A group of 15 Nazarene Youth International leaders from seven local churches on the Thailand District gathered at the Oikos Church of the Nazarene in Bangkok, Thailand July 28-30. The event became more than a youth leaders’ training session, however, as the Holy Spirit began a deeper work in each life. Unity of messages shared by all speakers bore fruit during several break-out sessions when youth openly shared of God’s work in their lives. They began spontaneously discipling each other about spiritual growth and total surrender, attitudes, what it means to be the body of Christ within the local church, and ways to motivate others to come to Bible study groups. Attitudes were transformed and authentic fellowship blossomed as members prayed together for themselves and the local churches they represented.

The weekend opened with Sawat Hahom, superintendent of the Thailand District, inspiring the group to believe God can use them to change the nation. Citing a group of 17 who changed the course of history for their nation of 800 million at the time of the Cultural Revolution, Sawat added, “Surely God can use us to change Thailand and from here, Southeast Asia.”

Rolf Kleinfeld, missionary to the Asia-Pacific Region, taught the lifestyle of servanthood by extending the example of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. Though the concept clearly countered their cultural perspective, the youth acknowledged God was asking them to serve others by laying aside their position and status.

One young man clarified his understanding by asking, “Rolf, it’s not about washing feet—it’s about our attitude, isn’t it?”

“Exactly,” Kleinfeld responded, explaining that “When we see people the way Jesus sees them, they will see Jesus in us.

“Your hands become His Hands; your words become His words. Where your feet take you—that’s where Jesus is going. And you are never alone,” said Kleinfeld.

Decha Borphet, a 2007 graduate of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) and a new professor at Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College (SEANBC), urged everyone to see the people around them through Jesus’ eyes and to pray, asking God for more workers in His harvest field.

Siripawn Malagun next challenged the youth with Jesus’ command to “Go.”

“Mission is the passion of God’s heart,” Malagun said, “He created us for relationship with Him…and He is still seeking others who are lost—seeking them through us. He calls us not only for salvation, but also for His mission . . .We will never sacrifice more than God already gave to us in His Son.”

By the conclusion of the weekend, everyone had surrendered to God all attitudes or lifestyle issues that had prevented them from following Christ’s example of humble servanthood. In addition, each person gained understanding about how to hear God’s voice through scripture, how to know God’s specific call, and how to carry on God’s mission in this world by fulfilling the roles God has given them in His body.

Friendships were strengthened as members promised to pray and support each other in the coming months. The real fruit of this training weekend can be seen as these youth apply what they have learned.

Patanapong, a 2007 graduate of SEANBC, testified, “I thank the Lord for the opportunity to come this weekend and see God at work among us. . . We will take what we have learned and teach others. But first they [at our churches] need to see our lives as an example of Christ.”

Decha Borpet added, “We can use the principles we have learned here and apply them in our Bible College as we teach students.”

Others expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the ministries of the Church of the Nazarene, to pray and share together, and to help each other face challenges in their churches. Collectively the youth expressed needs of training for evangelism and clearer understanding about the content to be presented at different levels of discipleship in Sunday school. Future youth training events facilitated by local churches across the district will take place every six months with a district-focused mission trip once a year to a local church needing help with evangelism or local church ministry.

- Lisa Lehman, SEA Field Communications