Angela Sudermann - Running Water, Living Water

As I write this, Ive been back in the United States for a month. Im back in theroutine of daily life in Pennsylvania, but once again my life has been changed bya few weeks in Thailand. I have been surprised, and I have new people lodged in myheart for eternity. When I think of the ITDP staff, the Lahu in the village, Chrisand Endoo at the guest house, the people who made our travel out of Thailand possible,Mike Mann and the team from the USA, I smile. When I look at the pictures I wantto tell the story of each one to anyone who will listen.

I want to share the story of this small Lahu village and their vision of healthierlives for the community. I want to share how a dedicated group of hill tribe menand women serve in a ministry called ITDP to help villages realize that vision. Iwant to tell people to go to Thailand and experience the wonderful hospitality, theamazing food, and the beautiful country. They should share in the work of Mike Mannas ITDP continues to work with villages through water and sanitation, agricultural,educational, medical projects and much more.

This was the first mission trip that I led. I had never wanted to lead a trip andwas sure I would be horrible at it, but with a lot of help, I did it. Family, friends,colleagues, and my church family were praying for me. My prayer requests had beenfor patience, that my words would be full of grace, that I could make wise decisions,and that I would be culturally sensitive. The American team, the ITDP staff, andthe Lahu villagers accepted each other, learned from one another, and became brothersand sisters of the heart. I learned about myself as I interacted with each group.As a team leader I was delighted by how easily the days progressed and how well everyone got along. As a member of the team, I felt part of something meaningful that wouldchange lives in Thailand and the United States.

Looking back, I think about what I should have done differently. The truth is, therewasnt really much that I did that made this trip what it was. Sure, I designed thebrochure, posted the information on the Internet, and talked about it at conferences,but my words were to open listeners of a team that was handpicked by God. God workednot only in the hearts of eleven people in Oregon, Nebraska, and Indiana, but alsoin the hearts of people in a small village in northern Thailand, a Lahu village withoutrunning water but with a vision of a healthier life. This was a village with a handfulof believers in Jesus Christ and a young Lahu pastor who led them with a vision ofrunning water, and the living water of Jesus Christ flowing through their lives.Both groups prepared for a week which would change their lives forever.

Mike Mann became a special friend, brother, and hero to me and the group. I wouldlead a team with him and ITDP again.

Immanuel, meaning God is with us, describes our week in Bangkok. Although I knewit at the time, I really felt the impact of it when I returned home where Adventhad begun and Immanuel was the theme. Our week in Bangkok was completely unexpected,but never once did we feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or abandoned. At times, I feltlike Paul when he was trying to get into Asia to tell the story of Jesus and keptbumping into obstacles, the difference being that Paul was trying to get in and wewere trying to get out. Brought into a situation where the options were total trustin others or depending on our own devices, it became clear that our own human effortscontinued to be in vain. As it turned out, our way was narrow, defined, and veryclear providing that we took one day and one step at a time, trusting our futureto God and others. When I visualize our time in Bangkok, I see our path lit by prayers,guided by people whose kindness overwhelmed us, encouraged by e-mails, blessed byangels in the form of Chris and Endoo, the guest house and CCT staff, travel agents,van drivers, and train stewards. Immanuel, God with us.

A mission trip isnt finished when we get home; it begins in a new way. Ive heardfrom members of the team who are speaking in churches and organizations in theircommunities. Their passion for Thailand, the hill tribe people, and the work of ITDPcame from heeding that small voice of God that said, GO. I think it was said bestby Shane in an e-mail to me after the trip. He said, Anyway, I have a whole lotto think about and process in my mind and heart. I will never be satisfied with thelevel of mission involvement I had before. No longer can I be happy just throwingmoney at missions. Going means SOOOO much more! It was truly the experience of alifetime, but it was only the first!! Im looking forward to many more mission tripsand a long, fruitful relationship with ITDP.

It was such a privilege to be a part of this experience. I am additionally blessedto be able to work at International Ministries, where I can serve volunteers everyday, helping them follow the call to Go.

If you were moved by the situation of the hill tribe people, there are some thingsyou can do to help.

Support Mike Mann through International Ministries. Purchasing this book is a start.Royalties from the sale of this book go to Mike Manns financial support. Visit www.internationalministries.org/missionaries/mike_mannto read more about Mike and to donate online.

Support the ministry of Integrated Tribal Development Project through InternationalMinistries.

Support the ministry of Annie and Jeff Dieselberg and Nightlight Design, Co. Ltd.Visit www.internationalministries.org/missionaries/dieselberg to read more aboutAnnie and Jeff, and www.nightlightinternational.com to learn more about Nightlightand human trafficking.

Pass this book along, or better yet, purchase another one for a friend. Raise theawareness of the millions of people around the world that do not have access to cleanwater. Without clean water, children die from diarrhea, and other very preventablediseases.

Get children involved! Use the idea of a water project for a Vacation Bible School,Sunday School, or School project. Raise awareness, funds, get connected with a villagein Thailand. Contact International Ministries for more information.

GO! There are several trips a year that go to Thailand to serve with Mike and ITDP.Help bring running water to homes and the Living Water of Jesus to lives.

Email or call 1-800-222-3872 ext 2366 for more information.

Copyright 2009 by Angela Sudermann

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in anyform or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording,or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writingfrom the publisher.

Published by WriteLife Publishing

(An imprint of Boutique of Quality Books Publishing Company)

www.writelife.com

Printed in the United States of America

Photo Credits:

front cover photograph, Michael R. Mann

back cover photographs, EdKimmey (author portrait)

and Georges Kyrillos (Blue Water Candle)

ISBN 978-1-60808-012-0 (p)

ISBN 978-1-60808-124-0 (e)

First Edition

This book is dedicated to Bob, Lauren and Jordan who have loved, supported, and humoredme through all my adventures. I love you!

This book would not have been possible without the participation and inspirationof so many.

First, to God be all the Glory!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, accordingto his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in ChristJesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Now, in no particular order

Reid Trulson, and all of my colleagues at International Ministries. It is a joy toserve with you.