I first arrived at The Centre in Chiang Mai just after retiring. The plan was to spend two months testing the waters and see if this would be a suitable place where I could serve God for two years. Over fourteen wonderful years later, I still feel I’m where God wants me and I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do!

My weekdays follow the pattern of a morning activity, such as a Thai lesson, or a session at the gym, a weekly Bible study or maybe meeting a friend for coffee. In the afternoon I walk to The Centre, being careful to avoid the dogs lying in the streets. The heat and humidity sap my strength, so I take it easy in the mornings in order to have enough energy for the afternoons and evenings with the students – the best parts of the day. I just love spending time with them.

In the rainy season, it’s common to have bright sunshine one minute followed by a torrential tropical downpour the next, which could last two hours, cause some local flooding – and maybe a power cut too.

The Centre’s students and the rainy season in Chiang Mai

At The Centre, we teach conversational English to students who come from two nearby universities to gain extra language skills which help further their career opportunities. We teach in small groups which helps us build relationships and share Jesus more naturally. The ‘English Corner’ we run in one of the universities also brings in students, some of whom just come to chill, seeing The Centre as their second home.

Once I arrive at The Centre, I spend time chatting to our Thai staff and some of our eight teachers, before heading upstairs to my teaching room. There’s a bit of a lull and then the students start arriving on their motorcycles and the place starts to buzz.

Board games and lively ping pong matches are usually in session downstairs all afternoon and on into the evening, helping students form new friendships and feel part of The Centre’s community. At around 7pm, some of us will wander to the local food market for a good, cheap stir-fry or some other delicious Thai dish. Each week we hold two social evenings where we eat, play a large group game and/or enjoy an activity. At one of these evenings, someone will share a life story. After this, students will stay and chill, play more games, sing along with a guitar, or just chat.

Janet with some of her students

Buddhism permeates each layer of society and culture in this beautiful country, yet God is definitely at work. Over the years, many Centre students have grown in their understanding of Jesus and some have decided to follow him and risk separation from their families and communities. In the past year we have noticed a significant increase in the number of students showing a real hunger to know more about God and some have started going to Thai churches we partner with. All three of the students who started following Jesus last summer met us at the English Corner two years ago and then started coming along to The Centre six months later.

What a joy and privilege it is to be God’s planters and waterers (1 Corinthians 3:5-6). We feel as if we have front row seats, watching what God is doing in these precious people’s lives. How could I possibly think of doing anything else?!