Page 7 - Mission Journal

REFLECTION
REFLECTION

Heading To Thailand

Mission Trip ....

Laura Kraybill
Payao Bible Seminary
Chiang Rai Thailand

In just a few weeks I will be heading to drawing many of its students from the also because Christianity has not been
northern Thailand to visit Payao Bible surrounding hill tribes. Northern hill tribal associated here with colonial power. This
Seminary, through the generous support of areas are where Christian evangelism lack of colonizing mission could be seen as
a HOPE 5L2F scholarship. During this 10- efforts have historically had the most a good thing, with the potential for
day trip, I hope to learn how the Thai share success in Thailand. Many of the seminary contemporary mission to be more
the gospel in ways that fit their cultural students return to their tribal homes after reflective of the Gospel. Jesus embodied
context. How do you evangelize in a seminary to provide ministry leadership. It servant ministry rather than top-down
country where less than one percent of the will be good to witness the ways this enforcement. In the United States,
population is Christian? How is the gospel training is being used in these rural evangelism is sometimes challenging, since
shared in ways that respect culture and churches. Christianity and societal power have been
support the marginalized? These are some linked for centuries. In Thailand, there is no
In addition to the seminary and mission
of the questions I hope to explore during such historical baggage.
sites, I will pay visits to some locations of
my visit.
Thai culture; A Buddhist temple, markets, As I prepare for a visit to Thailand, I
Each weekday morning I will attend and the local university are on my to-see expect to be welcomed graciously. I will be
chapel at the seminary, followed by a list. By getting an understanding of the an outsider in this culture, both as an
classroom lecture. Since these lectures will culture and context in which mission is American and as a Christian. However, I
be in Thai, I hope to meet with professors occurring in Thailand, I hope to see the anticipate good fellowship with the Payao
before class to get an outline in English. I ways God is already at work here. seminary community and churches at the
will be observing classroom dynamics, mission sties. I hope to learn how the Good
Through my studies at Garrett-
noting the ways the Thai interact in a News is shared in this unique setting, and
Evangelical Theological Seminary, I have
theological classroom. As a North hope to leave with fresh insights for
learned that there is an unfortunate
American seminary student, this will be of mission in North America.
history of mission done in conjunction with
particular interest.
imperialist expansion and colonialism.
After lunch and conversation in the Entering a mission field as a learner, friend,
cafeteria with students and faculty, I will and supporter of the poor can counteract
head out of Payao to visit HOPE 5L2F some of this negative history. This
mission sites in rural areas. These sites approach is congruent with the Gospels,
provide economic sustainability for new where we see Christ identifying with the
church plants. I hope to participate in poor. His way was not one of worldly
worship and conversation over meals with power or manipulation.
church members. With no Thai language
Having never been invaded or colonized
skills, I will be relying on interpreters,
by foreign powers, the Thai carry a sense
gestures, and lots of smiles.
of pride for their country. Entering this Laura Kraybill is a M.Div. 3rd year student at
Payao Bible Seminary is the largest and culture with humility makes sense, not Garrett-Evangelical Seminary and Recipient
oldest independent Seminary in Thailand, only because it is the way of Christ, but of Hope5L2F Foundation Scholarship.

Mission Journal 7