Our guest writer today is Judy Cook, a missionary who works in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We regularly support ‘Hope Home’ where Judy along with a whole team of people care for children who have severe disabilities. Here is just part of her latest news-letter.
Over Christmas, because of COVID restrictions we had an in-house Christmas day. A little after Christmas we had a worship service at Hope Home attended and led by the staff of Church of Christ in Thailand where I work, and we all had a great time. New Year’s Eve, again was just an in-house affair – cooking marshmallows over an open fire and sparklers. When this is all over, we will host a community party to thank everyone for all their support and care, and to thank God for His protection.
In September/October we welcomed in a new staff member, and she was slowly settling in and learning our funny ways and we hoped she would continue to be open to learning and adapting. However, in the beginning of December she decided we were not the place for her and left suddenly. We had one staff member leave at the end of November for family reasons, and another left at the end of December, also for family reasons. This, left us very short staffed, especially with a child in hospital too needing care. We had a new young lady started work on December 1st - she did well for the first month but in early January she too decided not to stay since her health was not up to the energy levels needed here with our children. Keep praying! We will be needing people for sure - I have feelers out all over the place.
Thank you for praying for us at Hope Home as we once more geared ourselves up to the annual inspection for keeping registered as a government Social Welfare home. We are pretty much on top of things here, though there is always paperwork to keep up with. We submitted the application to reregister in early December, and three days later had a visit, with 10 minutes warning, for the inspection. Thankfully we passed and only have a few minor administrative things to adjust.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support and encouragement in so many ways. We seriously could not keep doing this without you folks, and of course, goes without saying, without God.
His amazing provision for us throughout COVID has been beyond description, and although we are aware of how we have to be sensible and careful with our limited resources, we have always had just enough and a little bit more for each month – which means we can keep on giving out into community too. Your generosity, especially over Christmas has made such a difference.
Please, please, please keep yourselves safe where you are, we are aware that Thailand is still relatively low in COVID numbers compared to UK, Europe and elsewhere – we are praying here for you. Much love and prayers – Judy
Other people to pray for – see the church’s website for the latest requests
Steph's family. Her step-father's health is rapidly deteriorating physically and mentally. Her mum continues to care for him at home, with the help of carers.
Sue's daughter Helen, who has been transferred to work at the QE Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ITU)
Jane and Gail and their families as they mourn the death of their mum, Betty Harrison.
The family and friends mourning the death of Irene (Rene) Shepherd.
Those who live in Longbridge Village. That those residents and staff who have been diagnosed with the Covid virus will know God's presence and peace. Pray for their healing. The residents are being encouraged to stay inside their own apartment. None of the 8 people from the village who regularly attend church are showing any symptoms.
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear -
all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour still our refuge - take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there.
(Joseph Scriven 1819-86)