This post from Suzanne:

As another year draws to a close, I am mindful to thank the Lord for not only the blessings He gave us throughout the year, but also the challenges.   “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”  - James 1:3-4.    Praise God for His mercies, faithfulness and promises!

What a blessing that little Joshua Khamsong arrived safely on the 13th of November.  He weighed in at 3.3 kgs and is thriving!  Both baby and mum are doing well.  Amnuay and Tai appreciate your prayers. 

                                                         maybe it's not so scary after all"

 When Wayne is not committed to preaching elsewhere, we all attend Chai Nut each Sunday.  The Pastor asked Wayne to preach twice a month, and asked me to start a Sunday School class.  Our desire is to help and encourage them, and we consider it an honour to serve there.  The last three weeks Sarah was asked to sing a special with the Pastor’s daughter. 

                                   Wayne preaching, using the Pastor to illustrate his example  

                                  Sarah and Taan singing "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"

Recently we have started a daily morning Bible Study with the Thais.  The first couple of weeks Amnuay taught the class, but this week Wayne commenced a study on The Doctrine Of God, starting with God the Father,  that he will be working through with them over the next few weeks.  Amnuay’s English and reading has greatly improved, and he is doing a great job interpreting for Wayne.  The study time has been a real blessing and it is exciting to see the growth in their lives, and how it is drawing everyone closer together.  As “a team” the burden for Nakhon Sawan continues to grow, and we are daily praying, evangelising, and have a plan for what we believe will be a very effective and much necessary ministry for Thailand.  Wayne will be updating everyone soon.

                                                           Wayne helping to illustrate a point

Tomorrow 5 of the men will head up north to Roi Et, where they will visit with Amnuay’s family, Khun Doi, and attend the church there on Sunday, where Wayne will be preaching.   Please pray for safety as it is a long journey, and that they would be a blessing to the Isaan people.

Being a Buddhist country, Christmas is not a big thing in Thailand, though in Bangkok and many of the major towns they have some decorations up.  Generally, all the Thai people know of, or associate with  Christmas is Santa Claus.   We are fixing a big Christmas dinner, and a number of the folk at Chai Nut asked if they could come and join us for  lunch.   After breakfast on Christmas Day, Wayne will go through the Christmas story with everyone so they understand the true meaning of Christmas.  

Wayne has been asked to speak at  a church conference at Lampang   (near Chiang Mai) on 26th and 27th of this month, then next month at Lamphoon again at their annual revival conference.  Please pray about these meetings with us, that God would be honoured and glorified, and that He would bless and encourage those in attendance.

A brief update on our children:

Sarah is doing very well.  Teaching at the school has helped and matured her in many ways.  It is a tremendous cultural experience for her.  Whilst she has had opportunity to witness to some of the staff there, she also gets challenged by her workmates regularly.  She sometimes feels lonely and isolated, but manages to busy herself.  She took my Sunday School class at Chai Nat while we were in Australia, and has contributed in some special items at Church.

Early this month, Justin graduated at the Royal Australian Naval College.  We were able to go back home and be there for his graduation, which indeed was a very proud moment!!  He is currently on leave and arrived this week to spend Christmas with us, before returning to HMAS Watson, Sydney, to continue his training.  Please continue to pray for Justin as he faces many pressures.  Also pray that he will stay close to the Lord and be strong in Christian character.

                                                                       Proud father and son! 

Due to my health, Curtis had a pretty topsy-turvy year in regard to his schooling, but it would seem that at this time God would have me home school him.  I am in the process of enrolling him with a Christian Distance Education School in Brisbane and getting all of his curriculum together.  Please pray that God will enable me to do this task well and that Curtis would be diligent in his studies.  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for all your support, prayers and encouragement throughout the year.  May you have a wonderful time with family and friends this Christmas and a blessed New Year!       

“For we are labourers together with God: …” – I Cor 3:9a