Ja Rurat Christmas Part 2

The whole Christmas party was a huge hit. These kids are a whole different group from the ones at Sukhumvit 107 where we'll have our party next week. The 107 kids are much better behaved and orderly. These kids are pretty hard to keep under control, but for a crowd this size, things went great.

You'll notice no photos here of myself or of Ah Jan Vee. In my case, I did get up in front of the kids and Nok translated as I told the Christmas story. Just forgot to have someone take pictures. The neat thing here was that, in addition to the kids, there was a big crowd of adults around listening and I am sure that many of them had never heard the true story of Christmas. As for Vee, I am not sure how he did it, but he managed to stay off the stage all day.



The boys in the band. Ting, Son, and Eddie, lead us in some songs to kick things off.

Sunit and Faun in a play put on by the team. The kids really seemed to enjoy it.

Ting share his story with the group.

I sat during this with tears in my eyes. Not only was this a big breakthrough day for the work in Ja Rurat, but it was incredible to watch the guys and gals on the team stepping up in front of a crowd and being stretched. As a church, we are to be about equipping saints for works of ministry (Ephesians 4:12). I watched as these young leaders took big steps forward today in their own walks. It was amazing and beautiful to watch.

Getting your gift bags. I could not believe how calm and orderly this part was. Thanee called folks up ten at a time and each waited their turn patiently. I think we had something like a hundred eighty five gift bags and fifty new blankets for the adults and we gave every one away, and there was one old lady who showed up late and didn't get here, but I know her and I will get her a blanket next time we go out there.

The gift bags were simple. A tee shirt, colored pencils, pens, eraser, pencil box, water bottle, and a small notebook for drawing in. Not much, but most of these kids have gotten nothing in the past, so they were happy. And the adults were genuinely pleased with their new blankets.

And as you leave, pick up a hot meal, too.

What a wonderful experience, to share the story of Jesus' birth and to reflect a bit of his love to a group of people who really have no hope outside of Him. Can you imagine a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?