As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness through another year here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It’s been a year of challenges, growth, celebration, and ministry. We’re so grateful for your prayers and support that sustain us on this journey.
Visas and Other Adventures
The year started with some uncertainty on the visa front. In March, our attempt to switch to a new DTV visa in Malaysia was denied, which was disheartening after weeks away from home. But God opened doors. By April, we traveled to Taiwan, reapplied for the same visa type, and praise the Lord—this time all five of us were approved. We celebrated Easter in Taipei and reconnected with some old missionary friends from our previous country of service!
This year we also experienced the ground shaking—literally—when a 7.7 earthquake struck nearby in Myanmar. Our house shook, some items fell, and we have some new cracks in the walls, but we’re safe. It was a reminder to pray for those in harder-hit areas, especially amid Myanmar’s ongoing social & government struggles.
Family News
Big news for our family: Josiah turned 18 and graduated high school in May! He’s taking a gap year here in Chiang Mai, interning with two ministries, helped start a Bible study across town, and is on the leadership team of our church’s youth group. One of his internships focuses on connecting mission organizations across continents and training new missionaries; the other involves learning a bit about Bible translation work using tools like coding and AI tools. Josiah is learning a ton, growing in his skills and in his faith, and doing really well.
Ruth continues to navigate sporadic vertigo, most likely as a consequence of her head injury a couple years ago. Some days are tougher than others—please pray for her continued recovery.
Our younger boys enjoyed the annual Southeast Asia MK (Missionary Kid) camp early in the year, strengthening connections with peers who share that unique “third culture” experience. The monthly Zoom follow-up meetings have been a blessing too.
Ministry and Community
Our year involved walking alongside friends facing hardships—scams, marriage struggles, health diagnoses, burnout, and organizational conflicts. It’s been a privilege to offer support, counsel, and prayer during these potentially life-altering seasons.
We’re thrilled with how the Inspire Homeschool Helper Program is growing! Faith returned for her second year, bringing experience and stability, and Lily joined in September, hitting the ground running—getting her motorcycle license, rental home, and quick integration into church life. Both are thriving—splitting time between families, acting like big sisters to the kids, and freeing up the parents for ministry. They’ve become super connected in the community, pursuing additional activities and ministries beyond homeschool duties. It is (surprisingly enough) exactly what we envisioned: blessing missionary families while seeing these young women pursue growth, adventure, and a front-row seat to God’s global work.
If you or someone you know might be interested in serving next year, check out www.lanceandruth.com/inspire.html.
I recently accepted a spot on the Leadership Team at the international church we’re members of across town. We’ve been greatly blessed to be there, and worshiping with people hailing from more than 20 different home countries and denominational backgrounds has expanded our vision of God’s work throughout the world. His global Church is vaster and more varied than what we ever could’ve known if we hadn’t followed this strange life path called missions.
We hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving gathering at our home last month with about 20 missionaries—lots of food, laughter, and fellowship. And just recently, we led the music portion of the Christmas program at the Juniper Tree Christian guesthouse here in Chiang Mai, which we’ve done almost every year for the past five years.
As we head into 2026, we’re praying for continued health improvement, deeper relationships, and open doors for ministry. We are planning to make a trip to the States this summer, I hope we can connect in person with everybody then. Thank you for partnering with us—your encouragement means the world to us.
Merry Christmas, and blessings in the New Year!
-Lance, for the Baker family
Ancient tunnel under Buddhist temple we visited with Ruth’s family when they came to visit in August.
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Rice fields outside Chiang Mai.
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