“I felt that I was not good enough to do the work He was calling me to do. I still sometimes have those thoughts, but God equips as He calls and works all things for His good.” Grace International School’s Student Ministry Coordinator, Ryan Timlin, has experienced these thoughts and realizations ever since he made one of his most significant life decisions—moving overseas to serve at GIS in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
“During these past two years at GIS, I felt God has given me bigger shoes to fill than ever before. It’s been a stretch but very fulfilling. We’ve all been called to something, and God will fill in the gaps we feel we lack,” says Ryan. Through his experience with Jesus, Ryan has encouraged students in their spiritual walk. “It’s been a joy and privilege to see students go from self-centered to Christ-centered. Many students were unsure of themselves and their faith when I first met them, and I get that because I’ve been there myself. However, those same students have become more confident in Christ over time.” For Ryan, the biggest takeaway and what he desires to communicate with students is “to embrace your identity because God created you in a particular way—wonderfully and fearfully made.”
With the addition of Ryan, the Spiritual Life Office has gained more bandwidth to improve its programs. Existing programs such as The Blessing Directive (TBD), where GIS students become a buddy to a child at a children’s home, and Night Bazaar Evangelism, where students share the Gospel with locals and tourists at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar (NBE), have both had an increase of students joining. Better stories and conversations are being had at NBE while GIS students have found even more genuine ways to connect with the children for TBD, such as hosting a talent show! “The students at GIS are the best students I have ever worked with. Many students are ready and capable to make an impact for Christ but lack the opportunity. I got to provide that through ministries such as The Blessing Directive, Night Bazaar Evangelism, and the Chapel Core team,” says Ryan.
The greatest, most unexpected blessing for Ryan is that taking the step of faith to respond to God’s call overseas has brought together him and his wife, Fah! Fah is a GIS alumni from the class of 2014 and works as the GIS Admissions Coordinator. They got to know each other better when she went to help translate at TBD, and they are now happily married since November 2024.
The vision of Grace International School is for every student to know who they are in Christ, that they will experience a quality education in an inspiring learning environment, and that they will be equipped with a Biblical worldview to impact the world for Christ. God has called Christ-loving staff such as Ryan to become Christian role models for the children of international Christian workers, guiding them on their personal faith journey so that they may grow into Christian leaders who will make a difference in the world.
