I don’t believe. Never have.
As I’m writing this there are less than 10 hours left of 2024.
2024 started with some pruning. Friendships were ended, changed, started. Some of it was out of obedience, some of it simply due to the season of life we are in. All of it was good. There were changes in my family, my health, my walk with the Lord. I grew as a person, a speaker, and a missionary. 2024 is ending with the sprouts of growth that came from the pruning.
I got to Thailand two days before the lantern festival, two weeks before Thanksgiving, and 6 weeks before Christmas. Some people are wondering why I didn’t wait until after the holidays to go to Thailand. Here’s why…
Let me back up a little.
I was tempted to title this “Santa Sucks”. But I decided against. I don’t believe in Santa. Never have. I remember writing Jesus birthday letters and putting them under the tree as a kid.
Let me preface this by letting you know I am not judging anyone. I’m simply sharing my thoughts/feelings/experiences about Santa.
As I got into adulthood and working with children I noticed how much emphasis parents put on Santa. Christmas became a time of year when children were disciplined or had expectations on them that weren’t there throughout the year. Christians are no exception. The lengths people go through to make sure their kids believe in Santa never made sense to me. I always wondered why Christian parents pushed belief in Santa seemingly more than belief in Christ. Rather than teaching children to live a life of conviction and grace throughout the year, they were teaching them to behave so that they can get presents.
But the biggest issue I have with Santa is that he doesn’t visit all the children around the world. It makes us feel good to think that and to tell our kids that. But it simply isn’t true.
That’s why I didn’t wait until after the holidays. That’s why I am here. To get to love on the children and to bless their families. To let them know that Jesus sees them and loves them. What better time to be here than to celebrate the birth of Christ - Immanuel, God with us. It’s my favorite time to be here!
From Buddhist to Believer
The first and third Sunday we have a church service. The second and fourth Saturday we have a Bible study.
I wish I could tell you the testimonies of each of these new believers. At the Christmas bible study each of us shared part of our testimony and something we are thankful for. Let me tell you, it was everything in me to not cry as I listened to their stories. I will never experience the hardships these people face. They choose Jesus over and over again. They inspire me.
Would you be interested in hearing their testimonies? Maybe I can share a testimony with each newsletter? Let me know what you think!
Christmas outreach
I had a smile on my face the whole night. Seeing the kids playing and having a good time warmed my heart. It started raining about 45 minutes before the program started. It was a bummer at first but, it forced us all to stay under the awning. That kept people from leaving or wandering off. Nearly 200 people were there. It was a great time!
Here’s to a great 2025
I pray that you will experience all that the Lord has for you in 2025!
I will be turning 45 in May. I want to be my best self and keep getting better. I want to continue to grow in my knowledge of the Word and in my faith. I want to continue my physical health journey by eating well and doing strength training. Along with being intentional about my spiritual and physical health, I am also focusing on my mental and emotional health with a life coach. I am more motivated than ever to learn Thai. I have plans and dreams for the community center and the village. Through all of this my greatest desire is for Jesus to be made known in Thailand.
Here’s to a great 2025!
I will be sending newsletters every 3-4 months. If you want to know more about the community center, markets, what it’s like driving a motorbike, etc. let me know! I want to make sure you enjoy reading my newsletters.
I’m still working on furnishing my house. By the time my next newsletter comes out it should be ready to share with you. I am loving this house! It’s better than I could’ve asked for.
Happy New Year!
