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Peter and Lynley – Stepping in to help |
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Monday, 20 February 2012 00:00 |
Partnerships in the field are a vital part of serving the Gospel, and few know that better than Peter and Lynley. They work alongside two Thai women who serve with YWAM and there is considerable cooperation in every aspect of their ministries. Nai is involved in the leadership of their local congregation and Boo helps Lynley develop Bible studies for local believers. Together these two also work with students and do outreach in the local university.
This connection led Peter and Lynley to be called up to help with a student camp in December. A team from America was scheduled to speak at the camp, but some miscommunication led them to cancel their trip. They believed the recent floods had made the trip impossible. With very little notice, Peter and Lynley were invited to participate so they stepped up to help their friends.
"To be able to help them a little in basic English conversation and in gaining confidence in speaking to 'farang' (foreigners) was a lot of fun," Lynley says. "The chance to hang out with young people and play games using English was beneficial to us and them."
They were also involved in teaching at one of the planned sessions and spoke during the Sunday service.
Unfortunately the camp fell on the same weekend as the King's Birthday, which is also Fathers' Day, and so the number of students attending was lower than hoped. Still, Lynley said it was a positive weekend. "The fewer numbers made it possible to interact personally with each student, and the family atmosphere was very impressive for the few Buddhists among the attendees," Lynley says. Many of the other students were new believers and the gospel presentation on Sunday reinforced their commitment to their new faith, while the experience of fellowship that characterised the weekend encouraged them all greatly.
The weekend was a great success for all concerned. From sleeping 'marae style' with their Thai friends (and sleeping very well too!) to experiencing some of the most vibrant and vital worship and fellowship amongst local Christians, Peter and Lynley felt really encouraged.
"It was a real blessing," Lynley reflects, "and I felt like a young person all over again."
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