Experiencing The Goodness Of God

The SBI students were greatly encouraged by God's goodness as they travelled to three remote village locations in Chiang Mai to do Christmas outreach. Several students shared their experiences with us. One student said:

“I have participated in three to four Christmas outreaches over the years, but this year, something was different. I went ready to share the story of Jesus with individuals and families in the villages, and I asked God to give me the courage to share. As I visited families in their homes, individuals began to confide in me and share deeply. In each home I entered, the same thing happened—this had never happened to me before. My heart ached for everyone as they shared their circumstances. I felt complete gratitude that they wanted to share with me. I was able to listen to them, pray for each person, and leave their needs safely in God's hands.

I thought this outreach was going to be the same as other occasions—share the Gospel and then return home. However, God was giving me clarity about His purpose and calling for my life, my desires, and my ministry. I am in awe and deeply appreciative of the goodness of God and His faithfulness.”

This is the moment when you realise that you thought you were going to share the Gospel with others—which is wonderful—but God, in His kindness, blesses you in return with powerful lessons and teachable moments that cause you to marvel at His goodness.

We also had the opportunity to join a team for an evangelism outreach event in a neighbouring province to Chiang Mai called Lampang. This team came together at the last minute, and it was the first time a Christmas outreach event had been held in this Karen village called Baan Khwan Khiri (interpreted as “Spirit of the Mountain Village”). It was a bumpy four-to-five-hour drive on dirt roads. We were later told that access to the village had been even worse; the final one-hour stretch into the village had only been improved within the last two years.

The village is mostly Buddhist. The Christian community is a combination of Catholics and Protestant Christians; however, unfortunately, the faith of many believers is not steadfast. Currently, there are not enough strong leaders, and the pastor can only do so much. As a result, many villagers mix Christianity with Buddhism or animism.

It was a privilege to meet and serve alongside Ajarn Saamart. His testimony is a powerful reminder that nothing is ever wasted in God's hands. Ajarn Saamart is a former Buddhist monk who became a Christian through his younger brother. However, even after giving his life to Christ, his faith was weak. Sadly, he later got into trouble and was arrested and imprisoned for two years. During his time in prison, he had plenty of time to read the Bible, grow in the Lord, and allow God to work in his life. With his life transformed, he knew God was truly real. God gave him the courage to share the Gospel with others in prison, and nine inmates gave their lives to Christ. Ajarn Saamart has never looked back — he is now an evangelist with a heart to see people come to the Lord.

It is amazing how God uses our life experiences to reach others. Over several years, Ajarn Saamart has been walking alongside and discipling Christian leaders while evangelising in the village of Baan Khwan Khiri and other locations.

During our time in Baan Khwan Khiri, we were both given the opportunity to share our testimonies at the Christmas event and during the Christmas Sunday service. Knowing there were few Christians in the village, we were unsure how many people would attend. The Christmas event was well attended, but the greater surprise was the Christmas Sunday service, which was full. Extra rows of chairs had to be placed outside at the back and along the sides of the meeting space.

That Sunday, we saw God draw people to Himself, enabling us to look beyond what we had deemed impossible and to experience the goodness of God.

Thank God for:

- The outreach and evangelism events—we are thankful they were well attended and that the Gospel was shared with many.

- The impact and experiences of God's goodness throughout all outreach events.

Pray for:

- Those who attended the Christmas outreach events, especially those who have not yet come to Christ. Pray also for believers, that their faith would be strengthened and that they would grow in the Lord.

- Please keep Ajarn Saamart in prayer as he evangelises and encourages church leaders in Baan Khwan Khiri and other locations.

- The SBI students as they prepare for end-of-year exams, especially those graduating in March.

We can experience God's goodness directly, leaving us feeling known, loved, and cared for. We can also experience His goodness as He works through others to encourage us. God develops goodness within us as He uses us to show His goodness to others. We can cling to the goodness of God. From creation to the gift of salvation, every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). The goodness of God surrounds and follows us (Psalm 23:6).

“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him”. Psalm 34:8

Thank you

Love & Blessings

Paul & Sarah