There is a rice field: green, lush, and close to harvest. Around this swampy land fishermen cast their nets for small minnow.
Not far away lays a church with a vision to build on this ride field. They have been making payments now for eleven years and will be paying for fifteen more before they pay off the remaining $20,000.00. ‘Preecha’ Isaiah and his wife, Sarah, are eager to show us the land where the church building will one day stand. It was their vision, and they rallied the congregation behind them to purchase this lot.
It is a beautiful lot but will one day hold much more. For, one day it will be used to harvest souls in place of rice. Where men cast their nets to catch fish, there will one day be fishers of men.
The land will have to be filled in first and raised so that it will not be swamp land. Then the building will be erected and will stand on solid ground.
As I write, much of Thailand is under water from the worst flooding in many years.
I pray wisdom over this church. In Matthew 7:24, we read, “Everyone who ears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Our team prayed over that land, the church, and Isaiah as their leader. Tears filled my eyes as I envisioned what will one day stand on that land; a church whose foundation lay deep into the foundation of Jesus Christ and who will draw many men to God.
What is on YOUR heart today? I'd love to hear! Now that I am home, I promise to get around to everyone's blog. If you would be kind enough to link back to this blog or put my button on your post, it will help this blog hop grow.
What is on YOUR heart today? I'd love to hear! Now that I am home, I promise to get around to everyone's blog. If you would be kind enough to link back to this blog or put my button on your post, it will help this blog hop grow.
What a moving story. I pray that the vision of the Pastor and his wife will come true and in sooner time than they imagine. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful post! I am so touched! Soon this lush green land will harvest people. Praying that God showers more blessings and build the church as planned. To God be the glory!
ReplyDeleteDropping by from vB hop :)
How long before they will start building? I hope this will not displace the rice growers jobs, or the ones who fish for minnows. But now they will be fishing for men!
ReplyDeleteIs it 15 more years before they build? It makes me think of Moses, to whom God gave the vision of the Promised Land, who led the people and handed over leadership to complete the journey - and realizing that we are each given tasks in fulfillment of God's plan that we need to complete for someone down the road!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious post. It is hard for us to not want to set the schedule, but in His Perfect Timing He will bring forth a work of great beauty. May He bless them with continued perseverance in their vision. I can be so impatient at times--thank you for the reminder to trust. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to know that all around the world there are disciples committed to preach the Word of God!
ReplyDeletePatsy from
HeARTworks
It is wonderful to see what God is doing all around the world Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThey are being wise to continue to grow rice while they are completing the balance of their payments. There is a large investment coming to fill in the land and the cost of building, but as we believe with them God will provide.
ReplyDeleteMay God give them a harvest even now of souls as they harvest the rice.
Hi Shanda - Its amazing when you see the dreams God puts on peoples' hearts. I pray they are able to raise the funds they need sooner than later.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Shanda, may I use this story for my blog What In the World R U Doing 4 Christ's Sake? Is there a way people can contribute toward their building fund?
ReplyDeleteWow, it's so hard for us to imagine investing for that long before something is ours to have. We buy a home or land and get to live in it while we're paying it off... they have to wait. And then after it's theirs there is still so much work to do to even get the land ready... very convicting post Shanda.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to see this church built from the very beginning and know it will be built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome story of faithfulness and endurance and trust. Praying that God meet them sooner. Thank you for sharing, Shanda. Saying a prayer for you, too. God is faithful.
ReplyDeletexo
Shelly
Yes -- I will join you in prayer for this: a church whose foundation lay deep into the foundation of Jesus Christ and who will draw many men to God.
ReplyDeleteAmen -- may the roots grow deep in that place.
Thank you for letting us share in the beautiful vision...
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible trip and story. Thanks for the perspective.
ReplyDeleteOh how my heart is blessed by reading this today. Praying for this church and these precious people. Our church had a vision many years ago and people saw that vision come to past. I have holy bumps now as I think about it. We are now embarking on another vision! Thank you for sharing. I love your blog. Be blessed.
ReplyDeleteWhat vision and persistence these people have! 11 years of payments with "nothing" to show for it. That's how the world (and many Christians) would see it. But a foundation is being laid and souls will be won. Just amazing! Thank you for sharing this encouragement with us.
ReplyDeletePraying for them, that Gods will be done. I'll be heading to Thailand too end of year.
ReplyDeleteIt's so exciting to hear about the work of the Lord in faraway places.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to tell you, Shanda: I've tried to link up twice this week and haven't been able. I can't link up at Jen's, tonight, either. I have something going on with my computer that I can't use Linky Tools. I don't know how to fix the problem. Maybe I can use my husband's computer, later, to link up.
Hi Shanda,
ReplyDeletethanks for linking this to LACE - it was meant to be :-)
It's a joy to hear of Thai brothers and sisters who are spreading the Gospel seed in their fields!
God bless them..and you.
Trish
Such an inspiring story of vision and perseverance. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBy His Grace,
Lisa
www.moretobe.com