How is that possible? This year we trusted God for more people to attend our Christmas Outreach, and we made provision for 140 people. Yet as the event started, we saw people streaming in steadily, and as the numbers increase to 150, 160, 170, we were already out of gifts and seats.
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 definitely 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 look at each other with that knowing gaze. We choose to trust that God will keep our event dry!
Overflowing with God’s goodness
True enough, we had the best weather of the month. As the event officially began, we had a turnout of 205 people. And they all get to hear the Gospel and celebrate God’s goodness with us in our 10th anniversary of BDR. Even though our door gift ran out, people continue to flood in; which really testifies to our community’s heart to be a part of our celebration.
The joy of salvation!
On top of this, we saw one of our adult cell group members giving her life to Jesus! One of our cell group members brought her along for cell and she’s been joining us ever since the middle of the year. We could see the excitement in her eyes and the joy of her friend as they prayed together and received the Lord into her life. It’s especially amazing to see our disciples making disciples that make disciples!
The impact of short-term missions
We thank God for the mission team from RiverLife Church that came to help us in the organization of this Christmas party outreach. In preparation for the Christmas party, they sang Christmas carols at the houses of the families we serve, and encouraged our staff and volunteers. They joined us in being God’s hands and feet, bringing the good news of the Gospel into families!
Thank you, dear friends who pray for us and give to us financially. 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 after all our projects and outreaches are done, we finally have some rest time!
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)