5 minute read
SHORT-TERM MISSIONS, LONG-TERM IMPACT: Discipling Youth for God’s Kingdom
by Pastor Daniel Loo, MMS Missionary in Thailand and Pastor-in-Charge of Little Candles Methodist Church. Both Daniel and his wife, Sharon, are members of the School Board of Management of Little Candles Methodist School. Together, they raise four kids, two golden retrievers, and 3 cats.
From 10 to 17 October 2024, a team of nine members from Little Candles Methodist Church (LCMC) in Phrao, Chiang Mai, embarked on a short-term mission trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The team included Missionary Dorothy Lee, our youth worker, and four youths. The Principal and Vice Principal of Little Candles Methodist School joined us for part of the trip.
Our first stop was a one-day programme for the BB/GB students at the Methodist School of Cambodia. Among our activities, we taught the students how to prepare Thai Papaya Salad. The students had great fun taking turns smashing ingredients and bird’s eye chillies in the pestle and mortar. Our Thai team also performed a drama about how God heals broken hearts.
Our next stop was the COSI Children’s Village. Upon arrival, a 4-year-old boy named Pizza came to greet me. He insisted on carrying my bag, but he was so small that the luggage towered over him as he dragged it along. It turned out to be an amazing five days at the dorm, getting to know, play, and eat with the 80 or more children, ranging in age from 4 to 19. We ran a rotating stations programme, consisting of worship, Bible stories, games, making beanies and other crafts, English lessons, and cooking various Thai snacks, all based on the overarching theme of Daniel in the Lion’s Den. During the Sunday sermon, I preached on the topic of brokenness and challenged the students to seek God for healing. Many responded—both children and parents—by coming forward to receive prayer.
Reflections
What touched me most was the enthusiasm of the children, who demonstrated a great love for God through their singing and dancing. There was an innocence and deep appreciation for what God had done in their lives, particularly as many had come from broken backgrounds.
This trip stood out from my previous mission trips because it involved Thai members from one MMS field reaching out to another. These individuals had previously been non-believers but had since come to Christ, grown in their faith, and dedicated their lives to short-term missions. Remarkably, they had also diligently raised funds for the trip, largely through working at Daniel’s Burgers Cafe ministry.
This trip stood out from my previous mission trips because it involved Thai members from one MMS field reaching out to another.
Short-term missions is a key strategy for LCMC in discipling the youth, opening their eyes to the ministry calling, and training them to become future leaders in the church. Our next trip is planned for Manila in March 2025, where we will serve in slum ministries. In addition to overseas missions, LCMC is committed to local outreach, partnering with other MCA churches in Thailand. In recent years, we have sent youth teams to Nong Bua Lamphu MC and Chaiyaphum MC, and we also have a trip planned for Christ Methodist in Khon Kaen in February 2025.
As a former youth pastor in Melbourne, Australia, I had the privilege of leading three trips a year over seven years to Thailand with my youth group. I witnessed around 20 out of 70 youths under my care eventually commit their lives to full-time ministry after their experiences with short-term missions. I believe the same impact can be made on our Thai youth as well. All glory be to God, the Lord of the Harvest!
About Methodist School of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A school established by MMS to provide education for Cambodian children from nursery through Grade 12. Coursework is aligned with the Khmer National Curriculum, with added instruction in English, IT, and Christian Education. (www.methodist.edu.kh)
About Community Outreach Services – Immanuel (COSI) Children’s Village, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
A children’s home established by MMS for orphans or children from poor, difficult, and challenging backgrounds. It provides an opportunity for holistic development so that the children may attain their fullest potential. (www.facebook.com/100064024061134)
