CVT Mission Stories

A letter from Sharon Bryant serving in Thailand

March 2015

Dear Friends,
I have to chuckle at the ways of my God and King!  How often does this Provider of all good things wait until the last possible moment to let me know that my prayers have been heard?  More often than I appreciate, but I remain humbled and grateful.

The ecumenical and intercultural CVT Program (Christian Volunteers in Thailand) is always on the lookout for new people who are willing to commit two years of their lives to changing a small part of this world for the better. And we look harder at this time of the year, because the Thai school year begins in May and the private Christian schools of our partner church still desperately need those who are willing to teach English to Thai children. Last year, amid street protests and the coup d’etat, few people opted to come to Thailand, but, praise God, we seem to have turned the corner. In the first half of 2015 we will welcome five new CVT mission workers from four countries. What do these CVT mission workers do and how does their ministry change their lives and the lives of the Thai people here?  Let me share some stories with you.

James Riggins, a CVT mission worker alumnus from the American Baptist Churches, shares a meal with a former student from Padoongrasdra School in Phitsanulok

Otoli Tuccu, a CVT mission worker from Nagaland Baptist Church Council in India, shares this about her experience teaching at Rungsee Vittaya School in Fang: “Stepping into another country, I began my new journey in teaching English to Thai students. At first, it sounds simple. But, taking a deeper look and involving myself deeply in this job, the experience that I am having with these students is way beyond my imagination.  I truly found out that it’s not just teaching them English. They need more than that. They need my love, care, support and friendship which, in some cases, their parents fail to provide. Sometimes my simple smile and ‘Hello’ boosts their energy to move on with their hard day. Whenever the students feel that I’m not having a good day, they will try to crack jokes or hug me to make me feel better. And they will try to show their love and care and do anything to bring a smile back to my face. They are always successful. Even though there is language barrier, at times ‘actions speak louder than words.’ ”
Lou Peters, a CVT mission worker from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), says this about his experience teaching at Udon Christian Wittaya School in Udonthani: “Every day is like playing roulette; you never know what your classroom is going to be like that day. Sometimes they (the students) all look and act like little gremlins. Other days, I see 30-40 different faces of our Father. These are the days that completely humble me.

Lou Peters observes his students working on an English exercise

These 7-year-olds can make me laugh so hard that I have to step outside. Or they run up to me, wrap their arms around my waist, squeeze me, don’t say a word, and then just run off. Then there are the days that I have a conversation with one or more of my students, in English, and then later realize that these kids knew very little English at the beginning of the year and they have come a very long way. Teaching English in Thailand has been a pretty wild time. It’s an unusual, exciting, oftentimes hazardous experience. For me, it is the very definition of ‘adventure.’ ”
Adam Royston, a CVT mission worker from the Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, says this about his experience working in the Child Protection Office of our partner church on human trafficking concerns: “Children around the world are so vulnerable—even with a home and two parents to protect them. In my work, I learn so much about the pain and struggle of those who have no one as their advocate and no place of safety in their lives. More than that, I see how ministries that reach out to share the love of God with such children and combine that love with practical skills that teach and empower children and adults can make a huge difference in their lives. I know that the problems of this world are enormous, and perhaps I cannot change all the situations I encounter in my work, but if I can make a difference in one life, in one corner of this world, then my life has meaning and purpose. Being in Thailand this year has fundamentally changed the way in which I view the world.”

• Please pray that God will send more people to serve as CVT mission workers here in Thailand.
• Please pray for Otoli, Lou and Adam as they continue to serve the church here in Thailand.
• Please continue to pray for the people of Thailand as they work to restore their democracy.
• Finally, as we prepare for our 2015 CVT Spring Retreat, please pray for those who will lead us in the discussion of what it means to be “intentionally Christian.” More on that in my next letter!

Join me in praise to God for all the gifts that God has given, especially these dedicated CVT mission workers. I pray God’s abundant blessings on your life and thank you for your continued generosity toward me and this ministry. Please remember us again this year when you consider the work you will support with a financial contribution.
With joy,
Sharon Bryant
The 2015 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 235