Last evening we celebrated a dinner with the alumni from Mighty Oaks. We hosted them here on the Mighty Oaks property. David was busy trimming the grass, setting up party lights and pulling out tables and chairs. When the team and agape girls got back from the Children’s festival, they all moved as one to create beautiful table settings and dinner party flair.
We were ready. The food had been prepared and delivered, the girls headed home for their own routines. And we waited for the guests to arrive.
Gan worked hard to communicate with all the alumni that have settled in the Fang area. She had promises from some to attend and many maybes.
Thai time is a little more casual it seems. The first guests arrived half hour after the appointed time. But they came bearing gifts and fondness for the staff and founder or Mighty Oaks. The hospitality gift of choice was oranges, oranges and more oranges. (They are fresh and sweet - we sampled some today!)
Everyone wanted photos with Mom and Steve. There were teary thank yous as many of these graduates recognized how their life trajectory changed the day they met my parents. Around the tables were several teachers, a young man working at a bank, a mother of two who is a government administrator, a nurse and young adults with honest work that supports family life.
What struck me was how many had travelled some distance to have a chance to connect with my Mom and Steve, Gan and David again. Many were some of the first sponsor children with Mighty Oaks. Mom asked about family and knew each one personally. It was emotional as the former students eagerly shared updates with Mom about their lives with a trusted advisor. Some spoke enough english to carry on a conversation with our team, others required an interpreter. Gan had a very interrupted dinner as Mom asked her to help her catch up with these young adults. One student lingered to the end to have a quiet conversation and prayer time.
Our hope in gathering these former students was to rekindle some connection between them. Faith is not a solo flight. All of us need a healthy place of connection and belonging. It was music to my ears to hear the laughter and lively conversations happening in the cool of the evening. I couldn’t understand most of what was said, but I could hear the spirit of it.
Mom took time to speak out the challenge to each of them to arise and shine God’s unconditional love in their days. To be assured of God’s care for them and the dignity of all people as image bearers. She called them to continue to seek their purpose, use their gifts and extend kindness.
Some listened intently, others politely, but all with respect for one who has lived boldly what she speaks. Mighty Oaks would not exist without that early decision to rise up and use the freedom of retirement years to pioneer a way to live love - a love that protects vulnerable children - a love that sees possibilities - a love that shines as a beacon of hope and perseveres until those hopes become reality.
Steve and the staff prepared gifts for the alumni to take with them. Tum is organizing a way for this little community to stay connected on social media. We know we all thrive best when we belong to an encouraging, loving community.
This was echoed again at church this morning.
There is a reason Mom and Dad partnered with local churches. They needed many hands and hearts to wrap around our sponsored children and families. Mom was delighted with the rekindling of friendships at Good News church this morning that span 25 years. Our MOT staff offer regular leadership to the church and are truly ministry partners.
The children fill the space at the front before church. They are happy to see one another and are at ease in this church that cares for them. Selena shared the story of Zaccheus and the verse from I Corinthians 5:17. The children explored the story together as Selena led them to consider how Zaccheus’ encounter with Jesus changed him.
Mom repeated her challenge to “Arise, shine for your light has come.” Selina and I shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness in calling us higher into purpose, wholeness and community. The church gathers around tables for a meal after Sunday services to foster deeper community.
Little Amosin had to return to her boarding school today. It was an emotional parting. She has felt so safe and welcome at Agape home and did not want to return to a school where bullying is common. She has two months to finish out her term before she can move in with the Agape girls permanently. Selina prayed with her before they parted. Please join us in praying for God’s protection and care over our youngest agape girl.
Today was Luta and Selina’s shared birthday! We had a special dinner followed by a cake and mango sticky rice! It was fun to shower our friends with blessings, gifts and a joyful spirit. We filled the table with laughter, silly banter, deep sharing, and communal eating where all platters are generously passed around until everyone has enough.
This is the kind of world Jesus talked about. A place where everyone belongs and everyone has enough. Shalom, friends!
Earlier blog posts from our trip:
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Find out more about Mighty Oaks here: Mighty Oaks Global Initiatives
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