9 DEC - 6:30PM PARTY

Dave Chen and Julian chatted at a table with a guy who was one of the Dickon's neighbours. It turns out he the shire mayor and gets on very well with John. An added blessing - this gives a lot more room for John to move at the local schools. Praise God!

John and Denise have a black dog that looks like a daschund/kelpie cross. His name is Chug-whay. (Chug-whay is a black jelly dessert in Thailand). The story according to Mrs Chen (Denise and Deb's mother) is that John and Denise were doing a tour of some tribal areas when they first arrived in Thailand, and that a set of puppies were in risk of being made into a future meal. J&D brought him back and the Landlord was perfectly happy. So Chug-whay also means 'saved from dessert'. How very John.

John gave an evangelistic talk in Thai about how Jesus is like a high official who comes down to look after the poor and destitute to take away their sins. (You can't use King symbolism in Thailand because of the way that the Thais relate to their earthly king).

Craig and DPC did the skit about all the elements of Christmas crowding in front of Jesus.

It was really interesting to meet Denise's parents and hear how supportive they are of the mission work here. I've heard of quite a few stories of missionary mothers who baulk at the idea of their grandchildren being born in a foreign medical system. J&D are so well integrated that their son James goes to a regular Thai school.

REFLECTIONS FROM THE TEAM
Craig:
"The hilight was [unintentionally] standing next to the fireworks before they went off"

Cathy:
"The hilight was having a strangled conversation between my buddy, another woman and myself about how all our teenage children spend too much time on the internet. We all have to give three warnings and then pull the plug. The woman were amazed and glad that we were there just to help John and Denise."

Jo:
"I met a former neighbour of the Dicksons - a Thai woman married to a Japanese guy - and had a lovely conversation with her."

Lauren:
"It was cool doing face-painting only a week after doing the same thing at Drummoyne. The atmosphere was festive and it was really good to spend time with the buddies."

Dave S:
"The testimony of a lady from John's Thai church was quite powerful - reminded me how good it is to have Thais telling Thais the gospel."

Timmy:
"I liked running around with the other kids."