New Building Dedication
After arriving back in Thailand the middle of September, there was much to do in preparing for the new multi-purpose building’s October 18th dedication. Big pans and pots for cooking, along with plates, bowls, and spoons were purchased to feed the many big groups that will be coming for various functions. Fans and plastic tables were bought, and benches were made in preparation of the dedication and other events. Big tents, tables, and chairs were also borrowed in preparation for the over 200 people who attended the dedication.
The dedication service began with prayers being offered up for the building’s purpose and the many leaders whose calling it is to share the gospel with the hill tribe people of Northern Thailand. Following the ribbon cutting, guests heard about the background of how this building came to be. There was also special music provided by several groups that came. Steve shared a message entitled “Excited” that ended with a challenge to be excited to share Jesus with everyone you know. Following the dedication service, everyone enjoyed a meal. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this new building a reality.
Sharing the Christmas Story
During this Christmas season, the birth of Christ was shared in several different ways by the Under the Son Ministries staff. On December 14th and 15th staff members, along with Gethsemane children, went to the village of Huai Pong for a Christmas celebration. Saturday evening was filled with playing games, singing Christmas songs, and hearing the story of Jesus. Over 170 adults and children learned more about God’s love for them that day.
At the government school, where the Gethsemane children attend, December 23rd was set aside so the Christians could share the birth of Jesus with the rest of the school. The final celebration was at the Antioch church on the evening of December 31st. Gethsemane celebrated Christmas along with the church congregation. They had a moo kata, domed pan barbeque, before gifts were exchanged.
Patang MuSur Building Project
In January 2018, the mission house next to the church at Patang Musur was dedicated which gave Judah and Leah a place to live. With the completion of the new multipurpose building at Antioch, it is time to turn our focus to the village of Patang Musur. In October we made a visit to the village to discuss what the Christians saw as priorities in this village. They feel the greatest needs at this time are adding an outside kitchen room to the mission house, tiling the floors in the mission house and church, and building bathroom facilities. We would also like to add ceiling tiles in the church and paint both buildings. The total cost would be $6,000. If you are interested in helping with this project, please let us know.
First University Graduate
When Casalyn and her siblings first came to Gethsemane Home in May 2011, we had no idea what God had in store for her. She was able to graduate from high school and in November graduated from Payap University. Her degree allowed her to find a job immediately after graduation with new opportunities on the horizon. We are so very proud of her! God has a plan for you, Casalyn. Continue to put Him first in your life, and everything else will fall in place. You are loved!
Game of Cricket
Three of the children at Gethsemane Home have had several opportunities to participate in Cricket tournaments internationally. Recently Yoksaak, Rachel, and Sunida were able to travel to China. They first went to Bangkok to compete for a spot on the Thailand national teams. Yoksaak made the boy’s team, and Rachel and Sunida made the girl’s team. While in China, they played against teams from China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Hong Kong, and Nepal. The Thailand boy’s team took 2nd place in their tournament, and the girl’s team took 1st place in their tournament. Yoksaak was named the MVP of the boy’s tournament.
We are so proud of each of these children and know they are blessed with being able to participate in this sport. The life skills learned from participating will help them gain confidence in their ability to succeed and the commitment and sacrifice it takes to achieve their goals.
Christmas Homes Tour
Our 3rd Annual Christmas Homes Tour took place on Sunday, December 8th, in Maryville. God gave us a beautiful day with temperatures in the 50s. Over 150 people toured five homes that day. A special thank you to Matt and Jill Baker, Scott and Jayne McGinness, Philip and Erin Pohren, Phil and Amy Schreck, and Sue Wood for opening up their homes. This fundraiser has been a great addition to our Educational Fund. With four of our children being in university this coming fall, these fundraisers are truly a blessing. We are grateful for your support!
Mark December 6, 2020, on your calendar for the 4th Annual Christmas Homes Tour. We are already lining up homes you won’t want to miss!
Our next fundraiser will be on April 6th at Pizza Ranch. Join us that evening from 5 to 9 pm.
