Stories By Mads

Hi friends!

I can’t believe it’s already been over a month since I landed in Thailand on April 25th! Since arriving, God has filled my days with opportunities to serve, sweet relationships, and so many reminders of His faithfulness. I wanted to take a moment to share what life and ministry have looked like lately — and how you can be praying as this journey continues.

Settling Into Life in Bangkok

After working through some jet lag (thankfully, there are some amazing coffee shops), I jumped right into life and ministry here. I’ve been able to help with English Club at the University, teach scripture to others, both believers and nonbelievers, study Thai language, and get accustomed to getting around Bangkok!

A big milestone early on: I moved into my own apartment! Living alone in such a massive city has been an adjustment, but I’ve come to really enjoy it. I’m walking distance from several great coffee shops, and it’s been fun learning how to navigate the city — and the language! Thai is definitely challenging, but I’ve loved learning it and using it in everyday conversations.

Ministry Moments & Travel

One of my favorite parts of the month has been sharing Bible stories with Thai friends who don’t yet know Jesus. Since Thai culture values storytelling, I’ve been learning to communicate biblical truth through stories — it’s been such a meaningful way to connect and point others to the hope of the Gospel.

We also spent about 10 days up north in Chiang Kham and Chiang Mai. In Chiang Kham, we partnered with a local school and orphanage, where I got to share with 60 kids about how we are sheep who need a Shepherd. In Chiang Mai, we helped at a community center that is in the early stages of becoming a church plant. I also had the privilege of taking updated family photos, filming ministry update videos, and creating new prayer cards for several missionaries — it was such a joy to help tell their stories.

On top of all that, I celebrated my 24th birthday here in Thailand! It was such a sweet reminder of God’s kindness to allow me to spend my birthday in a place that is quickly starting to feel like home.

Creative Opportunities & Strategic Conversations

One unique and exciting opportunity has been working on the design of a Christian tract, specifically created to share the Gospel in red-light districts. The goal is to communicate the hope of Jesus in a culturally sensitive and compelling way — in both Thai and English. It’s been such an honor to be a part of this creative project and to know it will be used in some of the darkest places in the city.

I also got to sit in on a meeting with local Thai pastors, where we talked about the future of missions in Thailand and how missionaries can best partner with the Thai church. The heart behind it all was seeing more churches planted and the unreached reached, not through outside efforts alone, but by strengthening and supporting what God is already doing through the local body. It was deeply encouraging and humbling to be part of that conversation.

Looking Ahead

In the coming weeks, we’re preparing to host two short-term teams — I’ll be helping with logistics, support, and walking with them as they serve alongside our ministry. Please pray that these trips would be fruitful, encouraging to the teams and to those they meet, and ultimately glorifying to the Lord.

Divine Encounters

One story I can’t stop thinking about: while teaching English at a night market up north, I met a girl named Noon. We hit it off, and it turns out she lives just down the street from me in Bangkok — in a city of over 10 million! She isn’t a believer but knows I am, and she’s expressed interest in spending time together. Please pray for our friendship and that God would open her heart to the truth of the Gospel.

Prayer Requests

• Financial Provision: I am still raising about $1,000 to fully cover my time here in Thailand. If you’d like to partner with me, you can give through my giving website or directly through Venmo: @Maddie-Gjorvad. Thank you for considering being part of what God is doing here!
• Wisdom: I am seeking the Lord on what life looks like post-July. Please join me in prayer!
• Relationships: Pray for continued opportunities to meet locals, build deep friendships, and share Christ through both word and action.
• Short-Term Teams: Pray that their time here would be impactful and well-supported, and that they’d leave encouraged and more passionate about God’s global mission.

I truly couldn’t be here without your prayers, encouragement, and support. If you feel led to give, share, or pray – thank you! You are such an important part of this work, and I’m so grateful for each of you.

If you’d like to hear more stories or see some of the videos and photos I’ve been working on, please reach out – i’d love to share!

With love and gratitude,
Maddie