Ready for Some Good News?

With all the chaos going on in our world, it’s wonderful to report positive news.  God is moving by His Spirit in ways that we will never fully know, touching lives and bringing hearts to Jesus. Through your generous support, and the faithful partners God has given us in every nation He takes us to, the work of His kingdom continues whether we can travel there ourselves or not.

Ghana, West Africa: Children at Bosco Orphanage were treated to a New Year’s Day celebration with a delicious meal, music and games.   Plus, they were left with a generous gift of fresh fruit, groceries and needed supplies.

Cambodia

• The border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has brought great suffering to thousands of innocent people in both nations
• Children in one village now receive food and education at the Children’s Center and School
• Local evangelists continue to visit remote villages, sharing the gospel, baptizing many and establishing house churches

Motorbikes

Two evangelists in Gospel Restricted countries were able to buy motorcycles to travel from village to village on rough dirt tracks that serve as roads.  One had been walking; one had been riding a bicycle. 

Both are excited to use their motor bikes for the glory of God as they share the Good News of Jesus in rural areas.

Every exclamation of joy and delight, every word of gratitude is possible because of your generous support, love and prayers. 

WHAT'S ON OUR CALENDAR

> March 24 - April 7th:  Thailand ministry with the Akha People and some time at the beach

From Thailand we head directly to the Northern shores of Sri Lanka: 

> April 8 - April 19th to teach Legacy Discipleship Training

This area was torn apart by 26 years of civil war that ended in 2009. We believe it will be a strong base for the move of God in Sri Lanka as Pastors and Leaders are further equipped to boldly share the message of Jesus.

The places we are going are 'off the beaten track' and the logistics to get there are a little convoluted, involving several airline flights, long layovers, a 7+ hour road trip, and an overnight sleeper bus.   Whew! The process was a little frustrating and we are grateful that the pieces of the puzzle finally came together.

As I write this, we are completing a week of teaching at Legacy Bible School, about 40 min from where we stay.   It’s an incredible joy to pour into the lives of young people who have said 'yes Lord' I hear you calling my heart and I will follow. 

Do you hear Him calling to your heart? Calling you to come and just be with Him today?   I strongly encourage you to stop and heed His voice. Find your place of peace at His feet: put on a favorite worship song, read His Word, share your heart with Him.  Now let him share His heart with you. 

His eternal peace will keep your heart and mind in the middle of the unrest and turmoil that floods our world. 

The Journey Continues ~ Pat

Christmas is Outreach Time

Christmas is outreach time in this nation.  They worship many gods - millions in fact. Many people  recognize Jesus as a good teacher or one of the gods.  As we share the true meaning of His birth at Christmas time - our prayer is that their spiritual eyes will be opened and they will receive Him as Lord and Savior.

What does this look like?   Families from the church invite their neighbors and host a night of carols, food and fun.  If their home is small, the party will happen around a bonfire in the yard.  Christmas songs will be sung in 5 languages - Hindi, Nepali, Bengali, Adavasi and English.  I volunteered to be part of the Carolers and am working to learn the songs!  Whew.  I'll probably be humming along for a lot of them.

During the evening Gary will be sharing the story of Christmas - from the manager - to the cross and the power of the resurrection.  We have this hope - when we receive Jesus we are assured of salvation and now have the amazing privilege to actually have a relationship with God almighty.  We know that God loves us and cares for us; hears and answers our prayers.

Other religions do not offer any assurances that their prayers, incense, offerings, good works, etc. will actually be accepted.  There is very little hope.  That is the difference between religion and relationship.

Scenes from Christmas 2019
Notice the snacks!

Volunteers have been loving on the children at this tea garden village for almost six years now.  We've shared reports and photos in previous blogs. Click here to see the report from Christmas 2019.  

This year's Christmas outreach party will bless 16 mothers & young married women and 55 children at Baginbari. At a second location, the party will bless an additional 20 children.  They will receive groceries for each family, toys for the children, beauty products for the mothers, and a small box of Christmas treats for everyone.  (Slice of cake, a samosa, and a delicious crunchy snack called Bhujia )  There will be singing and sharing the Christmas story in their tribal language: Adavasi. 

Will you join us in prayer for these outreaches?  As you prepare your home and your hearts to celebrate Christmas, would you lift up these lost souls who will be hearing about His love - many for the first time.  Agree with us for:

• Hearts to be dramatically touched by Holy Spirit
• The Love of Jesus to penetrate their hearts so that they receive Him as Savior
• Christians to stand strong and boldly share their faith in Jesus in spite of opposition

Your love and prayerful support make it possible for us to be here.  You are part of all we do - and we are so grateful.  This Christmas, may you find the joy that only Jesus can give.  

Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.  They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.    They will have influence and honor.  Psalm 112: 1 & 9 NLT

~ Journey with Joy ~ Pat

My morning meander lead me down a new path
 that opened up to this beautiful view with the
 foothills of the Himalaya's in the distance. 

The Love of Jesus Displayed

Our love for others is our grateful response

to the love God first demonstrated to us. 1 John 4:19 TPT

Our time in overseas has flown by and has been very fruitful. Working alongside our ministry partners has been a great joy.   In addition to regular meetings, there were special outreaches during December.

Eye Clinic

Eye clinics here are not at all clinical!  With numerous people participating in multiple conversations, carried out in five languages, the cozy space we were set up in sounded like a large family gathering.  Which – to be honest it really was.   Eye exams were conducted, glasses were distributed, neighbors visited with each other, and good news was shared.  

What a joy-filled day it was.  By our best count 80 people had their eyes checked, 60 pair of glasses were gratefully received. Regardless of their ethnic background, religion, age, or vision problems - all were prayed for and touched by His love.

Tea Garden Village

The local team of volunteers has an ongoing weekly outreach to the Tea Garden Village.  Strong relationships have developed over the years as they help the children with schoolwork,  provide basic medical care and assist with other basic needs throughout the year. 

Haircuts -  Armed with plastic salon capes, hair clippers, scissors, combs, ready smiles and generous hearts – a team of eight hair stylists from a local salon descended on the village and provided free haircuts to over 20 children. 

 

Christmas Celebration – Children and their families enjoyed an evening of singing, teaching about the reason for Christmas, gifts for the children (a warm jacket aka a hoodie and matching sweatpants) and snack boxes for everyone there.  The very rustic village setting really made that ‘first’ Christmas come alive.

Thank you for being a part of showing love to “the Least of These” (Matthew. 25:32-40) We believe it brings a smile to our Lord’s face as we share His love in a tangible way – especially as we celebrate His birth and share the real reason for Christmas.

The Journey Continues into the New Year ~ Pat