“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” – 1 Corinthians 3:6
The story of Yun Xia’s conversion reminds us that indeed it is God who brings about spiritual growth.
Yun Xia is a fresh graduate from East Asia who has a deep desire to learn new things, and that is what brought her to Thailand – to learn the Thai language. When we first met her in Thailand, we were thankful that she was comfortable with us. Yun Xia attended the same Thai language class as Vincent, and that allowed us to get closer with each other as we spoke the same language.
She followed us to church a few times, but we found that she was not yet ready to be a Christian, even though she had been exposed to the Gospel back home.
During the short period of getting to know her, we saw that God was truly working in her heart, as He exposed her to more Christian friends who brought her to church, and who showed her the love of Jesus through acts of kindness and hospitality.
We also prayed that we would reflect God’s love through keeping in touch with her, and constantly showing concern about her adjustment to Thailand.
One night at the train station, Vincent came across what he thought was a stored-value card that someone had dropped. However, upon picking it up, he realised it was a card that taught the reader to say the sinner’s prayer! Immediately, Yun Xia came to his mind, but Vincent continued to wait for God’s prompting to act.
That same week on a Sunday night, while preparing our prayer updates, Phyllis also pondered and prayed about when Yun Xia would accept Christ. It weighed especially heavy on her heart, since she felt that Yun Xia has been experiencing the love of God through many instances in her life.
One morning, before the Thai language class started, Vincent finally received the prompting he had been waiting for. He asked Yun Xia: “Are you ready to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour of your life?” Her reply was: “Yes, I am ready. There is really nothing much to ponder upon anymore.”
We were awestruck by the Lord’s timing and His preparation. Indeed, we are privileged to be God’s instruments to reap the harvest for Him, be it in prayer or in person.
Let us continue to pray for Yun Xia that the Lord will enable her to speak His Word with great boldness; to heal, and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus; and to be filled with the Holy Spirit while living out the Word of God boldly all the days of her life.
Because you prayed with us, you reap with us! All glory to God!
Vincent Lim and Phyllis Zhou –
are missionaries in Thailand with the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) supported by Faith Methodist Church. Vincent is currently studying the Thai language while Phyllis cares for their two young children at home. The family is currently attached to the Methodist churches in Rangsit, Thailand.
Vincent and Phyllis rejoice in the privilege of being God’s instruments in Thailand.
Stock picture by rachen/Bigstock.com