Cooked Grasshoppers! In fact, a whole bag of them:
Things are going well here, it's crazy how fast time is flying by. I'm staying busy and have been getting more of a heart for the Thai people. I also feel like we are getting things done, which is great as well!
As for Beds (actually just mine). That has not been so great. Never had insomnia before, but sometimes I think I qualify here. Getting next to no sleep is a regular thing, though it has been better the last few days due to stronger sleep medicine. When I do sleep, I am plagued by chronic nightmares of various sorts. Last week was a really rough week, in fact, it was the hardest this summer. Essentially no sleep for almost a whole week combined with not much time alone with God resulted in a tough week. I've got medicine to help sleep, which is helping some, but not a ton. I feel refreshed by God now, and am glad that He reminds me that He is my strength, not the amount of hours I sleep. This week is a whole lot better too, but sleep is still escaping me somewhat. Please continue praying for this.
Also, I've been reflecting on why God had me come to Bangkok and seeing if I have been soaking up everything He has for me, and it's been pretty encouraging. God has done a lot in me this summer and has given me a good amount of clarity on some things He has had for me here. A few of them include...
-Loving people better. It's been stretching at times and at other times just given me opportunities to love on some people who are outcasts of sorts. I don't love people like Jesus did/does, but I have gotten more of His heart for His creation in this place, and Love is something that is one of the best things to grow in.
-Strengthening me as I depend on God more. My life -especially this summer- seems to have this cycle of me deepening in my relationship with God and becoming stronger as He changes me, but anytime I don't depend on Him, I tend to hardcore get burnt out in a hurry. I wouldn't have it any other way-He's good!
-To help the ministry in this season. As little as I feel I've helped with sometimes, reflecting on the things I've helped with aren't nothing. Though things go sloooow sometimes, it's been a good blessing to be a part of this ministry and am glad I got to help them move forward with their goals. These are awesome people I get to partner with and it's a privilege to know them-I'll definitely miss them.
Those are a few of them anyway. In other news, I will be taking a short vacation to the beach this coming weekend and will be working around that, so please pray that goes smooth without problems, I must say I look forward to it and am sure it'll be nice to spend some time on the beach with God.
Please pray for me in the area of sleep/dreams. Pray that I would finish strong and leave here from a place of strength. Please pray for favor and streamlining for the ministry as we are seeking to get some good stuff done before I leave. Pray for us as we do outreach on Wed. night (Wed. morning in Texas), we need some favor and wisdom as well as protection! Thanks so much for your prayers thus far, it's been super encouraging! Please keep it up!
Nate, this is Bro John Karl, I am so proud of you. I didn't know until now where you were but I have been pretty out of it with all the surgery since Feb. the lessons you are learning can't be learned in the places where everyone talks like you and where beds are comfortable. The apostle Paul talked a lot of what suffering did for him in regard to learning more about who Jesus is and also the heart of Jesus in regard to His love for people. We are getting ready for Africa again, sadly only my wife is going back for a couple weeks but I am not far behind. Nate anyone can stay here, and pass their time but with no guarantee they invest in eternity. But GOING insures that you spend your time doing eternal things because you are pursuing the ETERNAL ONE. I am prayng for your empowerment, and for your protection. Blesssings, Missionary Evangelist John Karl Davis
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