Merry Christmas to all! Thank you all for the Christmas wishes you have sent throughe-mail and postal mail this past month, you have greatly blessed me!December has been a busy and exciting month here in Hong Kong!12/7

: We were invited to the 2009 Music Day for Ma Chan Duen Hey Memorial College. Andrea,Lynette, and myself helped to judge the English-pop category and also sang two songs for thestudents. They were all very impressed by our Cantonese when we sang “Fun Yan” (“GiveThanks”).

12/10

: Lynette and I were invited to attend the ‘Global Village’ at the Hong Kongbased non-profit organization, Crossroads, with the Form 6 (12th grade) class of Concordia Lu-theran School North Point (CLSNP). The students participated in a poverty simulation to betterunderstand the social issues occurring around the world. It was an awesome experience for thestudents and a neat way for me to talk to them about my experiences with similar issues in Togoand then bringing it all back to Jesus. I encourage you all to read more about the work of Cross-roads around the world at http://www.crossroads.org.hk.

12/12

: We coordinated English activi-ties for P.6 (6th grade) students attending orientation day at Lui Chueng Kwong College. Duringmy segment, I talked about how on the night that Jesus was born angels came to earth and sangpraises. I also taught that during Christmas many Christians sing songs of praise to celebrate thebirth of our Savior. Integrating an English and Gospel lesson we went through the lyrics of “ItCame Upon a Midnight Clear” teaching new vocabulary and answering questions as we wentalong.

12/17

: Lynette and I helped out the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Outreach Team thatwas hosting a Christmas event at CLSNP. It was another way to host an orientation day and itwas neat to see the Gospel presented in such unique ways. We also led some oral English lessonswith group discussions on different topics that affect the poor in Hong Kong. It was an encourag-ing way to connect with students we have built solid relationships with and bring Jesus into themix with social justice.

12/18

: I taught a Home Economics class at Lui Cheung Kwong College.It was exciting to teach a class where everyone paid such close attention! We made “GingerSnaps” in keeping with the Christmas season and they were a huge success!

12/22

: We organ-ized an English Day Camp at Lui Chueng Kwong Lutheran Primary School. 40 students attendedand rotated through stations that included songs, skits, crafts, games, book making, and cookiedecorating. I was in charge of helping them author their own book on the story of Jesus birthduring the first rotation and during the second half I was in charge of cookie decorating. I made60 cookie ahead of time and the kids decorated them as smiling faces with icing and raisins tosignify the joy that Jesus brings. :) The week of Christmas we spent time with students at differ-ent schools through different events and celebrations centered around Christmas. It was a greattime to talk about what Christmas means to us in a more casual atmosphere. On Christmas Evewe were given two opportunities to carol, with CLSNP and Holy Word Lutheran Church. OurCLSNP caroling was very special as we rode an antique tram around Hong Kong spreading Christ-mas cheer! On Christmas Day all LCHKS churches have baptism services. At Holy Word we wel-comed 8 members into God’s family through the waters of baptism! An incredibly blessed day! Ipraise the Lord for the gift of His son and the salvation we have through Him!

With a thankful heart, I wish you a happy 2010 filled with God’s richest blessings!

To Us a Child Is Born...

“For to us a childis born, to us ason is given...andHe will be calledWonderful Coun-selor, MightyGod, EverlastingFather, Prince ofPeace.”Isaiah 9:6

Africa to Asia

An insight into the ministry of LCMS missionaryMegan Birney serving Christ in Hong Kong