Friday, 23 September 2011
Progress
Our Thailand team sat down with Kevin Honore on his return back from overseas. Had a really good debrief. The team is still thinking the same as when we left Thailand. Our enthusiasm is high. Next steps are 1) our Missions Team meeting with Kevin and chatting through specifics, 2) identifying a cluster of villages and the plan ahead, 3) Deciding on what it might look like to join with 2-3 other churches in our faith prompted endeavors (some dialogue just began around this last week; Quite exciting). Still working on what this might look like. Not a day goes by when Thailand isn't on my mind.
Let's keep praying for God's guidance and leading.
Friday, 5 August 2011
Video Story
Here's a video that captures glimpses from several areas we visited. Michael Bain took the video (and did a great job of the editing). We'll have more to share later when we come around the details of the projects.
Open the link to watch video in vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/26556171
Open the link to watch video in vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/26556171
Thursday, 14 July 2011
THAILAND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
There are three projects we're giving serious consideration towards as we move into our next steps. Here's the third one:
# 3: Community Development
The hill tribes of Thailand make up 2% of the population. These people have for generations lived and cultivated crops in the
upland and highland areas, growing upland rice and other subsistence crops. However it is these areas where more and more land is being officially designated as forest reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Government policies are forcing many hill tribes to use alternative methods of farming and/or move to other designated areas that are not well suited for traditional agriculture. Because of these policies, lack of citizenship, and other external pressures, hill tribes often do not have the same opportunities as other Thai nationals, therefore making it difficult for hill tribes to alleviate themselves from poverty.
Many of these villages are without running water, sanitation, school, or medical clinics. It is estimated that Hill tribe families in the most marginalized areas in Thailand have an annual income as low as $80USD!
As a result of their extreme poverty and lack of citizenship, these people are often preyed upon by those who would purchase their children to supply the sex trade (usually resulting from a debt that cannot be paid). They are also enticed into growing opium for drug cartels/gangs as a way of surviving.
History Of Partnership
Since 1990 the Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP) has assisted hill tribe people to cope with the many changes that have taken place in their livelihoods. This has predominantly been through small projects providing special assistance with the construction of drinking water and irrigation systems, delivery and management of tree crops for subsistence farming and income generation, fish farming, establishing a Fair-Trade International Coffee Cooperative, self-help groups, and assisting Lahu hostels in areas of capacity building and sustainability. To date, in addition to aiding minority groups in Thailand, ITDP is assisting other countries in the region. More than 250 villages and 6 tribal groups have received assistance from ITDP.
Beneficiaries
Hill Tribes: The term hill tribe designates ethnic minorities most of whom live in the remote upland and highland areas of the north and western part of the country. The hill tribes were traditional opium users, which aggravated the problem of their attachment to opium poppy cultivation. Even today the hill tribes still constitute a considerable part of the drug abuse population in Thailand, with an ever-increasing trend to turn to heroin and other drugs as opium becomes less and less available. Hill tribes want alternative ways of generating income and better opportunities to enter Thai society in a more sustainable way just as other Thais are able to achieve.
ITDP will assist villagers according to needs, not religion, gender, social status, or tribe. It is difficult to say which villages will be selected. Villagers that need assistance with activities will convey their request each year to the project management committee (PMC) of each project.
Key People
Leadership Profile
Mike and Becky Mann have been providing support to the hill tribe villages in Northern Thailand and surrounding regions since 1990. Mike is from America and is a global consultant for rural development. He serves as director of Integrated Tribal Development Program in Thailand, in addition to consulting around the world. Becky Mann helps tribal farmers and women's groups, and works with parents of special needs children. She also works with Integrated Tribal Development, helping to market Thai coffee. They have four children, Richard, Melanie, Ryan and Robert.
What We Like About The Partnership
ITDP wants to put Christian love into action and works very hard at trying to meet the needs of the disadvantaged/resource-poor in a holistic way. They provide this for everyone, regardless of their faith.
All the team that works alongside Mike and Becky Mann are all from the Hill Tribes themselves.
