NOVEMBER -THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving Day continues to be one of the most traveled holidays. It’s that time to gather in gratitude and take that pause to be thankful. The phrase “to make a fuss over” is to give someone or something an inordinate amount of attention, affection, or praise. This is my Thanksgiving pause, and my total intention is to “fuss over” you. You are that person, family, and church who continue to compassionately love what I love, and it is expressed in your faithful giving, prayers, and passion for missions.
Your provisions help open doors for so many opportunities. Recently, I joined a TEAMs outreach, one of People to Peoples ministries, hosted by Motana Church in Thailand. They are located a few hours outside of Bangkok near Myanmar (Burma), a mountain range separating the two countries.
Debra Crook with Thai host pastor and wife, TEAMS group, and missionaries Albert & Jiep Gonzales.
For several decades, Myanmar has faced civil wars, and this intensified again a few years ago. As in any conflict, desire for peace and a better life, etc. are incentives for many people to cross mountains into neighboring countries. The Thai government does monitor and limit the refugees’ movements. Motana Church has planted churches in those areas to minister and meet the needs of those seeking escape. We were so thankful to contribute to their impact in this community through wellness clinics and children’s outreach.
Myanmar refugees at our clinic. Thnaka powder is a paste (pulverized wood from a tree mixed with water) used as sunblock or cosmetic purposes.
We also had a couple of days at public schools and medical training for pastors. I must share a fun side story. At one grade school campus, I was so surprised to see a coffee shop. It piqued my interest, and I discovered it opened during lunch break. As a few kids began showing up, I joined the queue. It’s a very small area and you enter just to order and pay. When my turn came to give my order, I saw these kids and, wow, they’re the baristas. Long story short, a sixth-grade teacher had the idea for a coffee shop to support underprivileged students. Another twist in the story, this teacher, who doesn’t like coffee, invested in a coffee machine, became self-taught through YouTube videos, and forced herself to develop the taste to like coffee because she knew it would be a blessing to the kids. The school accepted the idea, and this is the sixth year it has been operating.
6th grade teacher with the baristas in action.
Debra with some other satisfied customers.
The pastor informed us we were not allowed to talk about Jesus at that school. So, I commended her on taking her profession to that level. With a hug I could only say, “You’re a blessing in their lives. I’ll be praying for you.” As a team, we sowed seeds through every activity that day. I do know God will bless Motana Church’s ministry and TEAMs for this opportunity of being Jesus’ light.
MAKING NATION CHANGERS
For decades, Malaysia has been another country with a constant influx of Myanmar refugees from those escaping the war. These persecuted minority groups are seeking humanitarian assistance in their relocation to other countries through the United Nations. This is a very long process, and some are faced with no schools for their children.
Life Harvest Assembly in Kuala Lumper responded to this need and began the Myanmar Refugee Learning Centre (MRLC) with 15 students. 1,800 students have attended since they began in 2008. Currently, families have been relocated to USA, Australia, Norway, Canada, Japan, and France. I continue to see posts on the director’s Facebook page of former student’s returning and expressing their heartfelt gratitude for the school. MRLC instilled in them the understanding that, wherever they are, God can use them as nation changers.
People to People partners with MRLC through our child sponsorship. Their enrollment has climbed to 170 this year, and they need sponsors for these kids. Please contact People to People at 405-792-7128 to find out more.
In closing: Father, this Thanksgiving we pause in worship of You. We overflow in gratitude for your overwhelming love and provisions. I thank you for blessing my friends and global family, and may your goodness and mercy fill their days with joy. Amen.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
DEBRA CROOK
