Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Johnson family!

We are so thankful for the angelic message that Jesus’ incarnation is good news!  As Timothy Keller states in his book, Hidden Christmas, good news isn’t advice.  It’s not a list of things we can do to improve our situation in life.  It’s news.  It’s the declaration of something that’s already been done to save us and make us whole.  During this Christmas/New Year season, we pray that you are able to rest in the work that Jesus has already completed for us…to become one of us…Immanuel!

It seems like we are slowly coming out of the “COVID cloud” here in Thailand.  The country is trying to re-open for tourists.  International schools are trying to...

…empowering Thai pastors…
       …to plant Thai churches…
              …that reach Thai people.

Grace in the Midst of Grief

Back in January, Ben was invited to travel to Baan Naa, in Chayaphum Province, to attend the funeral of the mother of one of the members of Cool Shade of Life church.  This is the same town where Cool Shade is working to get a church started.

Funerals in Thailand follow Buddhist traditions.  They are 3, 5, or 7 day events depending on the financial resources of the family.  During the day, family and friends come to the home of the deceased where tents have been set up.  They grieve, talk, and eat together.  In the evenings, Buddhist monks come to the house to chant blessings and make merit on behalf of the deceased to help them move on to a better life.  On the final day, a larger ceremony is held where monks chant and the body is...