ITDP insist on local villages active participation in the project in a way that creates long-term ownership of the project and for the villages to be investing in their own futures.
As a church, we have a commitment for holistic community development. There is the possibility for short-term trips to assist in the water projects, building a school, running kids programs, and providing necessary medical attention. The exposure is a healthy part of our own discipleship.
The project brings the gospel together in word and action through both community development and the planting of a church in the village. It is a dynamic and effective model that fits with our local approach. Of the 5 different villages we visited, between 30-50% of the villages had converted from animism to Christianity within these past ten years.
There is the opportunity for the wider Mt Albert community to participate in community development. For instance, funding for the water projects could come from Christmas in Rocket Park with those who install the water supplies paying for their own trip.
The potential partnership
We want to work in a cluster of villages that are without running water, sanitation, school, or medical clinics. Over a five year period, we want to assist in a holistic way that involves several factors:
a. Provide Clean water, Sanitation and Training
There is a triangle of three basic aspects that lay a foundation for relationships to be built. This involves running clean water, sanitation and training. Each family in the village works alongside us in the establishment of these.
# clean water provided for each village in the cluster
We would fund-raise to provide for each village over the five years (likely through Christmas in Rocket Park). A short term trip can work with local villages to install the water (eg digging trenches, pouring concrete). Such projects would be led by experienced staff from ITDP (Inter-tribal development program) who have established over 250 water projects so far. The cost to supply clean water for a village of 60-300 people is $USD 5,500.
[# sanitation for villages/ cost per unit / short term trip to help
Similar to above, following the provision of clean water, we would provide sanitation in each village at a cost of $USD 4,400 per village.
[# training re water/sanitation]
ITDP provides training to maximize and extend the above. Training would continue over these five years.
b. Childrens’ Programs/ Medical Help
As well as hands on digging trenches/laying foundations etc (similar to our weekend of service), short-term trips can include:
- Children’s Bible Programs to begin getting the gospel out in word as well as action.
- Medical assistance to people that have no current medical help.
c. Build a school for up to grade 6.
The children in these villages have no formal education. We would like to see a school built that would enable students from the cluster of villages to study up to grade 6.
This would involve laying a foundation for a school in our fourth year and seeking to provide assistance, where possible, in the operational cost of the school. The anticipated cost of the school building is USD $60,000.
In addition, we can also arrange child sponsorships through this new school or through Mo Ho Jo school (one of the schools at another village we saw that still have 30 children needing sponsorship).
d. Begin Micro-Enterprise Loans
Through providing loans for the villages to purchase coffee plants, they villages can begin producing a good income that returns back into the development of their own homes and village.
This coffee is where we get our La Mai coffee from.
For something different at Christmas, birthdays, Mothers/Fathers Days, we could provide opportunity for people to buy shares in water wells, and coffee plants for these Hill-Tribe people.
# 3: Community Development
The hill tribes of Thailand make up 2% of the population. These people have for generations lived and cultivated crops in the
upland and highland areas, growing upland rice and other subsistence crops. However it is these areas where more and more land is being officially designated as forest reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Government policies are forcing many hill tribes to use alternative methods of farming and/or move to other designated areas that are not well suited for traditional agriculture. Because of these policies, lack of citizenship, and other external pressures, hill tribes often do not have the same opportunities as other Thai nationals, therefore making it difficult for hill tribes to alleviate themselves from poverty.Many of these villages are without running water, sanitation, school, or medical clinics. It is estimated that Hill tribe families in the most marginalized areas in Thailand have an annual income as low as $80USD!
As a result of their extreme poverty and lack of citizenship, these people are often preyed upon by those who would purchase their children to supply the sex trade (usually resulting from a debt that cannot be paid). They are also enticed into growing opium for drug cartels/gangs as a way of surviving.
History Of Partnership
Since 1990 the Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP) has assisted hill tribe people to cope with the many changes that have taken place in their livelihoods. This has predominantly been through small projects providing special assistance with the construction of drinking water and irrigation systems, delivery and management of tree crops for subsistence farming and income generation, fish farming, establishing a Fair-Trade International Coffee Cooperative, self-help groups, and assisting Lahu hostels in areas of capacity building and sustainability. To date, in addition to aiding minority groups in Thailand, ITDP is assisting other countries in the region. More than 250 villages and 6 tribal groups have received assistance from ITDP.
