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Not Santa’s Birthday

Thai children and their parents learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Based on a report by Sue and Ed Danneker, who serve in Thailand

More than 750 children and scores of adults heard the gospel during Christmas outreaches. They were hosted by a team from the Mahapawn Living Water Church (Alliance) at four locations. Each presentation featured lively Christmas songs and group games.

When asked what they thought the true meaning of Christmas was, many of the children answered, “Peace,” “love,” Santa Claus’s birthday,” and “American New Year’s.”

The first event, which drew 25 children, took place December 19 in Baan Paeo at the hair salon of Nun, a church member. The excited youngsters sat on mats in front of the beauty parlor. About 15 adults gathered in chairs to listen too. “Many nearby shop owners could hear and see what we were doing,” Sue said. “The children were very engaged in the singing and games and listened intently.”

“I Want to Follow Jesus”

Only a few children had any understanding about the real meaning of Christmas. Through an interactive acrostic using the Thai spelling of the word “Christmas,” Pastor Sukprasan explained the meaning of the holiday as “salvation sent straight from heaven.”

“Nun’s 11-year-old nephew, Bly, was thrilled with the presentation and wants to follow Jesus like his aunt,” Sue said. “Pray that his parents will soon receive Christ.”

Nun praised God that the community near her shop responded positively to the outreach. “Is that what Christians do?” people asked her approvingly. Nun reported that they are much more supportive about her attending church now.

On Christmas Eve the team went to the elementary school in Baan Paeo where Ju, the Dannekers’ neighbor, teaches. Among the 550 children in attendance, only one knew what Christmas meant.

The church’s outreach team presented the school with a children’s Bible for its library. Each teacher also was given a Bible and the JESUS DVD, along with literature about Christmas and some treats. “Ju thanked us for our presentation, as he is the only known Christian at the school,” Sue said.

At a Christmas Day outreach in a smaller elementary school in Mahachai, the 120 children present had never before seen a Christmas program. The four teachers presiding that morning were very appreciative and listened intently along with the children. They eagerly accepted the Bibles and JESUS DVDs.

Hanging on Every Word

During the next outreach December 26, the team visited the community behind the sport’s college, about a kilometer from the Mahapawn Living Water Church. “We have done three previous outreaches in this community and are starting to see some people come to church as a result,” Sue said. “The 60 or so children gathered on the crowded driveway area were a little harder to engage than the three previous groups.”

But by the end, Sue reported, “many were hanging on every word Pastor Sukprasan shared about the good news of Jesus. We heard adults praying the prayer with Pastor along with the children.”

“Praise God for each person who attended the four outreaches,” Sue added. Also, pray that all will come to faith in Christ.

Learn More

Watch a youtube video of the outreaches.

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