Chinese New Year...Opportunities to Influence

Holding our Rope and Pulling         01.29.2017    A three-times a month publication from Don and Kathy Williams Your Free Methodist Missionaries Serving in Asia Chinese New Year... ...Opportunities to Influence Bangkok, Thailand...before moving to Thailand 12 years ago we experienced our first Chinese New Year in Seattle.  At least once a month our family tradition was to head to Chinatown and eat dim-sum on Sundays, after church.  These culinary experiences were how we serendipitously came across this celebration, one of our many cross-cultural experiences in the USA. This weekend ethnic Chinese around the world are attending temples and other events hoping to mark an auspicious start to the Lunar New Year - the Year of the Rooster.  Incense sticks will be lit and prayers offered for their good health and fortune. Fireworks, dumplings, red lanterns, and watching the famous dragon dance are all a part of traditional celebrations. Just yesterday we were awakened to a string of noisy firecrackers exploding next door.  They are set off this time of year to ward off bad luck and scare off evil spirits. The holiday reminds us to remember to pray for the millions of Chinese around the world.  We invite you to join us in being salt and light loving those who hold different worldviews in each of our spheres of influence.  Your fellow ambassadors for Christ, Don and Kathy Your Ms living and serving throughout Asia