In 2010, Dema and Carolyn, and their children Grace and Daniel joined our organisation from Mizoram in India.

We have been deeply enriched by their presence in our mission community. To mark their 15th anniversary of service, Jane Norman from our National team chatted with Dema and Carolyn.

Jane: Dema and Carolyn, what are some thoughts that come to mind as you look back on 15 years serving in Thailand?

Dema and Carolyn: Looking back over the years, we see that life has been a mixture of joys and sorrows, successes and failures, peace and chaos. Yet in every season, the Lord’s hand has been with us. He has never left us, not even for a single moment—even when we did not recognise His presence. When we think about it, the image of the “puanchei”, our Mizo traditional handwoven wrap-around skirt, comes to mind. It is beautifully made with many bright colours, yet it is the black threads woven into it that bring out its full beauty.

In the same way, the dark and difficult times in our lives have become an integral part of our journey. Those very moments of brokenness and helplessness have been when we felt God’s love and grace the strongest. They remind us that we are nothing without Him, and that everything we have is by His mercy.

Jane: What have been some of the highlights?

Dema and Carolyn: Witnessing people come to faith and seeing faith communities established in areas where there was previously no Christian presence are key highlights. As we look back, one of the greatest joys of our journey has been walking alongside our Thai brothers and sisters—through both the joyful times and the difficult ones. We’ve seen many of them open their hearts to Jesus, and to be part of forming small communities of faith has truly been a privilege.

Learning to speak the Thai language made such a difference, because it helped us begin to see the world through their eyes, to understand their culture more deeply, and to grow in real trust and friendship together. Along the way, the Lord also allowed us to experience so many new things—planting and harvesting corn and rice, working in the vegetable fields, cooking Thai food, and even learning how to make kratongs from banana stems and leaves, decorated with flowers. Each of these moments, big and small, has been a reminder of God’s faithfulness in weaving our lives together.

Jane: If you could talk to yourselves 15 years ago, what advice would you give?

Dema and Carolyn: Don’t wait too long to communicate with people, even if your language skills feel limited. People are far more gracious and understanding than you might think, and they don’t easily take offence at mistakes. What matters is the courage to try and the willingness to connect. We would also remind ourselves to always look for opportunities and be intentional, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel—not only through our actions, but also through our words.

We would also encourage ourselves to slow down and take the time to watch, observe, and learn before making decisions or judgments. Seek to understand why people speak or act the way they do, because behind those words and actions are stories and reasons that, once known, will help you grow in empathy, patience, and deeper relationships.

Jane: What is your dream for your local community in the next 15 years?

Dema and Carolyn: Seeing people come to faith and having a vibrant, self-governed, self-supporting, selfpropagating, and self-theologising faith community.

Jane: How can we be praying for you and your local community?

Dema and Carolyn: We would value your prayers for these things:

• Personal: Good health, strength, wisdom, and discernment to love and serve like Jesus and follow God’s will.
• Children: To live lives worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all things.
• Team: Unity and guidance from God.
• Community: That the light of Jesus will shine, bringing freedom from sin and fear, and establishing God’s Kingdom.

We thank God for Dema, Carolyn, Grace and Daniel and their faithful contribution to people experiencing God’s love. Let’s uphold them as they mark this special ministry milestone. And thank you to everyone who has supported them through prayer, giving and encouragement.