On a recent evening, our family decided to grab a bite at the street food night market just a stone’s throw from our house. While there, our daughter Selah saw another girl about her age and cautiously approached her. She did not say anything; she just smiled as she took the little Thai girl’s hand. Before we knew it, Selah was sitting with the little girl and her parents at their table, sharing some french fries. Following Selah’s lead, Shannon and I introduced ourselves to her parents, and before we knew it, we had made some new friends. The little girl’s name is Panna, and her parents are both health workers in government hospitals.
Over the last two months, we have visited each other’s houses and exchanged many just-thinking-of-you gifts. We even visited their grandparents’ house and went out to eat with them a few times. Now we are inviting them to bring their daughter to our afternoon children’s Sabbath school series on the fruits of the Spirit. They have expressed interest and a desire to join us, but so far have not done so, as Saturdays are not convenient for them. Please help us pray for Panna and her family that they will at last be able to join us for these or some other programs.
The programs are geared specifically for local Thai non-Christian children. The format is simple: a fun ice-breaker or name-learning activity, some scripture songs about the fruits of the Spirit, a Bible story related to the theme of the day (every day highlighting a new fruit), and followed by a craft or game that further illustrates the day’s theme. Finally, we close with a prayer of blessing and let the children enjoy a snack and ride their bicycles or skateboards together in our nearby park while we parents supervise and talk. The parents say that it is a great program. One told us that her daughter looks forward to it all week long.
As we see it, this program is a triple blessing. Reaching out to these children and their parents not only helps spread the gospel but teaches and blesses our own children, who also need to grow in the fruits of the Spirit. The program likewise provides our children with leadership opportunities as they help us lead in singing or being good hosts to their friends and parents. Our children are often like magnets when it comes to making friends, and it is fun to see and follow their lead. We feel truly blessed to be a blessing to the locals through our Sabbath School programs.
Thank you for keeping us and our mission outreach in your prayers. Soon, we will tell you about how we are trying to coordinate and partner with our local church members.
