CCC Short Term Team

Since the 2 Dec, we've had a short term team from CCC come. It's been really weird being on 'this' side of the fence this time round after being on the short term team twice before (when i came over with DPC). One of the strangest realisations for me is just realising how just 2 years ago, i was just like one of those on the team, who had next to no thai, knew no one here and had no idea of what was really going on around me. I guess it's the first time that i've really been able to stop and think about how much i've really learnt, grown and changed in the 2 years since coming over. So the time has been filled with orientation, spending time with the team, helping them to try and build relationships with some of our thai friends, going to schools, orphanages and hostels, running programs, helping out in various christmas parties around the place and generally trying to help the team get a better idea of what missions is all about and the needs over here in Thailand. One thing i know i wasn't quite expecting was how tired mentally i'd be in helping translate for the team. I reckon i've got to a point where just conversing and listening in Thai doesn't tire me out mentally like it used to, so i figured translating would just be a little bit more brain power. not LOTS! especially when talks end up being in northern thai! but it's been great practice and i definitely have a new found appreciation for interpreters. I think it's definitely one profession i'm not exactly cut out for :)

But one massive praise point, we went down to Mae Waang to help out at a christmas party for the hostel kids and their parents who came to visit from lots of surrounding hill tribe areas. That night, the minister that gave the talk about Christmas that night, gave one of the clearest gospel talks that i've heard since being here. And what was even more exciting was that every point he made, was right in line with the skit that we presented (which was a tweaked version of the gospel skit we did with the kids from church - there's a video of it on this blog). So everyone that went, got a good double dose of the great news of salvation that we have through Jesus. The minister down there was pretty excited too that our skit worked so well to reinforce stuff he had shared about as well. He was super impressed that everyone was so interested in the skit and were captivated in wanting to watch it from beginning to end. Apparently usually, many of them lose interest after a couple minutes then start talking and eating. But this time around, everyone was watching and even yelling to find out what was in the 'present' boxes. So a massive praise point for that night. Please pray for the many people who may have heard the gospel for the first time that night there. For God to soften their hearts, so they turn back to Him.

anyway, hopefully have a few photos to put up soon - after i get some of the photos off the team :) For those praying, please also pray for energy levels, especially for my sister denise who has been a real trooper with the team. The first team will be here til the 16th, then on the 22nd we have a 2nd team coming, with lots more prep that still needs to be done for that too.

Weekends Away with Cell Group and School

It's been a pretty crazy past few weeks with weekend trips away with my cell group and then with the teachers and staff from school. The first weekend, we went to Pai with the cell group. It was an awesome time to spend together, hanging out, studying the Bible, checking out the sites, my biggest highlight was visiting the local church there. Despite being a tiny church with little growth in terms of numbers, it was so encouraging to go to a church that had a really good understanding of the bible and biblical theology, despite the church worker only having only completed yr 6 schooling and done about 6 months bible 'college'. Dare i say it, but i reckon she understood the bible better then some of the pastors of churches here that have all sorts of degrees under their belt. It was such a stark contrast to the couple weeks before when i went to Doi Mesalong and went to the church there with no pastor and a room full of hungry people to hear God's word. Here was a tiny church that was teaching the word faithfully, but yet to still see fruit. Please be praying for the church in Pai.

With the church at Pail


Cell Group silliness


more silliness


always have to have a 'jump' photo


Daa trying to take a photo


at the Pai post office ('pai'- sanee - kinda like the word for post office in Thai)


the group (and Boy's shadow) that went to Pai


Me, May & Kim


not quite the gong, but fun all the same


fun with lights

Last week, i was invited to go along to the school teachers and staff camp at Huay Naam Dang. Despite being FREEZING cold, especially as we slept in tents, and had 1 bathroom for about 20 of us, it was a really good time to spend with many of the teachers and staff who have become really good friends. My teacher and i the opportunity to share the gospel with everyone on the Sunday morning and we used the time to also challenge them with the becoming Christian. Even though none of them 'responded' as such, my prayer is that it would have planted a seed in their life to know that God's gift of eternal life is waiting for them. All they have to do is accept it. Please be praying for many of the teachers and staff who are not christian there, to come to a real understanding of the gospel and the implications that has for their lives. Here are a few pics from the weekend away.


Aor looking more like a portugese chicken


With lots of the teachers and an awesome view


pretty proud of this self shot :)


the car and load i had to drive on the way back


Sunset shot


eating dinner


fun and games


more fun and games


Group photo