Today marks my third full day at Bangkla Baptist Clinic (fourth day in Thailand), and already I am gaining a deep appreciation for the work being done here. I have been welcomed by people who do not simply work in healthcare, but who serve with the joy of the Lord. Their kindness and service are quiet, steady, and genuine, and speak without needing many words (Thankfully, because I have VERY few Thai words).
My days so far have been spent learning alongside Nok, the medical assistant whose organization and attentiveness keep the clinic running smoothly; Gim, the nurse whose cheerful smile immediately puts patients at ease; and Dr. Doug Derbyshire, whose wisdom and pastoral heart shape both the medical and spiritual vision of this clinic. Through them, I have begun to glimpse the story of this place, which is rooted in an overwhelming desire to shine the light of Jesus in a community where peace can be hard to find.
My daily activities have included assisting nursing staff with patient care, administering vaccines and medication injections, observing pharmacy operations, and serving as a scribe during medical visits. These experiences are strengthening my foundation in primary care practice and deepening my understanding of the Thai healthcare system. What stands out most is the clinic’s emphasis on whole-person care — body, mind, and spirit. Medical treatment is offered alongside prayer, encouragement, and relational presence. It is healthcare grounded in dignity, compassion, and faith.
Outside of the clinic, I am equally grateful for how warmly our family has been welcomed. Both my mom and the children have been embraced by the community here with remarkable kindness. They are trying new foods, learning new customs, and forming friendships through shared meals, gatherings, and play. Watching them adapt with curiosity and joy has been a gift that I am very grateful for, and it serves as a reminder that connection often transcends language and culture.
Another meaningful lesson emerging from these early days is this ministry’s willingness to embrace change. There is an ongoing effort to adapt to shifting healthcare needs in Thailand as well as governmental healthcare oversight. There is a willingness to modify outreach efforts in response to evolving community realities and sensitivity to the Spirit. This posture of growth rather than stagnation has reminded me that service requires flexibility and humility. We are not called to remain static, but to grow, refine, and respond to where God is moving.
These words from Isaiah come to mind:
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19
God is continually at work renewing, reorienting, and opening paths we may not have anticipated. Witnessing this mindset in action has encouraged me to approach this experience with openness and trust, rather than expectation and control.
As these first days continue to unfold, I am thankful for the opportunity to learn, to serve, and to witness God’s presence in both the clinical work and the daily life surrounding it. I look forward to sharing more as this journey continues.