“Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.”-C.T. Studd
Four days after Hudson’s birth I needed to fly to Bangkok for an important visa related task. Though it was only a one day trip, it felt much longer than that, for I traveled without Makayla and Hudson. As I reflected upon the birth of my son the emotions were pressing. I missed him with a fierceness I had never felt before in my life. A Hudson sized whole had wedged itself into my heart, and only his return to me would satiate that longing.
There is a greater love that God has for us all. Especially for those who are lost and for those who are wandering life’s journey that will never hear about the mighty name of Jesus. The father looks from his throne in heaven to earth and longs for his children to return to him. Will they?
As the end of the year approaches and hymns proclaiming the birth of our Savior ring from church choirs, I am reminded that Christ came so that he might bring hope to all the world. Yet, there are places on this planet that lack even the basic fundamentals of the Christian belief. Sadly, these people will live their entire lives and never hear about the triumphant hope the Gospel message brings.
For one and a half years Makayla and I have labored to the best of our efforts to assimilate into a new culture and learn the language. Only through the door of culture are we welcomed into other’s lives and only in speaking their tongue will they come to understand at a heart level. For those living in the nation of Thailand and Trang, we and our team will be the only christians some people ever come into contact with.
I wrestle with an idea: What if at the end of my life God were to ask me, “Beloved, I’ve freed you from this world that you might live for me, you were entrusted talents to steward. So, what then did you do with the life I’ve given you?” I can not bare to look to my redeemer and reply, “I buried the gifts you gave me..”
Instead, let God find us like the farmers of the field, expectantly working in patience for his return. If God were to ask of us a report, let us look to him with honor in our eyes and say, “I gave it all for the nations my Lord, because that is exactly what Jesus did 2023 years ago..”
Updates
Trip to Bangkok
This month we traveled by train to Bangkok for some very important appointments. We visited the US embassy in order for Hudson to receive his US citizenship as well as passport. We also finalized everything with Erik’s RA visa so that myself and Hudson could be under his visa. We are so grateful to God that the trip went smoothly with Hudson only being one month old. Thank you to everyone who kept us in your prayers as we traveled.
Christmas Cards
A few weeks ago we sent out Christmas cards to our family and support team. Be expecting one in your mailbox soon with some adorable pictures of Hudson!
Advancement in Language
Erik and I are feeling very encouraged these days with our language learning. Since transferring to a different language school we have seen our language improve dramatically. We are grateful that God opened the door for this school to be available to us.
DTS Chiang Mai Team
This month we had a DTS team from Chiang Mai visit on their outreach. They were heading to Malaysia and decided to stay for a week to do ministry here. They were an incredible help to us by doing some much needed maintenance at the base as well as evangelizing in the schools and marketplaces. We are looking forward to hosting more teams in the future!
Favor in the Community
Since Hudson was born we have had so many new opportunities to build relationships and share the gospel because Thais love babies! God has already been using Hudson to open many doors into our Thai friend’s hearts and strangers too.
Prayer Requests
Please Click the green button below to view and download our updated prayer request. Thank you as always for keeping us in your prayers.
Special Message For Our Friends and Family
Hello and Merry Christmas! We love and miss you all so much. Though Makayla and I are sleep deprived, we feel energetic as ever. We are growing as parents for our sweet Hudson, and growing as children in our relationship to God. We pray these newsletters are a blessing unto you as you are to us. Please remember that we love you and though we are far from you for the holidays, you are ever close in our hearts and prayers. We look forward to the last 6 months of our culture and language phase and can’t believe this season will come to a close next year in June. We’ve learned so much about true ministry and the power and importance of relationship building and discipleship. We pray that through our short messages we can share a brief understanding of all that God has been teaching us. Please know that you are always welcome to contact us. Many blessings this Christmas season,The Gonzalez Family.
(If you have i-message, you could also text these numbers) Makayla's contact (Whatsapp): +66 98 226 6201 Erik's contact (Whatsapp): +66 98 226 6648 or reply directly to this email.