05/19/2013

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”
–Luke 9:24 (ESV)

This verse conveys a paradoxal yet simple truth. The one who seeks to control their life will ultimately find themselves frustrated and unfulfilled. By contrast, the one who leaves the reigns to Jesus discovers a life full of purpose. The former has a focus on self; the latter has a focus on God.

This is an incredible truth I am learning on a daily basis here in Thailand. Each day, I seek to move past selfishness and a desire to control things on my own towards responsibly doing what God is calling me to do for that day. I must trust and obediently follow Him each step of the way.

I have included a picture of my notebook, showing the three main goals I have for this trip and an accompanying three means I feel God will speak to me in these goals. I try to consistently pray over them. Here they are in typed form:


“Derek’s goals for Thailand trip 2013:

1) Discerning God’s long-term ministry calling for my life
2) Christ-like attitude leading to effective ministry
3) Holy Spirit-driven power to bring the gospel and strengthen believers’ faith

*Intentional prayer priority
*Reading God’s Word
*People speaking truth into my life”


Beneath these I have a reminder of three things I pray against as I seek to “lose” my life: earthly success, human praise, and a love of money. Ultimately, my value is in Christ, not in these things. I ask you to please include these things in prayer as I continue my trip.

Tomorrow, I leave with the GCU mission team to a village in northern Thailand. For this trip, it would be great if you could pray for the hearts of the native Lahu people to be receptive to the gospel, and for us to effectively encourage the local believers. I will be gone for four days, but look forward to corresponding with you via email with any prayer requests or questions you may have.

Thank you so very much for your incredible support and encouragement.

In Christ,

Derek