Summary: <br> <a href="http://engagingmissions.com/em024-insights-teacher-thailand-coffee-shop-samara-murtaugh/insights-from-a-teacher-in-a-thailand-coffee-shop-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-1273"></a>This week's guest is Samara Murtaugh I connected with her through <a title="EM014: Helping Missionaries Manage Their Support with Paul Yoder of DonorElf" href="http://engagingmissions.com/em014-helping-missionaries-manage-support-paul-yoder-donorelf/">Paul Yoder</a> of <a href="http://donorelf.com">Donor Elf</a> and it’s great to be able to talk with her.<br> Samara is originally from the US but is currently teaching 1st grade in Thailand. While that may not seem like a mission to some, it’s a great opportunity to get to know people on their own turf. And it’s an amazing opportunity to share the love of Jesus with people.<br> As you listen, I believe you'll be challenged by what she shares and inspired by her enthusiasm.<br> <a href="http://engagingmissions.com/em024-insights-teacher-thailand-coffee-shop-samara-murtaugh/scripture-is-alive/" rel="attachment wp-att-1263"></a><br> Life in Ministry<br> Prior to leaving for Thailand, Samara studied art and never really considered being a teacher. Now, about two years into her time in Thailand, she is heavily involved in ministering to young children in a lower-income part of town. Many of the students come from families in the mountains and would not have the same education opportunities if the school was not there.<br> She lives about twenty-five minutes outside of Chiang Mai city in a house with several other people. Most everything they need is within walking distance and most “comforts” are available one motorbike ride into the city.<br> Key Scripture<br> Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<br> Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.<br> Philippians 4:6-8<br> Challenge<br> After Samara had been at School of Promise for only a couple of months, two of the students had to relocate and were unable to find suitable housing. Because they needed a place to stay, they lived in the same house as Samara for over ten months. But then things took a surprising turn.<br> Revelation<br> Samara's call and commitment to her time in Thailand is to be a church planter. Not in the sense of creating congregations and buildings but by raising up believers and discipling them.<br> Since so much of her time is taken by her job as a teacher, it can sometimes be hard to reconcile the calling on her life with how much time she spends with children. But God reminded her of something.<br> In our chat, she shared the story of a time when that investment started to pay off. And what she shared reminded me of the time I spent talking with <a title="EM016: Church Planting Multiplication with Jay Judson" href="http://engagingmissions.com/em016-church-planting-multiplication-jay-judson/">Jay Judson</a> and <a title="EM010: Serving God’s Leaders Around the World with Rich Frazer" href="http://engagingmissions.com/em010-serving-gods-leaders-around-world/">Rich Frazer</a>.<br> Current Ministry<br> One exciting change has been a recently formed small group for teenage girls. They have seen remarkable openness and vulnerability among the girls, which is very uncommon in Thai culture.<br> Significance in the Marketplace<br> Take the opportunity to offer prayer to people who are sick or in need. It's uncomfortable but it can really change things.<br> Level Up<br> <a href="http://engagingmissions.com/em024-insights-teacher-thailand-coffee-shop-samara-murtaugh/if-youre-a-christian-the/" rel="attachmen..."></a>
