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“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’” 1 Samuel 7:12

Ebenezer. Probably a name most quickly associated in our minds with a grouchy, ungrateful, and complaining Christmas character. But historically, it has a totally different meaning: a thankfulness for and recognition of the Lord’s help and grace. While it didn’t make the top baby names of 2008, we’ll take this opportunity to raise our ‘Ebenezer’ in thanks for what the Lord has done throughout this past year in the Thailand Mission.

Graduation: Two of the most notable events in 2008 were the graduations of 6 students from the “It Is Finished” Bible Institute. Not only was this a mark of the Lord’s work and faithfulness in the lives of the young graduates, it also marked a multiplication of the number of national workers within Thailand. Pray for the increased faith of these graduates. Following graduation, each of the graduates is currently serving as an intern in the various congregations and preaching stations across the country. Their service is allowing these local churches to expand their ministries, both in teaching children as well as in beginning new outreaches to their communities, such as literacy classes, music lessons, and tutoring. Pray for the continued fruit of these ministries.

Outreach: How many times can you do “The Limbo” or sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” before it gets old? Never too many times if it means another chance to spend time with a new group of kids interested in learning English – and a chance to share the Gospel with them in their heart language. 2008 included student groups traveling to the far south of Thailand and to more remote mountain villages for this purpose as well. Pray for the many seeds of faith planted to produce eternal fruit.

New Life: Three dorm residents under the age of two – children of current Bible Institute and Seminary students – can attest that 2008 was definitely a year of new life in Thailand. We celebrate and give thanks for their lives and also for the faith that God has begun to work in them through baptism. Many people were added to the family of God through baptism in 2008. Pray for them to grow in the knowledge and understanding of the gift they’ve been given.

Thai Village, Inc.: 2008 marked a new page for the Thailand handicrafts program as it officially became recognized as a non-profit organization in the U.S. After many years of providing supplementary income for women in a local Hmong village and supporting the “It Is Finished” dorm expenses through donations in the States, Thai Village, Inc. has been a blessing to many in both countries. Pray for the Lord to bless all those who have been a part of this program.

Protection: We cannot deny or forget the Lord’s protection of His people in 2008. From the frightening dorm accident where one of the students fell from a 30-foot water tower to a handful of moderate to very serious motorbike accidents, He has provided safety as well as speedy and full recoveries. Pray for the continued protection of His people as students and mission staff travel frequently between all borders in an effort to share the Word of God.