Beneficiaries
Hill Tribes: The term hill tribe designates ethnic minorities most of whom live in the remote upland and highland areas of the north and western part of the country. The hill tribes were traditional opium users, which aggravated the problem of their attachment to opium poppy cultivation. Even today the hill tribes still constitute a considerable part of the drug abuse population in Thailand, with an ever-increasing trend to turn to heroin and other drugs as opium becomes less and less available. Hill tribes want alternative ways of generating income and better opportunities to enter Thai society in a more sustainable way just as other Thais are able to achieve.
ITDP will assist villagers according to needs, not religion, gender, social status, or tribe. It is difficult to say which villages will be selected. Villagers that need assistance with activities will convey their request each year to the project management committee (PMC) of each project.
Key People
Leadership Profile
Mike and Becky Mann have been providing support to the hill tribe villages in Northern Thailand and surrounding regions since 1990. Mike is from America and is a global consultant for rural development. He serves as director of Integrated Tribal Development Program in Thailand, in addition to consulting around the world. Becky Mann helps tribal farmers and women's groups, and works with parents of special needs children. She also works with Integrated Tribal Development, helping to market Thai coffee. They have four children, Richard, Melanie, Ryan and Robert.
What We Like About The Partnership
ITDP wants to put Christian love into action and works very hard at trying to meet the needs of the disadvantaged/resource-poor in a holistic way. They provide this for everyone, regardless of their faith.
All the team that works alongside Mike and Becky Mann are all from the Hill Tribes themselves.
ITDP insist on local villages active participation in the project in a way that creates long-term ownership of the project and for the villages to be investing in their own futures. As a church, we have a commitment for holistic community development. There is the possibility for short-term trips to assist in the water projects, building a school, running kids programs, and providing necessary medical attention. The exposure is a healthy part of our own discipleship.
The project brings the gospel together in word and action through both community development and the planting of a church in the village. It is a dynamic and effective model that fits with our local approach. Of the 5 different villages we visited, between 30-50% of the villages had converted from animism to Christianity within these past ten years.
There is the opportunity for the wider Mt Albert community to participate in community development. For instance, funding for the water projects could come from Christmas in Rocket Park with those who install the water supplies paying for their own trip.
The potential partnership
We want to work in a cluster of villages that are without running water, sanitation, school, or medical clinics. Over a five year period, we want to assist in a holistic way that involves several factors:
a. Provide Clean water, Sanitation and Training
There is a triangle of three basic aspects that lay a foundation for relationships to be built. This involves running clean water, sanitation and training. Each family in the village works alongside us in the establishment of these.
# clean water provided for each village in the cluster
We would fund-raise to provide for each village over the five years (likely through Christmas in Rocket Park). A short term trip can work with local villages to install the water (eg digging trenches, pouring concrete). Such projects would be led by experienced staff from ITDP (Inter-tribal development program) who have established over 250 water projects so far. The cost to supply clean water for a village of 60-300 people is $USD 5,500. [# sanitation for villages/ cost per unit / short term trip to help
Similar to above, following the provision of clean water, we would provide sanitation in each village at a cost of $USD 4,400 per village.
[# training re water/sanitation]
ITDP provides training to maximize and extend the above. Training would continue over these five years.
b. Childrens’ Programs/ Medical Help
As well as hands on digging trenches/laying foundations etc (similar to our weekend of service), short-term trips can include:
- Children’s Bible Programs to begin getting the gospel out in word as well as action.
- Medical assistance to people that have no current medical help.
c. Build a school for up to grade 6.
The children in these villages have no formal education. We would like to see a school built that would enable students from the cluster of villages to study up to grade 6.
