Archives for November 2020

November 13, 2020 - No Comments!

A Christmas Like No Other

- Reclaiming LIFE

This is the perfect time to do things differently and reclaim what might have been lost throughout 2020: generosity, joy, peace, certainty, hope, freedom and LIFE.” 

Each year, the additional expenses that creep in at Christmas time create pressure for many people. This ‘commercialised-pressure’ that squeezes already-tight family budgets, has been further intensified this year by the ongoing world-wide pandemic. 

Covid-19 has changed many aspects of our lives. We have had to adopt new habits, new priorities and new ways throughout the year, and these will undoubtedly influence how we respond during the Christmas season. 

While in previous years, festivities centred around social gatherings and bustling shopping streets, this year provides a chance for us to reflect and reclaim what Christmas is actually all about. 

Many people have shared that during isolation and lockdown, they developed an appetite to ‘do’ better and ‘be’ better this year. New hobbies and habits were formed and relationships were explored in different, and inventive ways. 

Shouldn’t we then also stop before Christmas comes and think about what’s been lost in the past, what’s really important now, and how our actions can influence others at this time of the year? 

Let’s open our hearts for what God wants to do new and fresh in our lives this Christmas, and throughout 2021. 

What would reclaiming Christmas look like for you?

Maybe, just like Mary and Joseph, it would mean remembering to trust in God especially when faced with unforeseen challenges. 

Maybe, like the shepherds, whose lives were transformed when they understood what Jesus’ birth meant - we could have that ripple effect on the people around us.

Maybe it could look like being generous by sharing God’s love with neighbours and our community.

Maybe it would mean taking time to pause and reflect on the miracle that is God-among-us. 

Maybe it means sharing the gift of ourselves with the lonely and those in our circle of family and friends who’d gain more from the gift of our ‘presence’ rather than an off-the-shelf present.

Maybe it’s about getting back to basics and celebrating the LIFE of Christ in a simple yet meaningful way.

As you look back on 2020 maybe you didn’t experience much joy. 

-You felt tired.

-You felt depressed.

-You experienced loss.

-You had personal tragedy and difficulties that filled you with grief and sorrow, frustration.

God looks at you.  He sees your life. You are valuable. You are worthy of Him sending his one and only son. God can give you strength, help, and victory in this season.

“This is the perfect time to do things differently and reclaim what might have been lost throughout 2020: generosity, joy, peace, certainty, hope, freedom and LIFE.” This will be a Christmas like no other as we unite to reclaim God’s dream for this world to experience His abundant (zoe) LIFE .

November 4, 2020 - No Comments!

Recreation Interview: Cissy

I first met Cissy at the end of 2010 when she and her family moved all the way from Hawaii to Thailand. Her life brings new meaning to the phrase ‘multi-tasking.’ Graduating with a degree in Marketing, she managed her family’s restaurant and catering business for 16 years. She then went on to become a successful realtor and property manager, but the career she is most proud of is homeschooling her two children. Since joining ZOE, she has become equally as passionate about her work here in Thailand, dividing her time between directing the English as a Second Language Program, instructing in the ZOE Leadership School’s business classes, establishing ZOE’s on-campus store, library and reading room, and consulting with ZOE’s kitchen!

What’s also very exciting is, because of Cissy’s ‘make-it-happen’ work mantra, she has also established an exercise program for ZOE’s children and staff. If there’s ever an activity happening at ZOE in Thailand whether it’s trampolining or swimming lessons, dance classes, English camp, sports competitions or reading challenges in the library, it’s usually Cissy who is behind it! Few people could achieve this much in ten years!

Recently as we talked about the gym, sports courts, pool and family area, I had the chance to ask Cissy why she feels that sports and recreation are so important to the children and teens who have come to live at ZOE.

“Since becoming a missionary, I have been able to use many of the skills and
passions that God has nurtured in me. I see the influence of both my parents on
my life: my Dad was a food and beverage consultant who had a dream to open
his own restaurant chain and my Mum was a social worker with a heart for foster
care children. My desire for the kids at ZOE is the same as for my own two: that
they are equipped with the skills and drive to reach their potential, achieve their
dreams and realize all that God has planned for their lives.”

At ZOE we never underestimate the social aspect of sports and recreation. Playing together helps to form bonds based on trust and fun. For children recently rescued from trafficking, socialisation skills can be enhanced through various games and activities.

*If you have a passion to end child trafficking and ideas on how you could use your interests, skills or hobbies to influence your sphere, then please reach out and discuss your plans with us.

November 1, 2020 - No Comments!

Recreation: It’s Not Just Swimming

Over in ZOE Thailand, where the weather is usually hot, what's better than jumping into a cold swimming pool on a sweltering summer’s day?  Being able to swim!

By knowing how to swim, it means that the children at ZOE Thailand can enjoy the wonderful sensation of being in the pool – in a safe and pleasurable way. The sensory experience of being in water is both relaxing and enjoyable.

Research says that there are huge physical benefits to swimming. Learning to swim is both a full-body cardiovascular and respiratory workout! At ZOE we love to see the children’s stamina, flexibility and muscle strength develop.

There are many other advantages to knowing how to swim, such as building concentration, becoming physically stronger and developing coordination. It also encourages an active and healthy lifestyle.

At ZOE we never underestimate the social aspect of swimming either. Playing together in the water helps to form bonds based on trust and fun. For children recently rescued from negative situations, socialization skills can be enhanced through various water games and activities.

During swimming lessons, children take pride in each individual achievement and work towards achieving new goals.  As their abilities and confidence increase, children are able to overcome fear and celebrate their successes with their friends, family and their swimming teacher!

At ZOE, it’s not JUST swimming!