It’s December already! It’s time to reflect on, rejoice in, and celebrate the birth of Christ. John 16:33 records the words of Jesus: I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.

This past year our family has been through a lot of health-related challenges which you have read about in previous newsletters. From reading church bulletins from back home, I know that many of you have also been hit by many kinds of trouble. May we all, during this Christmas season, take heart and be reminded of God’s love for us. The Prince of Peace has overcome.

Perseverance In Education
During a recent trip to a village where World Renew has projects, I was encouraged by a determined young teacher who has been working in schools supported by our projects for four years. Here is her story.

When Ms. La (Samayphone) was a young Taidam girl, there was no school in her village in Mai district. But she was determined to get an education. While her parents were supportive, they had no money. Some relatives provided the needed financial support, and rain or shine, La walked to the nearest village to go to school. She loved and respected her teachers and still remembers all of their names. Even at such a young age, it was her dream to become a teacher just like them.

After completing grade 5, La continued chasing her dream. She moved to the district capital where she could stay with an older sister who had married and lived there with her husband. There she studied two more years and then went on to teacher training college. During this time her parents were worried that she might not finish her education, and that if she did finish, she would stay far away from home. But La persisted because of the strong vision instilled in her by her first teachers.

La has now been teaching for four years in remote Akha villages. The challenges are many: there are not always enough books for the students; she is the only teacher; and the children range from ages six to 12.

Her first year teaching was in Saoyae, a village that had only had a school for one year prior to her arrival. Few of the children were used to going to school. It was a lonely year for La because she could not call home to talk to family, and there were days when all of the villagers were in the fields, and she was on her own.

Now La is encouraged when she sees in some of her students a passion for getting a good education—the same passion that she herself had when she was their age. It is challenging to teach in the village as students really want to study, but many parents want the children to skip school to work in the fields. 

As World Renew, the impact of this project is only possible because of committed teachers and community members who have a heart for making a difference despite the challenges.

Prayer Points

  • Pray for teachers in the villages where we are working. For encouragement and wisdom in overcoming the obstacles they face in providing education.
  • Praise God for a successful evaluation of the project in the Mai District of Phongsaly.
  • Praise God that Moe Moe’s daily headaches for the last three months have been greatly reduced.
  • Praise God that Moe Si, Moe Moe’s sister, completed her radiation treatment, returned home, and is recovering well.
  • Praise God that our children continue to do well in school, and their teachers have shared appreciative stories about how the children contribute in class.
  • Pray that they will know we are Christians by our love. Parents often remark to me about their appreciation for how “the school nurse” has such a wonderful approach to helping their children, whether treating a wound or encouraging them to eat their vegetables.
  • Pray for wisdom as we put the final touches to the plans for continuing and expanding our work in Phongsaly. Currently we work in 13 villages. If all goes as planned we will work in 31 villages in the near future. Pray for the processing of the agreement with the government and with potential donors as well.
  • Pray for a relaxing Christmas break. We will spend time with family in Myanmar.
     

Planning Ahead
Finally, a quick reminder about our plans to be in Canada this coming summer. Mike will begin deputation in early May, with the rest of the family joining after school finishes on June 15. We will have about five weeks in Ontario. Two key items:

  • Contact us if you have ideas for how Mike can be involved with your Bible study or church during deputation.
  • While in Ontario we would like to bring the children to Algonquin Park. If you have a connection for a reasonably priced place to stay near  the park, we would love to hear from you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
 

Mike Fennema & Family

Country Consultant
World Renew Laos