This would involve laying a foundation for a school in our fourth year and seeking to provide assistance, where possible, in the operational cost of the school. The anticipated cost of the school building is USD $60,000.In addition, we can also arrange child sponsorships through this new school or through Mo Ho Jo school (one of the schools at another village we saw that still have 30 children needing sponsorship).
d. Begin Micro-Enterprise Loans
Through providing loans for the villages to purchase coffee plants, they villages can begin producing a good income that returns back into the development of their own homes and village.
This coffee is where we get our La Mai coffee from.For something different at Christmas, birthdays, Mothers/Fathers Days, we could provide opportunity for people to buy shares in water wells, and coffee plants for these Hill-Tribe people.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
THAILAND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
There are three projects we're giving serious consideration towards as we move into our next steps. Here's the second one.
# 2: Rahab Ministries
Internationally, prostitution and trafficking of Asian women and children is increasing. It is the third largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world and one of the most urgent human rights issues today. About 5,000 women work each night in the sex tourism industry of Patpong, an area specifically established for Western sex tourism. Rahab Ministries is situated in the middle of this red light area and rescues girls from prostitution in the bars of Bangkok and helps rehabilitate them through training and education. Many girls are sold into the sex trade at age 10 to 12 years by their parents and are required to send earnings home to support their family.
Rahab Ministries has an excellent record of working on the streets and through a hair salon. About 800 girls have been assisted to leave the “trade since the inception of the ministry. They have now moved into prevention work in north Thailand where they are working in schools educating and warning young girls.
History Of Partnership
Rahab Ministries began in Bangkok in April 1989 when two Thai and two foreign women met to share their desire to help girls working in prostitution. Rahab Ministries continues to grow under a strong leadership team of Thai staff and foreign volunteers.
Rahab Ministries has three objectives:
• To share the love of Jesus Christ through friendship evangelism and social concern.
• To provide practical help and emotional support to girls working in prostitution.
• To provide opportunities for education, vocational training and alternative employment.
These objectives are met through:
Bar Visitation:
Each week the outreach team visits different bars in Patpong seeking to make contacts through friendship evangelism. As they build relationships they are able to tell the women about Rahab and what support and new opportunities they can offer them.
Rahab Bazaar:
Rahab Bazaar was set up both as an income generation programme and to offer alternative employment to women choosing to leave the bars. Making jewellery at Rahab enables the women to make something beautiful out of their lives that have been ugly and hard. It is also a time to build new relationships. All their jewellery is made to a high standard using only the best materials.
Rahab House:
Any women who choose to stop working in the bars at Patpong are offered alternative accommodation at Rahab House. It is run on Christian values and provides a family atmosphere and support as the women regain confidence in themselves. Some families are reunited as children who have been back in the villages come to live with their mothers.
Discipleship and Training:
One of the Directors provides pastoral care to all the women at Rahab. Three times a week she runs a Bible study and offers counselling, discipleship and healing ministry with others on the team. Twice a week English classes are taught at Rahab. These classes are also open to any bar girls wishing to attend.
Key People
Leadership Profile
Chanaprai Wangkhampha (Prai) is the manager of the Rahab Bazaar, which is both an income generation project and provides new work and skills for women leaving the bars. She oversees the production, sales and distribution of all Rahab products. She is also involved in researching and developing new products for the women to make by hand and sell not only in Thailand but all over the world. In addition she provides support and encouragement to all of the staff at Rahab. Her wisdom and strong faith are an integral part of the leadership team. Prai lives at Rahab house with her husband Piya, and daughter, Play.
Susitorn Niwetrangsan is the on-site pastor of Rahab Ministries. She oversees the Bible teaching, discipling, prayer and worship at Rahab. Susitorn's vital role involves discipling each of the women who come through the programme as well as providing support and encouragement to all the staff at Rahab.
Alex and Sarah van Meygaarden are long term volunteers from New Zealand. Alex was a secondary school teacher in New Zealand before joining Rahab Ministries in Thailand. Alex's main responsibility at Rahab is office management and responding to incoming emails. Alex is also the general handyman at the office in Patpong and Rahab House.
