December 2025

We recently had our annual review with BMS. The question was asked: Do we feel like real teachers now that we are in our third year of teaching? The truth is, we still sometimes have that imposter syndrome feeling. Is this how God sees us? Or how we see ourselves? It is often very easy to see ourselves from our own perspective, which may be weak, lacking abilities, unloved, unworthy, or defined only by our facial features. However, we need to understand how God sees us.

Sarah recently taught this topic as a reflective English lesson to the two student teachers. One of them (Amu) felt compelled to share it with the Siloam Bible Institute (SBI) young women in their dormitory as an evening devotional.

Amu invited all the students to bring a mirror and look at themselves. At first, the young women laughed as they looked at themselves, perhaps feeling nervous or uncomfortable about what they could see—maybe seeing themselves as feeling lonely, unloved, or worthless.

Amu asked them to change their perspectives and think about how God sees them. Amu said the room immediately fell silent as they listened to her reading Bible verses on how God sees them.

With serious faces, they began to realise that God sees them as worthy, chosen, loved, and gifted with amazing abilities. We all need to be consistently reminded of our identity in Christ.

We may have many struggles in life, such as broken families, anxiety from studies, guilt from sin or feelings of being alone, which often leave us asking the questions of - How does God see me? Does God see me? Christmas is evidence that He sees us. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his son". Galatians 4:4. God saw us, saw our needs and sent His son to come to us. As we continue to understand this lesson, we can teach others to look in the mirror with burdened hearts and tear-stained cheeks and still smile.

That smile comes from a joy that only the Lord can give. Such joy comes when we (including young people) understand that we can make it through the trials of life because in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, loved, priceless and can live and rest in Christ's peace. Because He sees us as His beloved and strong.

October was a challenging month with numerous things happening at once. Paul also had one of his lessons observed by a linguist. Paul was extremely nervous about the linguist being there. However, as the lesson progressed and the linguist watched on, Paul began to relax, which he believes had a knock-on effect on how engaged the students became during that lesson.

Another highlight for Paul during that month was hearing one of his students, unprompted, share her life story and future hopes. She struggled with her English but was adamant about not switching to Thai or Karen. Her determination was incredibly encouraging, even though her grammar was not perfect; Paul was proud of her achievement.

It was great to catch up with our fellow missionaries at the annual Thailand Baptist Missionary Fellowship (TBMF) conference; our favourite part was hearing some of them share about their ministry work. This year, the focus was on hearing about the real challenges they face. We heard from newer missionaries and those who have been on the field for many years. It was a blessing to be able to take the time as a family in Christ to pray for them and the issues raised. It was also good to explore the meaning of the theme at this year's TBMF conference, which was: Refresh, Engage, Surrender and Trust - 'REST'. We hope we will be able to implement some of the lessons learned.

Thank God for:

*The way God reminds us of His love for us and who we are in Him.

*The lessons and conversations we are having with the SBI pre-class students and student teachers.

Please pray for:

*Us and the students as we prepare to do Christmas Outreach to remote Karen communities. Pray that hearts will be open to receive Jesus. Many Thais and ethnic groups celebrate Christmas, but do not always understand its meaning.

*The students, as they continue to balance feelings of self-worth, depression and financial issues.

*For millions in southern Thailand and countries in Southeast Asia impacted by the devastating November flooding.

When our hearts cry out, “God, how do you see me? Do you see me? We can remember who we are in Christ. In Galatians 4:7, it says: We are no longer slaves, but God's children; and since we are his children, God has made us an heir. If you are going through setbacks or disappointments, remember that his purposes for you are good, pleasing and perfect.

Let Christmas be proof and a further reminder that God sees us, He knows the weight of our burdens, God does not stand far off – He came down. He dwells in us. We have expectant hope. He promises to come again.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support throughout this year.

Love & Blessings

Paul & Sarah