The Byers Family in Thailand: Christmas Greetings 2016

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!” (Psalm 97:1 ESV)

Christmas Greetings to our Family & Friends,

1 month has passed since we arrived back in Thailand. It was harder to leave America this time, but we can really say that we are ALL enjoying being back in the land of smiles. We had a WONDERFUL home assignment. Thank you to all our family, friends, and church family for making it a great experience for all of us.

Recap on this last month: Shortly after arriving in Thailand, we traveled the country. From the Thursday we landed to the next Thursday, we slept in 6 different cities, in 3 different regions of Thailand (Central, Northeast and North), and drove about 22 hours. Our girls did surprisingly well. Aside from the business we had to get done, the highlight of all the travel was reconnecting with Thai friends and missionary friends. We got to Chiang Mai on a Thursday and by Sunday we had found our house and moved in. Our Christmas tree is now up, orientation is over, visas are being processed, language classes have started, homeschool and bilingual school have begun, we’ve met with the girls from Ban San Rak…we’re starting to have a routine!

Praise the Lord for:

1* A great house/neighborhood in Chiang Mai

2* A great bilingual school for Moriah

3* Great Thai language tutors

4* Great INTERNET. What a different experience this is compared to last term!

5*Mild sickness

6*Our car’s AC is working

* Safe, uneventful travels

COMING UP: Our pastor from Ephraim Church of the Bible and 2 of his daughters will be coming out on a vision trip December 10-22^nd. We will be traveling around northern Thailand and we will also fly out to Kalasin (Isaan). They will be able to serve there and see what life looks like out there. Please pray that this would be an encouraging time for them.

King of Thailand: You probably heard in the news that the King of Thailand has passed away. The country is still mourning his passing, he reigned for 70 years. For a month, everyone in the country wore black and many continue to do so. The feeling was as though everyone’s father passed away on the same day. Please pray for the people as they mourn and that they would know the Eternal Father of our hearts, who is our constant Hope.

Prayer:

1. For safe travels in the month of December

2. VISA extensions/1 year visas, that there wouldn’t be any interruptions in the visa process

3. For the Ban San Rak girls, that we can pour into their lives in a deep way while we are here.

4. For the people of Isaan, that the Lord will continue opening their hearts to the gospel

Please let us know how we can be praying for you!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our family to yours!

-Jason, Jenn, Moriah & Isobel Byers