Early lessons in faith

One of my earliest exercises in faith building was back when I was a senior at Baylor being interviewed for a coveted teaching position in Thailand. Later I had to combat equally daunting obstacles when applying to Wycliffe Bible Translators. In both cases God showed himself strong on my behalf and taught me crucial lessons. Both times pride was stripped away when it became apparent that my selection for those positions was not due to my abilities, experience or charm, but solely because God stepped in and moved the hearts of those making the decision.

After the final round of interviews with the top faculty members of Baylor, I desperately wanted to be chosen to teach in Thailand, but I knew what would happen. My friend Meg was a shoo-in. Her grandfather had founded the Bangkok Christian College, and her father was a war hero after fighting to free Siam from Japanese occupation during WWII. Having such a charming descendant of these amazing men would be a great public relations move.

Only one position remained open, and three other applicants were still under consideration. I knew I was not the most likely candidate, but somewhere deep inside I knew that I was supposed to go with Meg to Thailand that year.

While awaiting the phone call with the news of the committee's decision, Meg and I discussed the likelihood that I would not be chosen. At the same time, we searched through my Bible for wisdom and confirmation. Every verse we found highlighted had to do with faith and believing and trusting even when all evidence was contrary to the hope within.

Sure enough, the phone call came just as we expected. Meg was selected and I was not. My reaction was inexplicably calm apart from God's grace. I simply could not accept that this was the final answer after all those weeks of prayer. I don't recall many situations in all my life that appeared more impossible, but deep inside I knew the door to Thailand would open.

The next morning I was awakened by a phone call from Dr. Jivasantikarn, who was in charge of the Baylor-Thailand teacher exchange program. He expressed his personal sorrow and regret that I had not been chosen. He was surprised that I sounded so cheery and optimistic, presuming I would be devastated by the news. I remember telling him in all honesty, "This may sound crazy, but I have not yet given up hope that I might go to Thailand. I have prayed so long and hard, I still believe that God will make a way."

Intrigued by my reply, he asked me to go to his office right away. Once there, he asked me to explain this faith of mine. This was a huge risk since up until then he had not revealed that he, too, was a believer. In fact I wondered if one of the reasons I had not been picked was because I was so vocal about my ulterior motive for wanting to go. My desire was to be a missionary. Being a teacher in Thailand would be a great cross-cultural experience. Dr. J then explained that I was the only applicant who had mentioned my faith during the interview, which is why he wanted me in particular to go to Thailand, live with his family, and show them the Christian life.

One thing led to another, and in the end, the committee reconvened and agreed to reveal the runner-up, which of course was me. Dr. J had already cleared the details with his school in Thailand who agreed they could afford a monthly stipend for a third teacher. The only possible glitch was the airfare, but God had already met this need the night before when a woman from my local church called and told Dr. J that the folks I worked with in the International ministry would pay for my airfare if needed. Both phone calls happened the night before while Meg and I were praying, before we ever heard the results of the committee's deliberation. How cool is that?

Just a few years ago, Jim and I were able to go to Thailand together for some missions meetings and classes, and we got to visit Dr. J and his family. The school where I taught has become truly Christian in principle and has an active campus ministry in place. It was amazing to see what the Lord has done in twenty-some-odd years. I felt privileged to be a part of this work of God.

Jim and me with Dr. Jivasanticarn, Lampang, Thailand 2005