For The Love Of Jesus and Baking

We have spent the last few weeks preparing to leave our home in Thailand for our UK home assignment. This transition is often bittersweet for us, as we leave behind everything that has become familiar and cherished by us over the years—church, friends, neighbours, and the general sights, sounds, and delicious foods of Thailand.

The new Siloam Bible Institute (SBI) school year began during the third week of May. Once again, Ajarn Waraporn (the trainee teacher we have been mentoring/teaching) is taking over our lessons in our absence. Her confidence as an English teacher has grown tremendously from last year to this year. It has been wonderful to watch both Ajarn Waraporn's growth as a teacher and her faith in Christ flourish.

Preparing for a home assignment always provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the past year. One area that Sarah continues to be amazed by is how God can use something as simple as baking to pave the way to reach out to others. Enabled by God, Sarah has made an impact in the lives of others by using baking to build and nurture friendships, evangelise, teach English, provide therapy to those in need, and given homemade baked goods as gifts to encourage others.

There are two parables that beautifully explain God's ability to use small things: the mustard seed and the yeast:

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough”. ~ Matthew 13:31–33

These parables emphasise Jesus' interest in the little things of life, and God's desire to work with the small gifts and talents we bring to His Kingdom. Jesus often spoke about little things: sparrows, mustard seeds, and little children. It also highlights God's capacity—through the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ—to transform little things into big things.

At Christmas time, Sarah promised our Thai neighbour, P' Guy, that whenever she had the time, she would invite her over to teach her how to bake. That opportunity arose recently. P' Guy and her husband, P' Noy, are devout Buddhists. On the morning P' Guy was due to come over, Sarah took a moment to pray that God would guide the baking session and open an opportunity to share the gospel.

While the banana bread baked in the oven, they sat comfortably on the sofa and began to talk. P' Guy gently asked Sarah about Jesus and the church—specifically about the church Reformation—which was a pleasant surprise for Sarah. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Sarah answered P' Guy's questions. It was a wonderful, relational, and welcoming way to share the gospel as the beautiful aroma of banana bread filled the air.

On many occasions, Sarah has also gifted baked goods to encourage others. In one instance, Sarah sensed that our dear friend from church was feeling disheartened. The following week, Sarah showed up armed with homemade scones and lemon curd, all beautifully packaged with words of comfort and verses of encouragement.

Unknown to Sarah until she received the gift, this lady shared that she deeply missed her late mother, who used to make her lemon curd with scones. She also expressed that she had been feeling discouraged and lacking a sense of purpose. Sarah took the time to listen, offer encouragement, and pray with her.

Thank God for:

- His amazing infinite capability to use all our small, humble abilities for His glory and to expand His Kingdom.

- Our safe arrival in the UK, and we are settling in well.

Pray for:

- The SBI students as they start this new school year, specifically the new students, and for Ajarn Waraporn as she teaches her own lessons and covers ours.

- P' Guy and P' Noy, for the seed that has been planted. Pray that the seed takes root and that God's truth grows in their hearts.

Never underestimate the small, humble gifts, talents, and skills that God can use to advance His Kingdom—no matter how minor they may seem to you. Nothing that God has given us is too small or insignificant. Nurture it, invest in it, and watch how God uses it.

We will be visiting some of you during our time in the UK and are looking forward to it. If we do not have the opportunity to see you during this visit, please know you are in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. We appreciate you all.

God Bless

Paul & Sarah