Well, today is the day of departure.
Did the time pass quickly? Amazingly so.
Was it a great trip? Amazingly so.
Are we glad we came? Bet you guessed the answer to that one!
All the rest are still asleep, but since the Lord has awakened me early, it seemed like the perfect time to wrap up our past 33 days.
The highlight was most definitely being privileged to share Jesus with those precious village folk. Language has it's barriers, but the love of Christ has none... He has broken down every wall. Hand clasps, hugs, smiles, gestures and gifts given from the heart of God are all well-understood.... the bond is eternal. Each is held closely to our hearts and most definitely, the heart of our loving and living Lord Jesus.
The last stop was where a young leader had been led to initiate a Good News Club in March. It started out with a small number, of course. The Lord has multiplied those numbers. The number in attendance at our visit on Christmas Eve Day was about 300... which, praise God, would include some parents.
About a dozen teenagers are effectively serving as leaders for the Good News Club.
 |
| From Dec '09 Web |
We five were joined by a Norwegian family of five whose talented, friendly, gifted children range in age from 12 to 17.
Also, an Australian family had a connection with a mutual friend and added a great dimension to a rich presentations in word and song...
The Lord gave us a violinist, guitarist, unicylist, and a simple and most powerful skit. 'His electricity' was in the air, I can still feel it and almost shiver with joy even now! Our talented 12 year old Norwegian boy even entertained with his unicyle!!! Seems everything on stage received response of great applause from those little ones which brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes, even now.
The Norwegian children and two of us found ourselves chatting late into the night on Christmas Eve. Together we laughed, sang, reminisced and gave thanks to our great God for the privilege to be part of this last outreach. The upshot??? This was the BEST Christmas ever!
The night before, 10 of us had packaged over a thousand little gifts... hygiene packages, small toys, sweet treats, candy canes, umbrellas (for Thailand's intense rain or shine), sports equipment, etc. At day's end, untold number of little hands excitedly reached out to eagerly receive the smallest of gifts. No wondering who was most blessed... we are quite cetain that it was us. When Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive", He surely was correct (yes, I agree, "He IS ALWAYS correct.)
Oh, to the Bethany Lutheran ladies............there was such need for the baby layette that we divided it to share with three new mommies in attendance. Yes, pictures taken for you.
Just a little aside. The Norwegians and we were blessed to be housed in an empty rental home sleeping on mattresses, some screaming throughout those cold showers and having a super time. What could be the backyard to the building is a large tin shed on a small plot of barren land beside a little pond. Early one morning, Hank and I were standing out on the balcony and noticed a little lady drawing water from the pond with a bucket.
We called it to Anders and Lori's attention. Anders said, "I think we have extra gifts which we can take to her." We looked for and found the little path leading us to her. The only interpreter we had was Jesus love. She pointed to our balcony and we nodded yes. How she smiled at those gifts, especially the umbrella. Oh, the shed? You guessed it, it is her home... and not only HER home, other younger people are living there. At the very last moments of our 3 day stay, we took a bag fruit to her. What a privilege it was to be part of even such a little gesture.
Your prayers for all of the above are coveted. Though the people remain nameless to us... He knows their name, He knows each tear that falls and we can pray that they will know Him one day!
Much love in our living and Loving Lord Jesus,
Hank, Arlene, Anders, Lori and Laurie
See December Photo Album for more pictures
No comments:
Post a Comment