A Grandfather’s Influence in Burma

Burma

31 December 2024

Dear friends,

Merry Christmas and Happy New year!

In spite of evil that happens around the world and in our own lives, we thank God that he sent Jesus to save us. I grew up in Thailand as a son of missionaries and my mom and dad, now both in their 90s, are still active with over 64 years of ministry. My parents are both very godly and loving, and share about Jesus to all they meet. One of the more formal ways my father shares is to use a simple picture chart that shows the state of us humans without God and the gap that exists between us and and God. There are different pictures that show Jesus coming to this earth to save us, Jesus bridging the gap between life and death, being forgiven and forgiving, and heaven and hell. My father was in Burma with us when he was in his 80s and used this chart, which influenced our chaplains.

To be in FBR, you don’t have to be Christian and you don’t have to become a Christian. Everyone who wants to act in love is welcome. We have Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, agnostics, and others. At the same time, most of the leadership of FBR is Christian and we share what Jesus has done for us because of the difference he’s made in our lives. Recently, right before swim training, Doh Say, one of our long-term chaplains, was giving the morning devotion. He held the picture chart up and described it in a way that everyone could understand.

I watched and thought back to when I was a little boy watching my father use it in the villages of Thailand. My father said he led many people to faith in Jesus through this chart. My father is called ‘grandfather’ by the Karen because of his age and because he has grandchildren, including three that are our kids who grew up in Burma. I sent the pictures to my dad to show him the influence he’s had with our teams and everywhere he goes. My prayer is that I too can do things that influence people in godly ways. 

Thank you and God bless you,

Dave, family and FBR

Photos below are of Dave’s dad, Allan, over the years and how he has influenced not only his grandchildren but Rangers as well.