A Week-Long Mission Trip to Thailand

My wife and I volunteered to help out in a missionary conference in Thailand for one week. This was our first time to be there so we really didn’t know what to expect. It was a 15-hour flight from Los Angeles, California and a 5-hour road trip to the conference center.

Story and photos by guest writers Scott Green, Kim Green and friends.

Thirty-one missionaries serving in South East Asia came to this spot for this annual conference. These dedicated individuals deserve immense appreciation for leaving behind the comforts and conveniences of their home countries—often easier lifestyles with stable routines, familiar communities, and modern amenities—to venture into Asia and spread the gospel. Their selflessness in facing cultural adjustments, language barriers, and sometimes challenging living conditions truly inspires us, as they commit to sharing faith and hope in regions far from their own.

Our main job was to create a program, organize and take care of the young missionary kids while their parents attended their grown-up meetings. We called this project the Banyan Tree Kids.

This set of kids posed unique challenges because many of them came from inter-racial missionary parents so their perspectives were different from the locals. The kids knew each other and treated each other as cousins so it was like we were part of a family reunion. In retrospect, a teaching team of four would have been ideal. To say that we were blessed by their eager energy and innocence is an understatement. We learned so much about full time missionary life and being a child of a missionary. What beautiful people.

The weather was balmy. Unlike the big cities like Bangkok, the coastal compound we stayed in was clean, secure, orderly, and beautiful. Beyond our serene retreat, Thailand offers an incredible array of attractions that make it a dream destination for travelers. From the bustling streets of Bangkok, home to iconic sites like the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, to the northern charm of Chiang Mai with its ancient temples and vibrant night markets, the country blends rich history and modern energy. Nature lovers can explore stunning national parks like Khao Sok, where lush rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife await, or island-hop along the Andaman Sea to pristine beaches in Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui for scuba diving, snorkeling, and crystal-clear waters. Cultural experiences abound, such as visiting historical ruins in Ayutthaya or joining lively festivals that showcase Thai traditions.

The food was glorious. We had never seen so many rice dishes, but Thailand’s culinary scene extends far beyond that—think spicy street food like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and fresh tropical fruits from bustling markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok.

If you ever plan to visit Thailand, it would be nice to have a guide but you can discover things by yourself. The residents are used to tourists. It’s safe. The people are welcoming, known for their warm hospitality and smiles that make every interaction feel genuine. Whether you’re seeking adventure through ethical elephant sanctuaries, relaxing on powdery sands, or immersing in spiritual sites, Thailand truly has something for every type of traveler.

There was something deeper and special bonding with these families. Inspired by this adventure, we are pondering an India tour to visit the multiple missionaries we know there.

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

— Mark 16:15