the left) serves in Seoul, South Korea. Click here to read the post in its entirety and to watch her artistic video from the trip.
I wish I could tell you every detail of the four days in Thailand and all the spiritual growth that happened for all of us, but I’m afraid this blog might not have enough room! What encouragement. What revelation. What a treasure these people are. Riding in the back of a red truck together (no seatbelts... just hold on for dear life), exploring the night market, and singing hymns drew us all closer together. The resort was very beautiful, but even more beautiful were the hearts and prayers of the people staying there.
We had a lot of wonderful activities that brought us closer, but one that really stands out is a session called “Witness Clouds.” In this activity we went one-by-one and wrote everyone’s name on a little piece of paper shaped like a cloud. As we went around the room, we wrote the qualities we admire about that particular person. Instead of giving the corresponding piece of paper to the person when we finished, we kept them for ourselves. This way, as we go back to our separate mission fields around the world we can remember the people near to our hearts. It's our reminder to pray, to connect with each other, and to encourage the other witnesses around the world.
The theme of this year’s retreat comes from Hebrews chapter 12:1:“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
This is the mission for all of us.
It was such an amazing experience to be in Thailand all together again. Meeting up with friends new and old and laughing together until our lungs hurt. Discussing our fears and challenges. A time for prayer and fellowship. Knowing that we are in this together.
…This time in Thailand will forever be a core memory for me. Looking back on it and drawing strength from the togetherness. And ultimately using the lessons and encouragement to better go into all the world and share the gospel.
“We are not always sure where the horizon is. We would not know which end is up were it not for the shimmering pathway of light falling on the white sea. The One who laid earth’s foundations and settled its dimensions knows where the lines are drawn. He gives all the light we need for trust and for obedience.” (Elisabeth Elliot, Through Gates of Splendor)
