Sara

Whitehurst


Serving in Thailand, Asia Pacific


Sawatdii kha! Hello!

I teach English at an after school community center in a Buddhist village outside of Chiang Mai. The center exists to invest in the lives of the children in the community. We share the Good News through teaching English and life skills. This helps them to know the value they have because they are loved by God. 

Tuesday - Friday we have short English lessons after school. I also teach English at the local school near the community center. On Saturdays we have children's church for the local kids. During the week in the mornings the staff visit the elderly in the village. 

I am so excited to share with you that we have started a church and a Bible study!

It is such an honor to get help disciple first generation Christians, share communion, and create an environment for unbelievers to explore Christianity. 

Under the resources tab you can find my new and improved website! There you can find updates on all the goings on here in Thailand. 

Looking forward to connecting with you!

Thank you for being part of #MissionThailand! Together we are bringing Hope to the hopeless!

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It’s a beautiful 80 degrees, sunny with blue skies. There’s no crazy traffic or obnoxious hustle and bustle about the town. It doesn’t feel like Christmas but it does feel like Jesus is seeking and saving the lost in Thailand.

This year the theme for our Christmas program was “What is Christmas?”. It was a simple, powerful message. 130 people heard that message and were loved on this year. Would you pray with me that their hearts would be open to the Good News? Would you pray with me that they would find liberation from the burden of striving and hopelessness?

Every mundane task, every routine effort, every time we choose presence over convenience, we're building something deeper than an event. We're building a reputation: these people mean what they say. When it's inconvenient, we show up. When it's hard, we show up. When no one's watching, we show up. And in that relentless faithfulness, Jesus becomes visible, our teaching becomes credible, and trust takes root where it matters most—in relationship.

And that, my friend, is what this is all about.

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I’m not in my 20’s anymore

From mid September to mid December I had the privilege of hosting two interns. A 23 year old from the US and a 29 year old from India. Though I felt every bit of 45, I enjoyed having them here. They both jumped right into ministry and doing life along side me. I am proud of the work they did and I’m excited for what the Lord has next for them!

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1 down. 3 to go.

Can you believe I've already been here a year? Time flies when you're living out your calling! With 3 more years ahead, I know these moments will pass even faster—and honestly, I'm already excited to get back here.

Here's where I need your help: For the past 9 months, I've been walking a financial tightrope. Thanks to incredible supporters like you who've signed up or increased their giving, I'm still here—and I'm deeply grateful!

But I'm still $1,500 short each month. I know your inbox is full and your budget has competing demands. That's why I'm asking you to prayerfully consider making a monthly commitment. 

Every dollar you give helps me to introduce Buddhists to Jesus here in Thailand, to study the language, to eat. No gift is too small—$5, $20, $50, whatever you can do makes a real difference. Your partnership determines whether I complete this 4-year term or have to come home early. I don't want to leave these relationships, this work, or this calling unfinished.

Will you join me in making sure that doesn't happen?

give today!

Merry Christmas from Thailand! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I’m hopeful for all that the Lord will do this coming year. I’m continuing my journey of becoming the best version of myself. I’m making great progress. Well, the Lord is making great progress haha! Blessings to you!


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In May I celebrated my 45th birthday. I also celebrated 10 years in Thailand. It went by fast and slow at the same time.

The short story of how I got here:

I came to Thailand for the first time in the fall of 2012 with Convoy of Hope. The Lord spoke clearly to my heart, “These people don’t know me. They don’t even know my name.” That’s when I began to notice the extreme spiritual poverty all around me. A year later on my way home from the Philippines I stopped in Thailand for a week to visit a friend. She took me to the community center. I saw that it went from thriving a year earlier to barely staying afloat. Again, the Lord spoke clearly to my heart, “I want you to come back here.” That’s when I knew I was not called to Thailand, but called to that village. To the community center. In 2014 I went through the missionary process and arrived in Thailand in May 2015.

Here are some pics of myself and a few kids from 2015 and 2025. It has been a joy to watch them grow up to become amazing young ladies.

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The last two years, especially this past year, I have been intentional about living optimally. That includes eating a clean, animal based diet, doing strength training and muay thai, meeting regularly with a counselor/life coach, and most importantly, being intentional in my walk with Jesus. I am living my best life!

It only took 45 years but, I feel like I’m finally myself. Like I’m finally walking in my purpose. And I’m just getting started!

Part of my purpose now includes:

Being the director of the children’s program at the community center!

I'm honored to be in this new role and I'm looking forward to using my experience to make a difference. I wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for the training and experience I’ve gained by working at schools and daycares, being a school bus driver, and doing childcare from the time I was 13 (earlier if you count taking care of my siblings). I'm excited to bring these skills and experiences to this new role and to see how I can make a positive impact.

To those who saw beyond my doubts and believed in me, believed in my calling, thank you for investing in my potential and helping me become the person I am today.


“With great responsibility comes a great budget.” Or something like that.

I'm honored to be leading the children's program, and I'm grateful for the many donors who have already made generous commitments and donations. I'm committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of these children. But I need your help to make it happen. With a significant shortfall in monthly giving, I'm counting on your support to ensure I can stay on the field. Your ongoing generosity is crucial. If you're already a monthly donor, thank you for your loyalty and trust. If not, please consider starting or re-starting your monthly gift today, or make a one-time donation to help me continue to serve these precious children.

Click the button to give today!

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