Walking in Her Father’s Footsteps

A Letter from Sharon Bryant, serving in Thailand

June 2018

Dear Friends,

Some of you are parents and perhaps wonder from time to time about the impact that you are having on your child’s life. Perhaps, like me, you have looked at that child and whispered to yourself, “At the least, do no harm.” Perhaps, you have considered the words you might speak to them … words they might remember later … words that might guide them through a dark or confusing time in their lives. Today, I want to share with you the story of one young woman and the impact that her father has had on her life.

Daisy Yeptho is a beautiful young woman born and raised in the state of Nagaland in India. She came to Thailand to serve as a Christian Volunteer in Thailand (CVT) last year. [For those who know nothing about Nagaland, head to your computer and Google the history of Christian mission in Nagaland. You will learn that the American Baptists went to India in the 1800’s and, as a result of the foundation they laid, Nagaland today is 95% Christian and mostly Baptist. Most Naga people speak English fluently and with very little accent, which makes them ideal English teachers here.] It is very unusual for me to meet the parents of those who volunteer to come to Thailand — it has only happened twice. But I had the privilege of meeting Daisy’s father, Rev. Khevihe Yeptho, more than a year ago when he came to Thailand on a visit from the Nagaland Baptist Church. He is an energetic, dedicated man whom I have never seen without a smile on his face. He was greeted warmly by my supervisor, and they spent quite of bit of time talking. I went on about my work and thought nothing more of it.

When the Nagaland Mission Movement sent me an application from a Daisy Yeptho, I processed that application like all the others. Yeptho is a common last name among that tribal group, and another Yeptho had served in Thailand earlier. It was not until Daisy’s father returned for another visit to Thailand that the connection was made. One of the objectives of his visit was to discern where his daughter might be placed. I shared with him that we had a small school in Ratchaburi that had not had a volunteer for many years. Suriawong School set aside money in their budget to support a volunteer and had requested one. Satisfied that his daughter had a place to live and work that was safe, he returned to Nagaland.

Daisy arrived several weeks later, and she was bubbling over with excitement from the time she arrived! I am used to volunteers who are excited to be here, but Daisy’s excitement was over the top, and I was worried about what might happen when the honeymoon ended and the real work of mission began. It wasn’t until several months later that I learned the reason for her excitement. I will let her tell it in her own words:

“My dream got accomplished the day I reached this place called PHA TAEK, one-and-half hours from Chiang Mai, far away from the towns and cities, my Dad’s Mission Field. He served here from 2005 till 2010. I can’t express how it feels to step in the place my Dad served. I always saw it in pictures, but now I can say I have been there. The house and church built by my Dad, along with my brother, Mom and his friends. I could feel his hands everywhere .… It made me very emotional, and I could literally feel the hard times and struggles my Dad went through. But what a great joy to see, and I can proudly say HE DID IT … he did his part and now it’s mine.”

Rev. Khevihe Yeptho was the very first missionary from the Nagaland Baptist Church to come to Thailand. Not many get to walk in their parent’s footsteps, but Daisy is indeed doing her part. She is teaching English at Suriawong School and also teaches Sunday School at the church. Again, in her own words:

“The picture I have sent you was taken while I was teaching my Sunday class. One of the magic moments would be to see my Sunday School students reciting JOHN 3:16 and performing an action song during Christmas. These children are so dear to me. God has been so gracious. They are the reason that keeps me going. I am blessed to be teaching this group of kids.”

She is just one of eleven Christian Volunteers serving in Thailand. They are all doing their part. This year, we have twelve alumni of the CVT Program serving in Thailand as well. We invite our alumni to return and share time with us during our four quarterly retreats. It is a real treat for us to see them and hear the stories of their continuing ministry here. We still need more volunteers. Won’t you pass the word for us? Our next orientation for new CVTs is in early October.

Still, I could not do any of the things I do here without your wonderful support of this ministry. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for the financial contributions you have sent to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Thank you for your cards and letters. And thank you for opening your home and your hearts as I travel when I return to the USA. You are a blessing to me and to all of the volunteers who serve in Christian Volunteers in Thailand.

In Christ,

Sharon Bryant
Mission Co-Worker, Thailand