ChristmasTime

So it's finally Christmas here in Hong Kong, and time to share with you once again an update on what has been going on during the outreaches! One Christmas Eve, both teams went to Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island, where we were able to present the gospel three times and witness to the shoppers who stopped by to watch. I had the chance to speak with several Christian ladies and young women and encourage them in their relationship with the Lord, while another teammate was able to lead a little girl to salvation! In the evening, a small group of us girls went to the red light district to distribute Christmas gifts to the girls and madams (called mamas over here). We were able to put the gifts together, wrap the Bibles in their language and write personal notes of encouragement and love. The girls are so sweet and were excited to see us. YWAM Hong Kong has a weekly ministry that goes and ministers to the girls and to remind them that they are not forgotten by God and they are precious to Him. We stayed until past midnight talking and eating with them. It was an amazing blessing to be able to reach out on Christmas Eve! Also, before we went into the red light district, I noticed an older man sitting off to the side waiting for work. He seemed like he was trying to not bother us, but sad. I started a conversation with him and told him about the dances and dramas, then asked how he was doing. He said he was not doing ok. Both of his sons are in America and no longer want anything to do with Hong Kong, leaving him feeling very alone and abandoned. God let me minister to him and let him know that no matter how alone we feel, that Jesus is always there and speaks to us, hears our cries and is close to us if we call on Him. The man had to leave to go to work, but he said I was very sweet and handed me two small mandarin oranges in thanks for helping him understand. For the past week, our teams have been going to different locations around Hong Kong. Our first outreach was to a mall, where my ministry partner and I were able to speak with a 17 yr. old girl from the Mainland. She was a Christian, but had been feeling alone and isolated from people. After speaking and praying with us, she said she felt encouraged and thanked us for being there! We also spoke with a lady who had never hear of Jesus before and witnessed to her for the first time! We went to a drug rehab as well and we ourselves were encouraged by the men there and the testimonies they shared. Many had became Christians when they entered the drug rehab place, which is run by Christians, so they shared with us after our dramas their stories. It was very touching to hear and be prayed for by them, and have the chance to pray for them and the journey they are on to recovering the lives God has planned for them. A few days ago we had the chance to do our program in a park that has many Indonesians that followed Islam. They were very open and kind to us, and my favorite part was when I was given the chance to share the gospel with three young women near my age who travel with their instruments to earn money. The lead singer sang a song for us that talked about being lonely, so I asked if she was lonely and if she had left special people back in Indonesia. She replied yes, and she felt very lonely. I remembered during intercession/prayer earlier in the morning that I had heard the word "lonely", so I spoke the gospel and shared what was laid on my heart. They allowed a few of us to pray for them and their journey and exchanged contact information as well. They then invited us to sing with them, and we sat around and sang Adele. It was a good chance to be a witness and share one-on-one! Ok, those are just a few of the stories I've experienced the past week, there is so much that the Lord has done and worked through in our ministry times! Feel free to check out the daily updates on www.ywamhongkong.org and also read more testimonies from both team outreaches and all the Christmas Outreach participants!  Also, I accept mail! Hahaha, it is a great feeling to get something in the mail, a friend of mine here in Hong Kong that is a translator sent me one and it made my day! Here is my address: Ashley B. Tincher YWAM Hong Kong P.O. Box 1453 Yuen Long, NT Hong Kong, SAR Whether it is a note, postcard letter or donation, it really is nice to have something from loved ones I can hang up in my room here!  Much love and blessings! <3 ~Ashley YWAM Hong Kong ~*~Leave a a legacy that will Make a Difference in the World Around You.~*~