Dear Partners in Ministry,
It happens very quickly here. One week the fields are green and growing and the air is hot and heavy. The next the fields are yellow and ready for harvest and there is a distinct chill on the air. Actually it happens so quick that the harvest is almost done and the chill has turned into cool evenings and cold mornings. We were able to get into all parts of the harvest, the cutting, stacking and beating of the rice. We thought we knew it all as we have been doing this for the last 4 years but in this new area they do many things differently and we have had to learn new methods and styles. The backaches are familiar, however, as are the blisters and sore feet. Still nothing replaces seeing God provide for His creation.
We have had a good relationship developing with one young man recently. His name is 'Gold' and he was a monk for 10 months before leaving the monk hood and returning to his family. We have been chatting about many things including his ideas on religion. Recently he turned up with a Bible, which was a real surprise, as we did not know that there were any Christians in the area. He had gotten it from the library in the Buddhist temple. He wanted to compare some things between Buddhism and Christianity and we agreed to start with Matthew. We have spent a lot of time talking on our porch and harvesting together and we hope that this relationship continues to grow. Please Pray for Gold that his interest in the Bible will turn into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
We had an opportunity to go to the celebration of Eckachai Baptist becoming an official church. This is a church plant that Jan worked on from its beginnings 11 years ago. The church has grown steadily and now has enough members and strong enough leadership to be on its own. It was a wonderful time to see old friends and see the new growth from this small church plant. We sang and worshipped with the members and many other people from churches in the district. As we were leaving a deacon came up and said that they had recently had baptisms in the church. One of the new members being baptized said that his first contact with the church was when Jan took him out for noodles and chatted with him several years ago. He did not continue contact then but as God was working in his heart he eventually returned and the church was there to introduce him to a relationship with Jesus Christ. We all meet many people in our lives and it is a special privilege when we get to hear how God has used some of those contacts for His kingdom.
Our English classes continue and the young people are coming along. Because of the long-term volunteers currently staying with us we have expanded this program to another village and 3 more schools. The new village is about 2 miles away and we are holding classes in their community hall. All overseas visitors are conscripted into helping with this program and it seems to be fun for both sides.
As we come into the Christmas Season we pray that you will be filled with the closeness of the Christ Child as His incarnation filled the earth with His love.
Yours in Christ,
Larry and Jan
Prayer Points
- Please Pray for 'Gold' that he begins to respond to God's reaching out to him.
- Please Pray for Eckachai church that they will continue to be a strong witness in their community.
- Please Pray that contacts in our community will continue to grow.