A Full Fellowship of Friends

You know, two years ago, Christmas here was just the missionaries. The Thai staff we had went home to visit their families. But now we have a whole church! Our Christmas parties involve so many folks desiring to celebrate Jesus's birth together. Praise God for this!

The women of the church have enjoyed some good times of fellowship lately. Last Sunday, the church elected me as the new coordinator of women, or something like that. So, I mostly be sure folks lead our gatherings each month. Pray God uses me for his glory and that I might delegate and encourage the women of our church to volunteer and serve! Praise God for the fellowship of believers.

The women of the church got together for a Christmas gift exchange party! In the last year while I have been gone, God has called in so many new members of our church that love and serve our church so generously. Praise God!
Our team won the relay--popping a balloon, eating a dessert, drinking a full glass of water, and then wrapping a present the quickest and most beautifully the fastest!
Some of our staff and members at a goodbye party for a couple interns who left two months ago. What a happy picture!

Pay and Who Jesus Is

As we sat on the tile floor of the church, just finishing Sunday School, I helped Pay draw his Christmas tree on the white paper. While coloring, I wanted to talk with him about Christmas.

Melanie: What is the meaning of Christmas?
Pay: A Christmas tree
Melanie: Hmm...Who is Christmas about?
Pay: Jesus
Melanie: What did Jesus do?
Pay: He made Christmas trees.
Melanie: Hmm...Who is Jesus?
Pay: He is a "poo-sok-sit." Do you wanna go play a game now?

Pay does come regularly to kids' club in our neighborhood, yet he comes from a non-believing home. He doesn't come to our church except when we go pick him up. He's always eager to learn. As you can read, he has a lot still to learn.

I went and asked my Thai roommates afterwards to better explain to me who Pay said Jesus was. He used a word I've heard in Buddhism class at language school explaining things with supernatural powers that you worship. So, he explained Jesus as someone with supernatural powers that can be worshipped to receive what you want. My housemate explained a little to me saying that Buddhism doesn't really have God. So, that's what he understands so far. We need to follow up with him so he understands more about Jesus.

Please be praying for our children's ministry program. We go to their neighborhood on Thursday for a Christmas party for the kids. May God open their ears, hearts, and minds to understand Him!

You Know You are in Thailand when...

...your bus stops on the side of the highway to pick up a coconut!



The coconut seller just chopped off the top of a coconut, put in a straw, and handed it to him through the window. Then we just continued on our trip as he sipped out of his coconut!

Christmas Sightings

Strange but evident signs of Christmas in Thailand are here!

The mall near my language school looks more like they are decorating for Alice in Wonderland? The rabbits? What are they from?


A carved watermelon at a party for some of my fellow language students. One of the language teachers carves fruit for a hobby! She did this one in 45 minutes.
Ok, so me and one of my housemates have christmas-y toes! :)

Tough Song

We sang this song at the prayer meeting yesterday. The words have excellent meaning but are hard to hear because it is about suffering.

I asked the Lord that I might grow
in faith and love and every grace
might more of His salvation know
and seek more earnestly his face.

Twas He who taught me thus to pray
and He I trust had answered prayer
but it has been in such a way
as almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour
at once he'd answer my request
and by his love's constraining power
subdue my sins and give me rest

instead of this he made me feel
the hidden evils of my heart
and let the angry powers of hell
assault my soul in every part

yea more with His own hand He seemed
intent to aggravate my woe
crossed all the fair designs I schemed
blasted my gourds and laid me low

Lord why is this I trembling cried
wild thou pursue thy worm to death?
tis in this way, the Lord replied
i answer prayer for grace and faith

these inward tirals I employ
from self and pride to set thee free
and break they schemes to earthly joy
that thou may'st find thy all in Me.

You Know its Hot When...

...letting your chocolate cakes (straight out of the oven) "cool" before icing them is just an impossible task.

...you sweat while decorating your house for Christmas.

I Once was a Buddhist Nun: Book Recommendation

When I wrote on my Facebook status that I was studying Buddhism in my language school, a Thai friend lent this book to me. I'm only halfway through, but Esther Baker's story of how she became a Christian is powerful. Her search for spiritual truth led her first to become a Buddhist nun. The Lord worked through many circumstances with his supernatural power to help her eyes open to Jesus.

Not only does the book supplement my studies and help me better understand the worldview of Thai Buddhism, but it encourages me in my own Christian faith. I love hearing stories of how God changes people's lives. "I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see." That quote from the song Amazing Grace is how God changes hearts. He opens our hearts up to all the love he has for us through Jesus. I recommend this book.

Please do help me out with other books along this genre. I want to help our team's library to include resources about the religions and worldviews of Thailand.