During My Absence…

A letter from Sharon Bryant in the U.S., on Interpretation Assignment from Thailand

Fall 2016

Dear Friends,

As I write this, it is mid-afternoon, but the room has grown dark and I can hear thunder. Rain is pouring down outside the window and the branches of palm trees are waving in the wind. Outside, the steamy heat of the day has cooled a little, but I know that, as soon as the rain stops, it will shoot back up. I am grateful for the respite, however brief it may be. You would be forgiven for thinking that I was in Thailand. It is the rainy season there and the scene might be described in the same way, but I am in Winter Haven, Florida, at the end of four months of travel through the U.S.A. to share stories of the ministry of Christian Volunteers in Thailand with congregations across the country. Just as God warmed up Seattle to receive me in May, giving that city some unusual heat and sunny days, God has put me in Winter Haven now to prepare me to return to my work in hot, steamy and rainy Thailand.

I would be negligent if I did not say something to reflect on these four wonderful months here in the U.S.A. and the warm hospitality that greeted me at every stopping point along way. There were so many different ways that my many hosts made me feel like one of the family—from soft, comfortable beds to sleep in, more food than 20 humans could possibly consume, keys to the house, access to a washer and dryer, time to sleep, time to read, tidbits of U.S. history or community folklore, access to the Internet, time to respond to email messages, invitations to concerts, ballgames and local events, boat rides, sunsets, and so much more. But what brought the greatest joy to me were the numerous opportunities I have been given to share the miracle of what God is doing in Thailand and how so many have been ‘surprised by God’ through this simple ministry to the Thai people. It is how God is changing lives—both the lives of Thai children and the lives of the volunteers who come to serve—that demonstrates over and over again that I am merely one piece of the puzzle, a small part of the whole. Other pieces include the volunteers pictured here, each member of a congregation that supports this ministry, every host whose home I slept in, and each pastor who opened a door. Thank you so much for all you do!

Dorit’s husband, Henrik, has a master’s degree in chemistry from a major university in Germany, but he came to Thailand as a volunteer because he wanted to be with his wife during her internship. Since he had to be located in Bangkok with her, I contacted three Christian schools in Bangkok and found one where Henrik could not only teach English but also teach science classes and help with science labs. So Henrik is working at Thai Christian School in Bangkok teaching English to kindergarten students and helping them with their science labs. Amazing, right? But he loves it and the students love him! He is a natural teacher and he demonstrates, through his love and care for his students, the love of God. For Henrik this time in Thailand has been a life-changing experience. Both Henrik and Dorit will be missed by the German Evangelical Church of Bangkok and the Thai Christian School when they return to Germany next year. But new volunteers will come to take their place and the work of God will continue through those new volunteers. It may not be exactly the same, but it will be work that reflects God’s grace and God’s glory.

Thank you, again, for your prayers, your notes and your unwavering support of me and this ministry. Your financial contributions and your prayers are critical if I am to continue to serve. If you are not currently supporting a Presbyterian mission worker, I hope that you will prayerfully consider joining my family of supporters. In the meantime:

• Please pray for our volunteers—especially the new ones who are preparing to come in the fall and for those who are returning to their homes. Pray for smooth transitions and lots of support.
• Please pray for me as I return to Thailand and re-enter the ministry there. Pray that I might find new ways to tell the stories of all that God is doing in Thailand even though I am miles away.
• Please pray for the governments of Thailand and the U.S.A.—that God will provide strong leadership to ensure that those who lead both countries will lead with wisdom and integrity.

Until we meet again,

Sharon L. Bryant