Go Tell it on the Mountain

 On Tuesday morning, we left the hotel around 9 to go to the Pai Yai School for our first school program of the day.  Som shared some treats with us that she had made.  They are made with different flours and coconut milk and put into molds.  We enjoyed the treat on our way to the first school.

 

This is the basic program we follow when we share in the schools:

• Kris welcomes the students and then the team shares a song.  We've been singing "Go Tell it on the Mountain" 
• Then we share the Christmas story
• One of the Thai team members shares why Jesus was born in Thai
• Then one of our team members shares it in English and a Thai team member translates the story.  There are big pictures that are flipped as the story is shared.
• Then we review some vocabulary words from the story and do hand motions to demonstrate them
• Then the story is read again in English and as the vocabulary words show up, we do the motions and the students follow along
• Then, we get student volunteers (or some are voluntold) to play various parts of the story and act it out. The best part for this is how all when Mary and Joseph are chosen, it is such a big deal.  Kids are the same all around the world, haha.
• We sing another song in Thai and English - "Christmas is a time to love"
• These symbols of Christmas are reviewed and explained how they point to Jesus
• Santa Claus
• Christmas gifts
• Christmas tree
• Christmas lights
• Candy Cane
• A team member shares their testimony that is translated into Thai
• The Gospel is shared in Thai
• We close with a song in Thai and English - "We wish you a Merry Christmas"
• Then we hand out the story booklets and some treats to every student

This morning at the Pai Yai School, there were about 80-100 students in grades 1-6.  Krista shared her testimony.

 

 

 

 

The teachers at this school provided lunch for us.  It was extra special to have a meal served to us in this way, rather than going to a restaurant.  They are so appreciative of us coming to share with the students.  I will say, at first glance, the fish soup was a little disturbing...the fish was looking at me.

 

 

After lunch, we stopped at a service station for a little break prior to going to the next school.  At this time, B* shared her testimony with us.  She shared how she had come to faith and some of her current challenges.  She is a wife and has two children, ages 2 and 3.  She is the only believer in her home right now.  Her husband is open and listening.  She is also doing her masters so is not able to be in church as much due to her schooling.  Please pray for B* and her family. Pray that over the next 1.5 years as she finishes school, she will remain strong in her faith and that her husband and children would come to know Jesus.

 

Next we went to the Lao Khao-Dongaul School, about 83 students in grades 1-6. Leah shared her testimony at the school in the afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

The shepherd and sheep coming in...

 

  

Best shepherd reaction ever!

 

The students really enjoy the programs and many shout out "see you next year."  Pray that the seeds that are being planted will grow and many of these students will come to know Jesus.  We have heard of many of the teens and young adults today who are believers remember hearing the story in their school as small children.  

We arrived back to the hotel around 3:30.  This was our first, and likely only, early day.  We had a bit of downtime prior to Kris coming back to pick us up for dinner.

We went into town for dinner.  We walked around the town square in Ubon, praying for the city.  Our dinner was at a Chinese Thai restaurant.  A little different twist on the food, but again, did not disappoint.  

Some of us wore our elephant pants.  These are so comfy.  Things got a little silly when we got back.