My Trip to Thailand - Stadia International Jonathan Project

Wanted you to have an update on my trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand this past October. It was truly an amazing trip and I'm so appreciative of our Church Planting Network that provided the opportunity for me to participate in this incredible training.

Although the challenge was primarily for those who are actually on the field and effectively reaching unengaged and unreached people groups with the message of Jesus... Graydon & Judy Jessup (of STADIA INTERNATIONAL) allowed me the opportunity to experience the Jonathan Training along with them.

Our goal was to understand what the Jonathan Project was all about and somehow effectively communicate that concept to American Churches so that they can participate in global church planting and life change as well. So here is my 'recap' of the two weeks of training.

Stadia International Jonathan Project - Barry Smith Impact Community Church from Barry Smith on Vimeo.

If you don't see the video above - click here.

Graydon has an extensive Master Plan that he is following to make this a reality. I can't wait for everyone to see how they can participate in global church planting through STADIA INTERNATIONAL.

After viewing the video, if you'd like more information on becoming a world-changer, just email Graydon Jessup at gjessup@stadia.cc or call 714.488.7922. You can also hear more from Graydon at www.graydonandjudy.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/graydon.jessup.

Toilet Paper For Napkins?

Ok, I'll keep this one short... here in Chiang Mai, Thailand, most places use toilet paper for their napkins. For realsies!

Even in some bathrooms, toilet paper is basically used as paper towels. Or, many places share a towel to dry their hands. ONE TOWEL!

Like I said in a previous blog, germs must not be as aggressive in Thailand as they are in America.

However, I will give them some credit for trying. Take a look to the left at this posted sign near many bathrooms. I tell you, I just keep learning and learning and learning during this trip. Gotta love this place!

Thailand Hotel Attempting Church Relevance

This picture is an actual flyer I got in my hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I absolutely love it. In case you can't read it - here are some excerpts.

• Dear My Guest
• Beverage rate in refridgelator
• "another beverage and snake you can buy at office"
• Please bring your cloth to office
• Free coffee in small house every day
• For another question you can ask me later

I think this stuff is so cute. But still... I'm wondering if my "refridgelator" will hold my beverage and "snake" that I buy at the office. And what "cloth" do I take to the office? Is that near the small house with the coffee? I only see a hotel with a clubhouse-sort-of-building. Honestly, I didn't have any questions until I read this unsolicited flyer in my hotel room. The last thing I want to do is get "another question" from this gal later.

Sound familiar? I think many churches, including Impact, can communicate in very similar ways to our 'target market.' As a church in Elk Grove and Sacramento, how many times have we used language that the people we are trying to reach just 'don't get?'

Communication is a KEY to reaching others. How are you doing? Do you use a lot of words like 'blessed' and 'hedge of protection' and 'my walk with God?' I'm really thinking that this type of language is like the well-meaning office manager who put that flyer in my room.

Oh - just so you know, I appreciated the effort of this office manager and  did take her up on doing my laundry. I looked past the miscommunication and to the heart of her message. It was actually helpful. But are our neighborhoods as apt to overlook our miscommunication? If we communicate more intentionally, we won't have to worry about it.

More Elephant Fun - Painting, Soccer, and More...

Like I said in my previous blog - these are the most talented elephants I have ever seen. But you know what? Now that I think of it... I don't think I know of any really smart elephants. I suppose I've never thought of 'talent' and 'elephant' in the same sentence.

One of the most amazing things I've ever seen is an elephant throwing darts to pop balloons. This elepha beat a girl in the audience in dart throwing... truly remarkable.

Elephant Throws Darts at Balloons - Wins vs Girl in Audience from Barry Smith     on Vimeo.

If you don't see the video - click here.

Watch this elephant score a goal against another elephant playing defense.

Elephant Scores Soccer Goal vs Another Elephant from Barry Smith     on Vimeo.

If you don't see the video - click here.

This elephant paints an amazing flower - this entire picture was done right in front of us in less than 10 minutes. I couldn't have done it.

Elephant Paints a Flower with Buds from Barry Smith     on Vimeo.

If you don't see video - click here.

Elephants Kick Soccer Ball in Thailand from Barry Smith on Vimeo.

If you don't see video - click here.

This last one are all of the elephants playing harmonicas and one even has a hoola hoop on his trunk. Outrageous... even a little dancing going on. Seriously - elephant dancing!

Elephants Play Harmonicas and Do Hoolahoop in Thailand from Barry Smith     on Vimeo.

If you don't see the video - click here

Here's the thing... if the trainers in Thailand can get these huge wild beasts to play soccer, paint, play harmonica and other entertaining shenanigans... why can't we get believers in America to consistently read their bible and pray? I know many of you read and pray your hearts out. But... overall... one of the biggest prayer requests I hear about is getting closer to God, praying more, reading their bible more.

Take it from the elephants of Thailand... anything is possible with the right trainer. Hmmm... seems like I've heard that before... maybe a scripture??? The trainer is...

Elephant Show in Thailand

As I quickly approach the two week training of “The Jonathan Project” in Thailand and how churches are being planted by the 100,000’s at a time, I was fortunate enough to meet and hang out with a family that knew my traveling partners, Graydon & Judy Jessup.

This Thai family has showed us the most amazing hospitality ever. Besides some remarkable home-cooked meals in true Thai fashion, they took us to the Elephant Show. I know, I know – ELEPHANTS? It wasn’t on my to-do list, that’s for sure. But seriously… it was a blast.

I would have never guessed in a million years that elephants could be trained to play soccer, harmonica and even PAINT! Yep, four elephants spent several minutes painting right in front of us.

Here are their final pictures as well as some action shots.

      

And by the way, that’s me on that gigantic elephant. Whoa Nelly!