Reasons to Give Thanks

Mid-November typically finds us scurrying around preparing for the opening of second semester. We plan a retreat to the mountains, and fun activities to welcome students back to Thammasat. I never have to conjure up reasons to give thanks at our Thanksgiving dinner because grapevine fills up with wonderful smells and overflows with students. This November Grapevine

overflowed again - with water.

Learning that the flooding in Rangsit would not only postpone the second semester for two months, but also cancel our Thanksgiving party, I felt disappointed. I always love the November activities. And yet, the more we waited through the flood the more I realized the blessing of rest. This year, we had plenty of time to prepare for the second semester and refocus on the importance of what we do. The time has given us the opportunity to get to know our church community better, to reach out to victims of the flood, and get to know student volunteers.

And not only did we get a chance to relax, we came up with a great theme for our second semester Souper Tuesdays - HOLIDAYS! We'll celebrate a different holiday every week, and find out what lessons God can teach us through these celebrations. The good news is there's always a reason to give thanks.

The flood has wrecked our plans, but we thank God that He promises to guide and teach us if we come to Him with willing and grateful hearts.

Talent Night

Before September 22, I thought grapevine had plenty of talented people. After September 22, I KNOW grapevine has plenty of talented people. We had singers and jugglers, speakers, artists, dancers and musicians. The staff started the evening off with a exciting interpretation of STOMP. Several students sang songs in various languages including Japanese, Thai and Italian. The exchange students performed a thrilling dance routine, and we thought the night was over. But the display of talent continued with impromptu interpretive dancing to Disney songs.

(above) Michael, Mic and Boat performing "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore"

. . . Alleluia

RATS!

So how do you keep the rats from getting into your lean to style kitchen?

- adopt "Grapevine" the Cat

- purchase rat trap and release the little animal on the other side of the dangerous road every morning

- POISON!

- Just live and let live

We simply don't know what to do. But the rats have certainly moved in and made themselves at home. I guess it's true that grapevine is the place to be!

Graduation!

Some of the Grapevine family joined BANK (staff and alumni) in celebrating his graduation.

International Night

On August 25th, Grapevine enjoyed a night filled with delights from around the world.

Guests dressed up in ethnic costumes from various cultures, cooked and ate international foods,and played games that tested their knowledge of different countries. Several nationalities were represented including Germany, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. America had several representatives as well, but Thailand boasted the most students.

Make New Friends and Keep the Old

A few weeks ago the Grapevine family welcomed in a group of special guests from Michigan. Fourteen young adults from His House Christian Fellowship in Mt. Pleasant stopped by Thammasat after a four week missions trip to Cambodia. The His House friends brought lots of energy to our outreach events on campus (art, games, and advertisement with the rickshaw) and shared their stories with us during Tuesday night Bible Study. Through dance parties and sports on campus our campus ministries were able to connect and bless each other.

THANKS HHCF!

Love Your Neighbor

New Exchange Students and G-Force Student Leaders take time on their Sunday afternoon to teach basic English to children in the slums. The children enjoy learning through games, songs, stories and crafts.

What's Up?

- The sky . . .

- Nothing much . . .

- The start of a new school year

We started off the year with 59 students at a great party and Bible study. Here's some pictures of what was up.

(what's up?) a window mural of sticky notes answering that question

(what's up?) students hanging out and playing games before the meal

(what's up?) music, a quick talk from the Bible, and crazy games

Floods

I started crying in the middle of the mall the other day. Well, mall isn't actually the best word since for many of us it conjures up pictures of giddy teens hanging out at the food court, while SIAM PARAGON - the most prestigious shopping experience in Bangkok - feels more like a pristine marble palace. Surrounded as I was by high fashion (Gucci,Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton) and fast cars, (BMW, Porche, Ferrari) I felt slightly conspicuous with tears pouring down my cheeks, but I couldn't stop myself. In the very middle of this premier shopping center, I found a gallery displaying photos of the recent flooding in southern Thailand. Pictures showing houses and lives in destruction contrasted oddly and uncomfortably with the wealth so near to me. I cried not just for what they had lost - homes, family, life, businesses - but I cried also for what we had not given. I cried for what I had not given.

As we do campus ministry in Thailand, I find myself, the staff, and students of this ministry dealing with the issue of materialism far too often. The problem isn't just about stuff, but about the self-centeredness that leads to a materialistic attitude. Many American people assume that we don't deal with these issues in "missions," but the need to succeed and make money is a global problem. Students here at Thammasat University know that they've been accepted into one of the top ranking universities in the country, and they know their parents expect them to become doctors, lawyers and engineers so that they can live the high life. A campus community can ignite a passion for selfless surrender, in much the same way that a photo gallery in the middle of a fashion parade can stir a selfish person to tears.

This desire to impact Bangkok through students has always driven our ministry, The Grapevine, since it's founding 8 years ago. We see lives changing as our student leadership grows and our alumni move out into the city. These students, many of whom are not yet Christians, nurture community growth because they have experienced a difference in their own lives, and want others to experience the difference of living for someone other than oneself. The staff often tells them that “the grapevine is about God's love reaching out through us to draw other people in,” and they've taken that responsibility seriously.

It's a modest sort of ministry, because that's what we're seeking to reproduce - modesty and genuine interactions. Parties and Bible studies take place in a simple yet creative storefront, free food and English provide the appeal, and the Bible lays the moral foundation. But it is the "photo gallery" experience and seeing life from God's point of view that makes our student community so important. We hope to give our students a picture of "others," that will compel them to tearful action in the midst of a selfish world.