Introduction
Welcome to our journey of faith and mission. We are the Ja Eue family—Matthew, Alison, Josiah, and Mikaela. We are excited to share how God has called us to spread the love of Jesus among the unreached Isaan people in Northeast Thailand. Our story is one of divine guidance, prayer, and perseverance, and we hope it inspires you to reflect on your own calling and the power of prayer in your life.
A Journey of Divine Guidance
From War-Torn Myanmar to Missionary Calling
Matthew’s journey began in the midst of conflict in Shan State, Myanmar. Born prematurely during a war, his parents dedicated him to serve the Lord. After fleeing to Thailand to escape the violence, God planted the seed of a missionary calling in his heart. This calling was confirmed when he met an American missionary at his Buddhist boarding school. Matthew’s path led him to complete a Bachelor of Theology in Bangkok and receive mission training at James O. Fraser Center, where he met Alison.
Alison’s Path to Thailand
Alison grew up in a godly home with a passion for missions, instilled by her home church, Chapel Ridge Free Methodist Church. After three mission trips to Africa, God redirected her to Thailand for a university exchange. It quickly became clear that Thailand was where God had been preparing her to serve. After Matthew served as the lead pastor in a Thai church for two years, Alison and Matthew got married and began their mission together.
Miracles and Ministry in Northern Thailand
God’s Power in a Shan Village
After their wedding, Matthew and Alison served in a Shan village, Muang Na on the Thailand-Myanmar border. Despite warnings of the village being hard ground, God showed up powerfully. When Sujira, who had been sick for seven years, was healed after their prayers, it led her relative Mae Tong to become interested in Jesus. This miracle sparked a wave of faith in the village, with many experiencing God’s power firsthand.
Reaching Out to Teenagers
One of their focuses was on teenagers, using music, English, entertainment, and food to reach out. Teenagers experienced answered prayers, and some put their faith in Jesus, which opened doors to reach their families. Dtem, one of the teenagers, experienced God’s power when his motorbike started immediately after a simple prayer. He invited Matthew and Alison to pray for his uncle Lung Nae on his deathbed. Lung Nae believed and was healed by God!
The Burden for the Isaan People
A Call to the Unreached
While serving in Northern Thailand, God placed a burden on their hearts for the Isaan people, an unreached group in Northeast Thailand. The Isaan people, marginalized and overlooked, suffer from persistent poverty and have deeply rooted traditional beliefs. With only 0.01% evangelical believers, the need for the gospel is immense.
Vision Trips and Confirmation
Two vision trips to the Isaan region confirmed their calling. They joined Pioneers, a mission organization focused on making Christ known among unreached people groups. They plan to move back to Thailand in March 2025 for their first four-year term, focusing on evangelism, healing prayer ministry, and home church planting in rural villages.
Lessons from Nehemiah: Responding to God’s Burden
The Power of Prayer
Nehemiah’s story resonates deeply with Matthew and Alison. Nehemiah’s burden for Jerusalem led him to pray and fast for four months before taking action. His reliance on prayer and God’s guidance is a powerful example for all believers. When faced with challenges, Nehemiah prayed and trusted God to open doors, just as Matthew and Alison have experienced in their ministry.
Perseverance Through Trials
Nehemiah faced considerable opposition while rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, but he persevered through prayer and practical steps. Similarly, Matthew and Alison have faced spiritual battles and opposition in their ministry. They have seen God’s power overcome obstacles, such as the healing of Sujira and the spiritual battles they encountered in the village.
Life Application
Embrace Your Burden
Reflect on the burdens God has placed on your heart. Whether it’s for children, youth, vulnerable people, or a specific group, turn that burden into action through prayer and practical steps. Just as Nehemiah and the Ja Eue family did, seek God’s guidance and trust Him to open doors.
The Power of Prayer
Commit to a life of prayer. Nehemiah’s story and the experiences of Matthew and Alison show the power of prayer in overcoming obstacles and seeing God’s hand at work. Make prayer a central part of your life and ministry.
Persevere Through Trials
When faced with challenges, remember Nehemiah’s example of perseverance. Trust that God is with you and will fight for you. Take practical steps to address challenges while relying on God’s strength and guidance.
Questions for Reflection
- What burdens has God placed on your heart?
- How can you turn those burdens into action through prayer and practical steps?
- Are you committed to a life of prayer, seeking God’s guidance in all things?
- How can you persevere through trials, trusting that God is with you?
Conclusion
The journey of faith and mission is one of divine guidance, prayer, and perseverance. As you reflect on the story of the Ja Eue family and the lessons from Nehemiah, consider how God is calling you to respond to the burdens on your heart. Embrace the power of prayer, persevere through trials, and trust that God will guide and empower you in your journey. Together, we can bring the hope and love of Jesus to those who need it most.