After reopening from almost 3 years of Covid restrictions, closures, and lockdowns and life getting back to normal, my teaching schedule picked up and I spent the year planning, teaching, and scheduling lessons as well as adding free Bible and English Camps to my calendar. I absolutely love teaching and love being with my students! I count it a huge blessing and honor to be welcomed into many of their homes to teach and build relationships and trust with the families. Some of you have asked what it is I actually do. Although I do teach from my home some, I guess you can call me a traveling teacher because I do just that most days of the week. I go from home-to-home teaching students of different ages and levels. Unlike other native English speakers who travel to teach English, I teach at a very discounted price that basically covers the cost of transportation to and from (toll road and gas). If I had the funding, I’d totally do it for free because this is a big part of my ministry. Going to these homes opens doors to minister to and love on children and develop relationships with their families. But sometimes I spend longer in traffic to and from than I do teaching the class I went for. In fact, there have been many days when I’ve spent twice as long or more on the road than teaching. Do you know what that means? It means I have even more opportunities to share about why I’m here! When others know I spend longer driving and planning lessons than I do teaching, they want to know why. When they see how little I charge compared to other native English speakers, they want to know why. They ask what’s in it for you?
Today’s society is very much of a “what’s in if for me” mindset. “What will I get out of it?” “Of what value is it to me?” “Is it really worth it?” They can’t understand why I do what I do. My simple answer of “I don’t do it for me” always surprises them. But honestly, I’m genuinely not looking for any personal benefits. I’m not looking to gain riches or glory or even be considered something special. No. I do it all for God’s glory. That’s why I’m here. Are there days when I don’t feel like getting up in the morning? Yes. Are there classes that don’t go as planned and sometimes end in frustration. Yes. Are there sometimes certain students I’d rather not teach on any particular day? Yes. I’m human and face daily challenges with my humanity and all that comes with it. But you know what? I suck it up, put on my big girl pants, and keep on keeping on because I know the long-term benefits of maybe just one more child coming to know the love of Jesus Christ far outweighs all the challenges and difficulties I face daily.
These classes develop trust between me, the students, and their parents allowing me to continue teaching them. This trust is what has allowed me to open up my home for free Bible camps to these students. Even though they are mostly of Buddhist background, the parents trust me enough with their children to leave them at my house for a 5 hour Bible Camp every month! My Thai housemate doubted me when I shared my plans for the Bible Camp. She said no one would come. But they came. And they keep coming every month! Sometimes more and sometimes less, but there’s almost always at least 4. And oh, the joy it brings my heart to share about the love of Jesus! And to see their excitement to hear the stories each time!
My students are always so interested in the Bible and always ask questions. Those questions sometimes continue being asked days and weeks later during their private lessons or an English Camp. They remember the stories so well and are like sponges absorbing every detail they can. They've even started inviting their friends! This. This is why I do what I do. This is why I may teach for 1 hour but spend more than twice that time driving and preparing for the lesson. Children coming to know the love of Christ is far more valuable than what’s in it for me personally.
Are you interested in hearing more of my story? Guess what! After serving in Thailand for more than 5 1/2 years straight, I’m now in Texas! I will be her until March 30th and am loving seeing everyone! If you’re interested in meeting with me personally, please contact me by email (clmoye77@gmail.com) or by Facebook Messenger to schedule a time. But if we don't get a chance to meet this trip, you can keep up with my story through Facebook as I make regular posts about life and ministry in Thailand.
