A Table For All

One month in Thailand.

I can hardly believe it's already been a month since I moved to Thailand. So much has happened, more than I can easily put into words.

On August 1, I finally moved into my apartment, just a ten-minute walk from the center where our organization is based. God has been so gracious in helping me settle in. For the first time since arriving, life is beginning to find its rhythm.

So what does life look like here?

Every Monday begins with our staff meeting as we pray, plan, and prepare for the week ahead.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, I serve with the Chiang Mai House of Prayer through prayer sets, documentation, and technical ministry. Wednesdays also include English Corner through our university outreach, where we build friendships with local students over conversations and games.

Fridays are for Game Night, a simple evening of fun, fellowship, and a short sharing of God's Word. And on Sundays, I worship with The Journey Church, a congregation led by a Filipino missionary that primarily serves the Chinese community.

Moving forward, some weeks will eventually include village outreaches, community projects, and countless moments that never make it onto a schedule.

Reading through it, it seems like a lot.

But only if you see them as separate activities instead of a way of life.

The other day, while sitting at the back of a motorbike on my way to get my work permit ID for my visa application, a thought quietly settled into my heart.

I grew up in a family that always made room for people.

That's why inviting friends has always felt natural;

"Need a place to stay? Stay with us."

"We're having dinner tonight. Come join us."

"You can stay the night."

My friends were never treated as guests. They became family. And somewhere along the way, their families became mine too. Relationships keep on extending and lives intertwined.

As I thought about this, my mind wandered to Matthew 9.

Right after Jesus called Matthew, the next scene wasn't a sermon. It was a dinner table.

Jesus sat with Matthew and his friends. To the Pharisees, it looked scandalous. To Jesus, it looked like home.

He wasn't merely sharing a meal. He was showing them what the Kingdom of God is like.

Maybe that's why I don't see my life here as a collection of ministries.

Prayer sets.

English Corner.

Game Nights.

Sunday church service.

Village outreaches.

They're not separate events.

They're different seats around the same table.

Because I don't think God brought me to Thailand merely to promote a religion or persuade people to adopt my beliefs.

I think He brought me here to extend His table.

To tell people, through ordinary conversations, shared meals, prayers, games, and everyday life:

"Come. There's room for you here."

The Kingdom of God has always looked like that.

A table where strangers become friends.

Friends become family.

And everyone is welcomed by the Father— a family reunion.

There is always another seat.

There is always room for one more.

Perhaps that is what missions has always been about: extending a family table where there is always room for all.