Holiday Ministry Connections

The holidays felt like a whirlwind of adventures, family time, and some trials. We made the formidable journey to and from Mae Hong Son—the town where Traci was born—with over 4,000 twists and turns on the journey. We had a great time there, both in fun activities, and also in ministry connections and pursuing Traci’s Thai citizenship. We were able to complete the first major hurdle of that process with very accommodating staff at the government offices in Mae Hong Son. In addition, we were able to visit the hill tribe villages Traci grew up in..

While in the province, we also had the great joy of visiting our friend, Veerapong, and his family. He showed us around the property that will become the children's home he is working toward—which will be complete with a fish pond, pig and chicken farm, large garden, and coffee shop—all things to help provide a sustainable income for the home. We were blessed to hear the full vision the Lord gave him around seventeen years ago, and how God has shown him favor by continuing to provide for “V” and his family while engaged in full-time ministry all of these years. V is a tribal man, that lives far outside of any major city, yet he taught himself English! V continues to share the gospel and make connections with people from all over northwest Thailand; he is a real “man of peace!”

Serving at Care Corner Orphanage

Several weeks back, our Thai teacher made us aware of a local Christian orphanage, less than fifteen minutes from our house, and serving close to fifty children. At the beginning of December Traci was able to go and help provide a meal there with our Thai teacher as well as several other Thais from our community. Aside from our Thai teacher and her husband, the other Thai adults that went along were Buddhist. We are grateful for opportunities to serve alongside non-believers, in an effort to share the love of Jesus and create an environment that fosters curiosity—when they start to ask why we are doing “this” or “that”, it opens a door for us to share the gospel. Of course, right now we are very limited by language, but we pray that the Lord is planting seeds through these interactions.

On New Year’s Day our family, along with my parents and a few other missionary families all went to the orphanage to provide a celebratory meal and hand out gifts and toys. What an experience for all of us! The joy on their faces to receive even such small gifts was so humbling. We are so glad that our children also enjoyed our time, and were already asking when we can go back. Pray for these children and the staff that care for them day in and day out.

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