Mission - Sharing the True Meaning of Christmas

Over the past ten days, we were blessed to have a team from Ferris Baptist Fellowship in Hat Yai to help us share the true meaning of Christmas with Thai students. Seven schools graciously opened their doors and allowed us to come in.

Students ranged in age from kindergarten through high school. Some of the schools were in a large city and some were in the countryside. Some schools were very large and others very small. However, in every single school, the team was accepted and the 'farangs' were a big hit with the students. Following every program, dozens and dozens of students literally rushed the team to seek pictures, autographs, phone numbers, and email addresses. They definitely made an impression on the students.

The program they shared consisted of games, story-telling, songs, and a play. Each was designed to help the students learn the story of Jesus' birth. The team divided up responsibilities and, during each program, shared leadership at different points of the program.

During one particular presentation at a school far away from the city in a very small village, the leader was teaching about the name of Jesus to a group of mid-high students. She simply asked, 'Does anyone know who Jesus is?' expecting several to shout out 'Phra Yeesuu', which the team had heard a number of times before. However, all 50 students sat there with a blank stare in their eyes. She repeated the question, 'Does anyone know who Jesus is? Has anyone ever heard of Him before?' Again, silence.

At that point, the team realized they were part of something really remarkable, something so very, very special. They were humbled with the realization that they were the first believers to ever have the awesome opportunity to tell these beautiful young people who Jesus is...to share with them the truth of God's love.

It took a moment for this to sink in. But, following their initial bewilderment, they forged right ahead and shared the beauty of the Christmas story. It, undoubtedly, will be a moment the team will never forget.

We had the opportunity to share with at least 2800 students in seven different schools. Praise the Lord. This will be a Christmas this team from Ferris will, undoubtedly, never forget. They spent their time in Thailand as farmers, sowing the seeds of faith - day after day after day.