Sharps 2 Thailand

Before Abram left Ur for the land of Canaan, an interesting thing happened.  In Genesis Chapter 11 we read about Terah, Abram’s father.  After the death of Abram’s brother Haran, God told Abram to leave Ur and go to Canaan, and gave him this promise:  “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you”  (Gen. 12:2,3)

Even though God placed the call on Abram, his father began the journey and went with him as far as Haran, where Terah died.  But, here is the point:  God called Abram, but his father took the first steps without even really knowing it.  The blessing was given to Terah’s son, but it was Terah who brought his son toward a place of fulfilling Abram’s eternal destiny.

This past spring, Bill had the opportunity to attend a youth retreat with Connor, who was 11 at the time.  On the first night, after an awesome time of prayer and worship, Pastor Pat asked the kids if any of them felt like the Lord spoke to them.  So, Connor jumped right up, went up front and took the microphone.  He then says “Hi I’m Connor.  My mom and dad have been appointed missionaries to Thailand, and I feel like the Lord told me that my brother and I aren’t just going because we are their kids – we are going because He has work for us to do there as well.”  Of course, all of the female leaders got all teary-eyed and I was pretty impressed that this young guy would say something so profound.  But now, after reading the story of young Abram and his father, we see his statement as prophetic, not profound.  Connor is already convinced that God is calling him to puppet ministry at the AIDS orphanage in Chiang Mai.  Until now, we have felt that God was calling US, Lynette and Bill, to ministry in Thailand, but as we pray and seek Him for direction and guidance, it seems more and more that we are the “container” to bring our kids to Thailand, but those of you who are supporting us in prayer and finances are the vehicle God will use to get them there.

We are sure He has ministry for us as parents also (teaching and mentoring boarding students), but just the thought of this possibility for our children is indeed amazing!!!  Many people have, at various times, told us that they felt Connor would be a pastor or evangelist when he grew up.  Already, God has used both boys in ministry capacities we never thought of.  Imagine what He still has in store for them in Thailand!!!