Being Available To God

Over the last two months, we have experienced an unexpected shift in our teaching schedule. A few weeks after returning to teach at Siloam Bible Institute (SBI), we were asked if we could also teach two student teachers. We were apprehensive at first, as we considered our schedule, but upon listening to their testimonies and hearing how God wants to use them, we were honoured to say “yes”. One of the student teachers, Amu, shared her testimony with us, and the word “available” came to mind as we listened to her.

Amu lives near the Thailand-Myanmar border in Mae Sot; she is a refugee from the Myanmar conflict. When she was a young child, her father was tragically shot by the Myanmar military junta. Her mother, armed with the strength that only God can give, stood tall and strong, continued to raise Amu and her brother. She also accepted God's calling to take in and adopt children fleeing war-torn Myanmar. Amu has seen how God has greatly worked in her mother's life and the lives of the children adopted over the years. Since graduating from SBI in 2024, Amu has sensed that God is calling her to become a trauma counsellor to help the many who have been gravely affected by the Myanmar conflict. Amu knows that her journey back into study will be tough, as she will have to unpack her own trauma and pain while preparing to help others. Her story is a remarkable testament of courage and bravery, and now she is making herself available to do what God is calling her to do.

The other student teacher is Waraporn, whom we mentioned in our August 2025 newsletter. She also graduated from SBI last year. We are teaching both student teachers upper-intermediate to advanced level English. Amu hopes to take the English Proficiency Test (EPT) in April 2026, which will enable her to study trauma counselling and further theology studies in the Philippines. Waraporn is considering taking a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) course and further theology studies to become an English teacher at SBI in the English Theology Programme.

These student teachers have reminded us of how God led us into teaching English (and many other opportunities since we've been serving in Thailand). Neither of us originally wanted to teach English; however, God knew the desires of our hearts and the plans He had for us. He always knows, even more than we know ourselves. Teaching, mentoring, encouraging and building confidence in the SBI students has been beyond what we could have imagined – and now WE LOVE IT! Amazing things happen when you make yourself available to God.

Sarah was asked to share about BMS and mission work with a Korean team that visited SBI. She was able to encourage and pray for the Korean team, specifically those who had questions about their own calling to mission.

SBI held its annual sports day, which also marked the last day of the first semester. The sports day is a wonderful opportunity to continue bonding and building relationships/friendships with the students and staff. We played Volleyball, Football and the Thai traditional game of Takraw (translated as “rattan ball”) – using a rattan ball, the game is played somewhat like “keepy-uppy” with volleyball rules. It was a fun day enjoyed by all.

Sarah ran the third bakery training session at the Thailand Karen Baptist Women's Union (TKBWU) building. The students completed around 16 –18 hours of training over several days, creating a selection of non-baked, steamed/baked cakes and breads. It was an enjoyable time for everyone.

One student shared that she had a floor-standing oven in her home sitting idle for seven years, because she did not know how to use it or bake with it. After completing the bakery training, she was over the moon and determined to learn how to use the oven, so she could finally begin using her new bakery skills. Another young lady is using her bakery skills in a coffee shop.

Thank God:

- For the returning SBI graduates/student teachers, for their further training and studies, and their return to teach at SBI.

- For the successful bakery training with TKBWU. Please pray for God's guidance and direction in this project.

Please Pray:

- For the SBI students as they travel on outreach mission trips throughout the year, for their safety and their impact in the communities they visit.

- For the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, the fair distribution of food and aid, families fleeing the conflict and those assisting along the Thailand-Myanmar border, like Amu and her mother.

Being available to God means submitting our time, talents, and resources to Him – also for the people He wants to love through us. It often means taking steps in obedience even when it costs us. We may see ourselves as weak; however, God does not ask about our ability or our inability but about our availability and willingness.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ”And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8.

This act of making himself available was the pivotal moment that launched Isaiah's prophetic ministry to others.

Love & Blessings

Paul & Sarah