SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS: Brandon & Brittney Lingle • Thailand

Say Hello to John Brooks Lingle! Little man made his arrival on Dec. 16 around 9:40 p.m. (Bangkok time). I’ll refrain from going into the whole birthing story, but the short version is that Brittney is incredibly strong, and God answers prayers and is with His people. We are rejoicing that baby and mommy are both doing well and are healthy. Thank you, Lord!

John means “God is gracious,” and oh, how gracious He was to give us another son. We chose the middle name “Brooks” because that is Brittney’s maiden name, and after the famous Puritan Thomas Brooks. It was a sweet time of reflection as we wrote his name on the paperwork. December is not only the time we started dating but also when we joined our names ‘Brooks and Lingle’ in marriage.

The kids have been anticipating John’s arrival. What a sweet time to see them kiss and hold him for the first time!

Right now, as I sit in the hospital room to write this, I look up and can see baby John and mommy both sleeping peacefully. I can’t help but think of sitting in a room like this one a year ago, having hospital workers walk in for me to sign papers and say, “Congrats!” Most of them did not know that our baby had just passed away. I would smile even though it was hard and painful. But now, how much joy, peace and relief I have seeing Brittney embrace our newborn son. Nursery workers have to work extra hard to take John away from her. The Lord takes away and gives. Blessed be His name! Thank you, Jesus.

• First Christmas in Village — Lord willing, we will be relocating seven hours east of Bangkok in about four months to start a new church with our friend, Jay and his family. Family and friends in that village had many questions about Christmas and had never seen anyone celebrate it. After preparing and planning, Jay decided to take his family there and host the first Christmas celebration. He shared with them the meaning of Christmas and why it’s good news and should be celebrated. Some who heard the story for the first time were interested, while others mocked the message, but listened. Lord willing, we will be going to this area sometime next month and start looking at housing options.

• Merry Christmas — Our prayer for you and your family is that Christ is honored and adored as you celebrate Christmas. Oh, how worthy He is! For those of you who are suffering this Christmas — there is hope in Christ. He is our only hope in life and death. Much love to you and your family!

Please join us in praying for Brittney as she continues to recover and starts the process of sleepless nights and as we start preparing and planning to relocate and start a new church.

We praise God for baby John’s good health, the natural delivery that Brittney prayed for, and, most of all, for Jesus humbling Himself and being born to die. Oh, may God help our hearts to feel the reality of what has been accomplished by our precious Savior.