Phil and Ruthie Webb moved to Chiang Rai, Thailand, in Southeast Asia, to serve in an HIV/AIDS home for children in 2005. They took the assignment of being Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) coordinators in 2008. The NCM job is four-fold, covering child sponsorship, disaster relief, community development and HIV/AIDS.
The Webbs have five children and one grandchild: Jeremy (28) - married to Emily; Zac (25) - married to Brittany; Micah (21); Logan-Seth (18); Hannah (13); and new granddaughter, Ruby.
Engage: How did you first recognize God’s call to be involved in missions?
Ruthie: The Holy Spirit started speaking to me about missions and serving Him in a foreign land when I was a young child. Many confirmations over my life regarding this continued until we felt that the time was right for us to "go."
Engage: What are some of the challenges that you face in carrying out your work?
Ruthie: One challenge is the cultural differences and trying to relate with the Thai and other Asian people groups. Although we have studied the Thai language and can engage in conversation, there are still many times when the language barrier can be a huge challenge to our work.
Engage: Please share a story of a significant event or moment that has happened in your current assignment.
Ruthie: Last year, we were invited to be a part and speak at the graduation for the children in a Nazarene children's home in Mae Tang, Thailand. This is a Nazarene boarding home where Lahu Hilltribe children can come and live so they can attend school. [The graduation] was for 6th, 9th, and 12th grade students. Their service was very humble with candles situated on the floor in the shape of a heart, flowers presented to each of them, music and dance that different ones presented, etc. I was overwhelmed with emotion at how each was so very excited for their fellow graduating classmates, how they encouraged one another, but mostly that these kids were sponsored by others so that they could have a uniform, a place to sleep, food and attend school. They are in a Christian environment and even though they have to live away from parents and family, they work hard and learn the love of Jesus and are able to get an education.
Engage: How do you maintain a close relationship with God and your family in the midst of the demands of missionary service?
Ruthie: I spend time in prayer early in the morning before the rest of the family is awake. Reading the Bible, devotionals, Christian books, and do journal writing, as well as listen to Christian praise and worship music to stay in close relationship with my Lord. Each morning our family has devotions together during breakfast. We have prayer just before everyone separates for school and work for the day.
Engage: What are the rewards of what you do?
Ruthie: Knowing that others see Jesus and His love in me. Seeing the people as I walk through a village or market smile and/or speak to me. Helping others and encouraging them along the way. Believing that some of those that God has put in my life will some day be in heaven.
Engage: What are some aspects of the culture where you live that you have come to love or embrace?
Ruthie: The people... especially the children. The food, the simple lifestyle and the warm climate.
Engage: What do you like to do for fun?
Ruthie: Go exploring a new area. Taking walks and bike rides. Photography and writing.
Engage: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Ruthie: That I am a lot like them! :)
Engage: What advice would you have for others exploring a possible call to missions, or embarking on their first missionary assignment?
Ruthie: Pray. Read about missions, missionaries, other cultures; eat/try foods from other countries or the country they will be serving in. Try to listen to the language of the country they will go to via tape/CD or a movie that is in that language just to start getting some idea of what that all sounds like.
Engage: Other comments?
Ruthie: God is good and He has asked all of us to spread the Good News, whether to your next door neighbor, a co-worker, or fellow student, or to travel to another land. Listen and obey whenever you are asked of Him to do so.
