| From:
To: Don Woodard Sent: Mon, 18 Dec 2006 Subject: Ouellette Update |
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Merry Christmas to all of you from the Ouellettes!
The kids are nestled all snug in their beds - and we didn't turn on the air-conditioning... temperatures are dropping (to 26 degrees) ..it must be winter in Thailand!! Yes, we are enjoying some "cooler" weather here in Lopburi! Its hard to believe that Christmas is 7 days away!
The Christmas season creates amazing opportunities:
I (Becky) had the opportunity to visit a Thai school on Friday with others. We were invited to "share about Christmas". How's that for a wide open door?! We had about 80 6-12yr old students singing "Away in a Manger", and did a brief skit telling the Christmas story. It was an amazing opportunity to share with kids who are not familiar with the story at all. I had the chance to visit with many of the kids afterward. Many of them just wanted a hug. I was able to chat with the kids (in my own special "Thai" way...) It was SO much fun!!! Both Greg and I (and other members of our team) are excited to have more opportunities this week to visit other elementary schools. The next time you hear "Away in a Manger" take a minute to pray for these Thai children who are hearing it for the first time.
We are having a Christmas open house this Friday from 4-6pm for our neighbours. We will be giving out invitations tomorrow. We are excited about this (and a bit nervous too since communication is a challenge!) but we really want to get to know our neighbours better and are hoping that this might be a good way to do that. Those that come will get a little taste of Christmas baking from Canada! We are encouraged by the words of Jesus to "...keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16).
"JOY TO THE WORLD!
THE LORD IS COME.
LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING.
LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM."
That includes Thailand! Let Thailand receive the King of Kings! Would you pray with us that Thai hearts would be opened and make room for Jesus...right here in our neighbourhood, in the Thai schools, and all over this nation!
Thank you for partnering with us in so many different ways! We are thankful for you! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Greg and Becky and family
ps. In case you are wondering what the invitation attached says, here's the translation: "You are invited to a Christmas party! Drop by anytime between 4-6pm Friday December 22, 2549. Christmas treats and refreshments provided!". (fyi: the year - 2549 - is not a typo... the calendar in Thailand is based on the year that the Buddha was born... 543 BC).