Mary Jin, a student at Singapore Bible College, came alongside us for the 20–24 November English Camp at Kathy’s Home upon Georgina’s invitation. It had been a good many years since Georgina last joined us on this mission and it was a privilege to have both of them with us this time. We hope that Mary’s reflection below will also spur you on to join us for our next trip to Pua taking place from 5–9 February 2026.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Hi, my name is Mary. I grew up in China and came to Singapore last year to study at Singapore Bible College. By God’s providence, I came to know Georgina from GBC, and through her invitation, I joined this Pua trip, which is something that was never in my original plans. Yet through the Lord’s amazing guidance, I had the privilege to be part of this short-term mission and gained far more than I expected.

*The faithful team: (clockwise from top left) William, Mak, Narola, Kathleen, CC, Kim Song, Grace, Beh, Mary, Georgina and Siew Kim.*

Although I have been on mission trips in Thailand before and have experience teaching English, this was my first time serving and going to a children’s hostel. However, what surprised me the most was that the entire mission team consisted of retired seniors—something completely different from every short-term mission team I had joined in the past. I always assumed that mission trips were mainly for young and strong adults because of the long travel and demanding activities. But then I saw these elderly uncles and aunties—around the age of my own grandparents—climbing the stairs slowly just to teach their classes, coping with the Thai kids and teaching them with patience and love. Witnessing their willingness to serve the Lord with such love deeply encouraged me.

*It has been close to 8 years since the Lenns set up Beacon Hall, a hostel in Chiang Mai for the ethnic minority university students (eg Hmong), and William is still going strong at 84 this year!*

Not only were the team members inspiring, but the stories of the missionaries serving in Thailand also touched my heart. Hearing how Kathy’s Home and Beacon Hall were started, and seeing how God is using them to bless the Thai children and their families, reminded me again of God’s amazing love and the beauty of a life fully offered to Him.

The children at Kathy’s Home were also adorable. Watching them learn reminded me of myself when I was learning English back then. I couldn’t help but feel happy for them—to be given such an opportunity to learn English and have exposure to other cultures so early in life. Right before we left, I encouraged them not only to receive blessings but also to become people who share blessings. I pray that God will use their time at Kathy’s Home to shape them, so that wherever they go in the future, they will become channels of blessing to others.

The children were excited and all ears as Narola coaxed them into speaking in English to get their share of freshly-made popcorn during a break in the English Camp. The team from Singapore also bought thermo flasks for all 32 children as Christmas present.

This Pua trip has truly been amazing and inspiring. God’s leading went far beyond anything we could have planned or imagined. To see Him bring together people of different countries, cultures, and ages to fulfill His Great Commission—and to be included in His wonderful plan—is truly a privilege and honour.