Thursday, January 16, 2014

Simple Acts of Kindness

During our lecture phase in Herrnhut, Germany God’s message for our school was clear: everything we are - our identity - is in Him and comes forth out of our relationship with Him. Those three months of teaching were a phase of discovering and new revelations for me. Coming to Thailand for my outreach I can see even more how important it is to know who you are, to know what defines your identity. Broken identities are the cause of so many hardships and problems in this country. 

One of the first things I learned about the Tamar Center in Khorat is the importance of identity and significance in their ministries. The staff believe that when children grow up with a sense of belonging and importance, they are less vulnerable and less prone to exploitation. 

We have been here for over a week now and that mission is visible in every activity. We went to schools to teach English, play games and show the kids God’s love. I will never forget the smiles and giggles, when I told my 7-year-olds that they all have beautiful faces. It obviously wasn’t something they had heard much. Or the contempt on the faces of the village children when their hands were covered in paint and they just mushed the paint on the canvas. They were free to do whatever they wanted and they loved it. 




I do not speak Thai, but I can say “You are very beautiful.” This sentence is so important here. While we were painting each other’s nails, the girls at the safe house asked me if I spoke their language. “Khun suai mak mak,” and they giggle. But they appreciate the compliment. Because I mean it. They are so beautiful. It might not seem like much, but these simple acts of friendship and love show these children that they are loved and precious.



Seeing how simple it is to show someone that they are loved and special makes me wonder, why I don’t do it more often. A smile at a stranger. An honest compliment for the cashier at the supermarket. A hug for a friend. It is not difficult at all, but can make a huge difference. 

Elise Eichler, DTS student, YWAM Herrnhut

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Christmas 2013 - Jesus Reason of the Season

For unto us a child is born...
~ Isaiah 9:6

Tamar Center Korat Celebrated Christmas 2013 in the villages of Isaan (Non Tako, Non Te Surin and Lam nam Rong), sharing the love of God through nativity stories, foods, gifts and above all with Jesus being the reason of the season.  As the Acts says it  was indeed a season of "more blessed to give than to receive."  .


It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. - Mother Teresa 
 


Pictures of Christmas Celebration in the three villages 

Children at Non Te Surin happily posing with the Christmas Tree behind

Aon sharing the nativity  of Jesus to the children - the reason why we celebrate Christmas

May Joy be your gift at Christmas
and may Faith, Hope and Love
be your treasures in the New Year.

God gave His greatest gift to us
on that first Christmas Day
and may the wonder of it
always guide and light your way...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Children at Non Ta Ko Village  happily posing with the Christmas Tree behind

Non Ta Ko children enjoying their Christmas feast

After a heavy feast there's more to celebrate, for Christmas is here
and we are here to worship the Prince of Peace
Glory to Highest
Kings of Kings

Love, Joy and Excitement in the air as everyone gets ready for the Gift Exchange!

The Musician that kept the Gift Exchange going on and on

Hey! I got this Hat for Christmas :-)

All set up and ready for Christmas Celebration at Lam Nam Rong Village

With Colorful decoration head's above, red chairs rounded with beautiful and handsome children its more fun to play FRUIT SALAD game

All lined up to pick their numbers for Gift Exchange




The world’s alive with Christmas joy! Come join the merry throng. You’ll find upon your lips a smile, Within your heart a song.


Yoyo sharing on why we celebrate Christmas 

the silent and anxious listeners to the message of Christmas

For the Christ-child who comes is the Master of all; No palace too great, no cottage too small.

THANK YOU, LORD,

for the gift of Your love.
May we be a shining
example of that love to others.
Amen.