As 2001 draws to an end we are faced with an opportunity to reflect on the past year. We are grateful to God for you, as you have worked along side us this past year through your prayers, letters of encouragement and gifts. We, as a result of our joint efforts, and more importantly the grace of God, have seen God's blessing in our lives and the lives of those around us. We trust that you too have seen that, in your part of the world.

Christmas is behind us - the outreach event went well with many people attending. We slipped up and only had seating for just over 200, leaving many standing. The show went well and was generally enjoyed. After it was over, the stage collapsed and put away, we sat on the floor of the church with the church members and ate sticky rice and larb, a wonderful spicy meat dish. We were able to be more specific with our English classes reading the Biblical account of Jesus' birth and giving them a very well written and challenging booklet about the meaning and purpose of Christmas.

Our Christmas service was a little different as we had the fellowship split into small groups and act out the Christmas story in segments. After each act, one of the group would ask the rest of the congregation some questions and it was wonderful to hear different folk talking about how we need to be as "excited as the shepherds", and as "willing to give as the wise men" – it sure beat a sermon.

Christmas Day was on a weekday and as we had no classes scheduled: we took the day off; rounded up a couple of Western singles; dug out the tablecloth and napkins; imported some spuds from the big city; declared a rice-free day and had a Christmas dinner, which I will admit wouldn't hold a candle to Mom's but went down well.

Eck a new Christian (about 9 months) gave us all a Christmas present by asking to be baptized on Christmas morning. We have been impressed by his commitment and willingness to be involved. It was a joy to see Tom baptizing him.

Umpai and her kids have been coming regularly and her husband phones us often to say hello and let us know he is still interested. Umpai initially seemed to like to visit Jan, but now has moved into the greater circle of the church, which is great.

We are finishing the year off with a party and a time of prayer. Here are some of the specifics we will be praying for:

Eck's Mom and Dad. His mom comes over fairly regularly, and his dad who is a long haul truck driver.

Umpai, Niam and their family - Our prayer is that they will make a commitment to Christ as a family.

We have a team of young people from the UK joining us for three months at the beginning of the year. - Please pray that they would have a positive influence as they teach in schools and are generally involved here.

The witness of the church in the community.