Bekkers' Bulletin - February 2007

BE MY VALENTINE

As Nick scanned the list of 10 names in front of him, he broke out in a sweat, partly because it is starting to warm up in Chiang Mai, but mainly because he was feeling anxious about the 10 telephone calls he was about to make to people we’d lost contact with over the last few months. It felt like we were inviting them to our Valentine’s outreach “out of the blue”. But the deal was that Trish would do the baking if Nick did the phoning: a fair – and wise – distribution of labour. Phii Jim was first on the list; she was delighted and asked if she could bring her husband and daughter as well. And so it went with all the others – delighted to hear from us and keen to attend.

We had a great afternoon together. No-one actually made a commitment to follow Christ, no-one even asked questions afterwards … but each one of them heard the good news of Jesus Christ and his love for us.

HEART FOR THE LOST

Remember Phong and An? We get together with them once a week for a meal and to build into their lives. (Sometimes they build into ours too). Last Thursday they brought their non-Christian friend, Yim (which means “Smile”) with them. What an encouragement! It shows an Awareness that evangelism is their responsibility and that it starts with those closest to them i.e. friends and family. We had a pleasant evening together and invited Smile to come again on Sunday afternoon for the Valentine's party at our home. She didn't seem too sure and when we asked An at church on Sunday morning whether Smile was coming, she said "no". Imagine our joy when on Sunday afternoon Smile arrived early, helped us get ready for the party, and heard about God's love for her.

A CHILD’S HEART

The doctor muttered and mumbled unintelligibly for a couple of minutes, and then said “well, I’m 99,9% certain: it’s a girl.” At last! 7 months into the pregnancy and we’ve finally discovered that Jonty and Emily will be getting a little sister. Not a “brother-girl” as Jonty had originally requested. Now we’re frantically searching for a name – got any good ideas? Send us your suggestions. If we use your idea, we’ll send you a special Thai prize.

IN THE HEART OF SANSAI, CHIANG MAI

Do you know where we live? Do you want to see our house? If you have Google Earth you can find our house. Go to the search box and “Fly To” 18 50’ 28.04”N, 99 01’ 15.46”E. Zoom in and you may even see Nick hanging up the washing (yeah right!!!).