January 15, 2006,
from Benaulim, Goa, India.

Happy new Year 2006 from the Thomas family, writing to you this month from a small town in Goa on the southwest coast of India. Our teaching jobs at Woodstock School have kept us close to home in the northern hill station of Mussoorie since we arrived last summer. But in December, the school closed down for winter break, while boarding students returned to their families, and the faculty decamped for a short sabbatical, mostly to this tiny town far from school.

One colleague's mission sending board met nearby for bible study, noting what Jesus did during his adult life. He balanced Ministry with Solitude and Community. As we have reported in previous newsletters, our teaching days are full. In addition, our ministry to the boarding students at Woodstock has us involved in activities most evenings and weekends. Scripture records that Jesus sought times along to rejuvenate after teaching, to collect his thoughts and seek God's will for future days. In our forty days away from school, we have found solitude individually and as a family -- times to read, reflect, dream, share, pray, support, unite -- times to do things that personally build us up and corporately make us strong. We are not alone. About thirty other staff members have congregated here to do the same thing. Myriad guest houses and miles of sand in this historically Chirstian state allow us space and quiet to hear God. But just as importantly, staying nearby allows us to enjoy community with each other in a new way.

Just as the bible describes Jesus enjoying the fellowship of friends when dining together, discussing topics of faith, celebrating wedding feasts or commiserating over the death of a loved one, so we are built up by the community of school memebers here. We now have unhurried time to get to know one another on a personal level -- to discuss our individual beliefs and learn how we can use our talents to support one another in our work. Last Sunday we gathered on the beach for informal worship, led by the doctor at the community hospital near Woodstock. Today we went in to Margao, the biggest town in Goa, to worship at the Good News Church, led by James Barton, an (Irish Presbyterian) former principal of Woodstock.

Intentional participation in community for food and fellowship, along with times of solitude for prayer, rest, and reflection, we hope, by the grace of God, will make our ministries stronger. Please pray that this is so for our family and the other teachers and students of Woodstock School. Please pray for safe travels during our three-day train trip back north, and our safe return to the ice and snow we will meet in Mussoorie, six thousand feet up. We give thanks for your continued prayers and support.

Barbara, Jeffrey, Christopher, and Coleman Thomas
Woodstock School
Mussoorie UA 248179
India
email: barbarathomas@woodstock.ac.in