The Work of His Hands

MAF-LT’s Orality ministry (in partnership with Simply The Story) attracted hi-calibre help to Thailand this month. A team of nine instructors from four continents converged in Chiang-Mai to prepare for two, story-telling workshops among the Karen refugees in northwest Thailand.

Two pastors and six missionaries gathered, representing Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong and North America. Led by MAF-LT Orality Specialist, Regina Manley, the team put hands to the initial task for four full days. No two workshops unfold exactly alike. So, despite conducting similar courses in many countries, they studied scripture, discussed culture, re-wrote lessons, and prayed.

Their goal sounds simple: train Karen Bible School students how to use stories to share the treasures in God’s Word. But, of course, appearances often deceive. Telling a story presents no great challenge. Asking the right questions to help hearers discover buried gems, on the other hand, requires practice - lots of practice. And training someone just exactly how to ask those special questions is nothing but hard work.

Some might argue, “Surely a teacher could talk for an hour about a story’s value. Even an article or book could present the concept. International travel spends a lot of the Church’s money. And besides, those instructors have full schedules. Why drop important work to train unknown, sequestered students who enjoy neither position nor influence? Where’s the leverage in so much effort?"

The truth is, these international professionals understood a basic Kingdom principle: God graces the humble with His full attention. He employs His entire economy. He dispatches His gifted envoys. He expends everything and reserves nothing just to reach the least of the least and remotest of the remote.

The team trusted God’s hand to work through their efforts. They believed God would show Himself strong through the Karen student’s weakness. And, they recognized an excellent return on investment.