As doors opened for our annual Christmas outreach event, people streamed in steadily. We were prepared for 150 people, but we ran out of gifts and seats even before the event started. The people were not deterred – they wanted to be part of the celebration, and they continued coming in!
Our prayers for city impact
As the deputy mayor of Chiang Mai city came to grace the event, we saw the shocked faces of our attendees. Who are we that the deputy mayor would take notice and be part of this celebration? Even though our staff team knew that he was coming, we had no idea how to host such a VIP well. We did what we could, and the smile on his face as he did the opening ceremony assured us that we did well.
It was chaotic to have our community center packed beyond capacity, yet we all felt the majestic peace of the Lord in the place. The sky went dark, threatening a storm, yet everyone seemed unfazed. It rained the day before, and our stage and chairs were all wet. When we felt drops of water on our heads, we looked at each other with that knowing gaze. We chose to trust that God will keep our event dry.
10 years of God’s goodness
True enough, we had the best weather of the month to celebrate Christmas and BDR’s 10th anniversary. 205 people heard the Gospel message that day through evangelistic door gifts, dramas, and song performances!
One highlight was having our adult faith group serve alongside the RiverLife mission team. Together, they put up a beautiful performance of Christmas songs. We are so proud of their step of faith and courage to share the gospel through song and dance for the first time. They also served as ushers, welcoming the community to the event. Our youth group also helped with event set-up, the first time in our history.
The joy of salvation!
On top of this, we saw one of our adult faith group members giving her life to Jesus! One of our cell group members brought her along for cell and she’s been joining us since the middle of the year. We could see the excitement in her eyes and her friend’s joy as they prayed together and received the Lord into her life. It’s especially amazing to see our disciples making disciples that make disciples!
Thank you RiverLife mission team
We thank God for the mission team from RiverLife Church who came to support us for this Christmas party outreach. In preparation for the Christmas party, the team went caroling in the neighbourhood, befriended our adult faith group, and encouraged our staff and volunteers. They joined us in being God’s hands and feet, bringing the Good News to the community.
Thank you dear friends for supporting us in prayer and finances. If only you could be there with us at the party! But we know that you champion us and trust us as we serve in a foreign country. With your love, we can continue, even when it gets challenging. It’s been a really busy December and we finally get to rest after all the outreach and projects have wrapped up!
Here’s how you can pray for us:
1. Pray that our staff will be well rested over the Christmas break, after a really intense 2 months of back-to-back work
2. Pray for our ministry leaders meeting next year in the first week of January, that we will hear God’s voice clearly and be united in Spirit
3. Pray for our ministry retreat in the 3rd week of January, that our whole staff team will catch the vision of God’s heart for the Santitham community, and serve in unity
4. Pray for provision of funds as we send 2 of our staff for DTS (more will be shared in our next newsletter)
BDR 10th anniversary video
This year, we celebrate 10 years of ministry in this neighbourhood. Through God’s grace, we remain steadfast to our vision of helping communities fulfil God’s purpose in their lives, and our mission of being a safe place for everyone to experience the perfect love of Jesus. Here’s our 10th anniversary video for you to enjoy.