Thankful Thanksgiving

LifePoint Team Thanksgiving 2013

"Today we are going to celebrate Thank God Day." We told our taxi driver as we piled into his car with yummy smelling, freshly baked pans of deliciousness.

"Have you ever heard of Thanksgiving?"  We asked him.  When he responded "no," we explained about the holiday.

"There's no holiday like that in Thailand."  He told us.

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Wouldn't it be awesome if "Thank God Day" became a Thai holiday too?

Wouldn't it be great for the holiday to be remembered and celebrated as it began?

I am encouraged and challenged by this reminder about Thanksgiving's beginning,

"The mission trip started with great hope. Their pastor wished the families well and prayed for them as they set out on this adventure.  But now their food supplies were critically low, there was no way to return home, no hotels for shelter and bitter cold would soon begin claiming victims.

"The Thanksgiving holiday did not start as a result of great abundance but in the midst of pain, loss, grief and sorrow. Though surrounded by the enemy on all sides these believers chose to look heavenward and express gratitude.

"They did not thank God because there were no challenges or because life was easy. They recognized He owed them nothing but they owed Him everything."
(www.rickmalm.com/thanksgiving)

I have so much to be thankful for.  Among many other things, I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve overseas, to see God's kingdom expanded and share of his great mercy.

What makes the top of your "Thank God" list? 

Loi Kratong

(Can you see the full moon behind us?)

Loi Kratong is celebrated on the night of the full moon in the twelfth lunar month, which is usually in November.  The celebration involves sending a "kratong" (a small float) into a river, stream, or lake.   Many people go to the large river flowing through Bangkok, but the students and I walked across the street to the lake in the university.

These "Krathongs" are for sale.  They come in many shapes, sizes, and styles.

Traditionally the kratong was made from banana leaves and decorated with flowers.  Now days, they can be found made from plastic, paper, leaves, and even bread (for the fish to eat later.)  The kratong will hold a candle, incense, and a coin, symbolizing prosperity in the year to come.

Enjoying dinner by the lake on the university campus.

Food and festivities are an important part of the night.  I felt like I was at the county fair, with lots of Thai snacks to taste and a few western snacks like popcorn and cotton candy.  Often there are games with prizes, traditional Thai dancing, singing, and a kratong decorating competition. 

Good times had by all!

While the students and I didn't buy a kratong and send it off into the water, we still enjoyed the night.  Thankfully we know Christ has already paid for our sins, and God has forgiven us completely.

Lots of people show up for the festival.

Before placing the kratong in the water, a prayer to the water goddess is said, asking forgiveness for past sins and making wishes for the future.  Often couples send the kratong off together as a symbol that they will stay together in the years to come.

Many kratongs floating in the lake. They really are a beautiful sight.

The following day, people come around to collect the debris left behind.

Kratongs can be as simple as a lotus flower or as complex and decorated as you want to make them.

Please pray with me for the many people who don't yet know the one true God who takes away our sin and hears our prayers.

Halloween Inspired

Dressing up with friends for a night of Fear Factor and Halloween fun!

 Halloween brought up some interesting conversations this year. 

"Have you ever seen a ghost?"  I asked some friends as we were driving away from the Halloween party. 

I've been in Thailand long enough to know I can skip the question, "Do you believe in ghosts?"  Spirits are so much a part of the culture that no one questions their existence.

Two out of the four Thais in the car said they had seen ghosts.  The other two were grateful they hadn't. 

My next curiosity, "Are you afraid of ghosts?" 

It was split down the middle again.  Half said they are afraid of these spirits.  The others said there was nothing to be scared of, that they would keep to themselves.

When the question came back to me, I knew my opportunity had come.  I responded that I believe in God and know he will always protect me, so I don't need to be afraid. 

Our conversation continued onto differences and similarities in the beliefs of Buddhists and Christians.  Buddhists have 5 rules, quite similar to 5 of the Ten Commandments.  People in both religions acknowledge that we can't keep the rules perfectly. 

From this common ground, I shared the gospel, the amazing fact that Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, and was sacrificed in place of our shortcomings, our sin.  No merit making, burining incense, or visiting temples necessary.

Throughout dinner and the rest of the evening, the topic kept coming up.  My answer was always the same. 

I believe the statistics that say many people must hear the gospel multiple times before deciding to follow Jesus.  So my goal is to take every opportunity God gives me.  Whether that is someone asking why I came to Thailand or if I'm afraid of ghosts. 

I have no idea how many chances I'll have to talk to these friends.  I don't know how God has already been moving in their lives.  I'm not even sure if they understood everything I said.  But those concerns, I leave with the One who called me here and gave me these relationships.  As I am faithful to do my part, I wholeheartedly believe he is doing the heart work he does best.

What about for you?  Who is God telling you to be more bold in sharing with?  What questions can you answer with God at the forefront?

Before you start making fun of my clothes line costume, I'll have you know, it was voted funniest by all our friends at the Halloween party (and for that, I won a prize!)