Finding Faith in the Floods

In August, torrential downpours affected thousands of people near the Moei river separating Thailand and Myanmar. Homes flooded and unable to work, communities couldn't make ends meet.

In the chaos, 2 communities invited Nation to Nation to visit. These small clusters of 6 or 7 families were all victims of heavy flooding. After visiting and assessing their need, we returned with rice and other supplies to help them. We also gave them some Life of Christ Visualised books - a comic book designed to share the gospel.

As we were leaving the location, a lady came up out of the forest and said, "I know you have nothing left but can you just come and visit our community?"

Trusting God to plan our steps, we decided to go and see. We went into the forest and discovered a community of around 10 families knee-deep in water, waist-deep the day before. We spent time talking and getting to know them. They told us, "Normally we're okay, we have no need - we do some recycling and day labouring and we can survive. But now because of the flooding we can't manage."

Their humility, gentleness and open hearts left a strong impression on our team. One team member said they 'felt something special' in that place.

Unfortunately we had no rice left, only some Life of Christ books. So we left these with the community and promised to let them know in a few days how else we could help.

After talking it over and praying, we decided to return a few days later with rice, food sacs and snacks for the kids. There were around 40 to 50 people altogether and as we arrived, the community leader (the lady from the first visit) told us, "I made all the community read the books you gave us. Thank you so much for coming back and helping us get over this hump."

Unexpectedly the lady asked us, "Could you please come back here every month? Not to bring supplies, but to teach us the Bible?"

Our hope is always to bring #hopethatchangeslives but to receive this request out of nowhere was just beyond expectation!

As we launch into our 'Beyond Forward' season, what a reminder that God's plan is always greater than ours. He heard the community's prayers and directed us right towards them.

That is why we pray before each outreach, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here,' (Exodus 33:15). When we allow God to lead, people are blessed and hope is restored.

Can you support us in bringing hope to communities in crisis?

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