Sarah's background is in mental health nursing and she holds a counselling degree. Sarah is part of the outreach team and is responsible for prayer bulletins, newsletters and all communication for Rahab Bazaar. Both Alex and Sarah are house parents at Rahab House and enjoy being part of the Rahab family.
Vision And Annual Strategy
Approx. 30 girls use the centre each day.
Counselling and teaching are given on practical matters such as safe sex, health, nutrition, STDs and AIDS, childcare and budgeting.
A Sponsorship Programme enables girls to leave the bars and engage in vocational training or further education. Some children of bar girls are sponsored to attend school. Girls are helped to find other employment.
Prevention Programme – Some young girls ‘at risk’ of entering prostitution are sponsored to continue schooling or vocational training. Suitable employment is found for others.
Income Generation – A jewellery business provides girls wishing to leave prostitution with a source of alternative income.
International prostitution and international trafficking of Asian girls and children is increasing. Worldwide, 4 million girls and 1 million children are trafficked into the sex industry every year. Rahab Ministries is increasingly involved in advocacy and generating awareness of this phenomenon, especially among Christians in the West.
What We Like About The Partnership
This is a vibrant ministry meeting the desperate needs of vulnerable people.
It has solid local leadership. We also like their approach to disciple the girls to look beyond themselves through the adoption of a refugee village on the Burmese border and their help for them to become active members in a local church. We are also currently involved through Lai Mai Coffee.
Our Potential Approach
1. The ministry would benefit from a short-term trip of people with particular skill sets, or people helping from back in Auckland in various ways:
- produce videos
- photography
- web help
- skilled trades people
2. Promoting and Selling Lai Mai Coffee as a way to support this ministry.
3. Promotion of the jewelry made through Rahab. We can do this through our yourplace website and special functions. It may be that somebody wants to pick this up in a bigger way. 100% of profits going back into Rahab ministries.
Real "Life Change" Stories
Kat’s Story
I come from a family that was very poor. My mother had five children and only my sister and I had the same father. As soon as, or just before, each child was born the fathers left home. Because of jealousy and strife in our family, mainly with my older sister and her husband who were very lazy and told lies about me, I was told to leave home. I left and found work in a factory but some time later my sister borrowed money from my friend then gambled and borrowed from others and her debts mounted up. She was in trouble with the police. For my mother’s sake I agreed to pay off the debts.
I came to Bangkok and worked in a sewing factory but the pay was not enough to be able to repay enough each month. My friend was wanting her money back so I decided to work in the bars but was unhappy with that kind of work. I became friends with one man and lived with him for a few years but when I became pregnant, my boyfriend wanted to end the relationship saying the child wasn’t his. He didn’t want another child as his ex-wife had four children.
About that time I met up with people from Rahab Ministries who brought me to Rahab Home and helped me. I want to be a good mother and we are happy here. I thank God who has given me a family who care about me where I’ve found real love and friendship.
Jan’s Story
When I was still a baby my parents separated and I was left with someone else to be cared for. I never knew my mother. Later at the age of 8 I met my father, then at 12 went to live with him and his wife who had two sons. They were spiteful and mean to me and when I complained to my father he was not interested and growled at me. I felt he did not love or care about me so I ran away and wandered the streets looking for work.
No one wanted to employ me as I was young but a street restaurant gave me food and a bed and I washed dishes until the son tried to molest me and I was sent away. On the streets again a gang of youths tried to get hold of me but I got away by stabbing one of them. The next morning the police arrested me and I was sent to a government home until 18. On leaving there I tried again to find work wandering the streets until hungry and exhausted I sat down on the pavement and cried. Finally a woman befriended me taking me to her place and was kind to me.
This woman who worked in the bars was very kind and showed me love. Some time later she became infected with HIV and I cared for her until she died. She taught me a lot with good advice to help me. The other women in the bars were very caring. When I met up with Rahab I was pregnant and they helped me leave the bars and showed me real love. I have come to know Jesus and have found new life. I really appreciate what God has done for me and my baby girl through Rahab.
# 2: Rahab Ministries
Internationally, prostitution and trafficking of Asian women and children is increasing. It is the third largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world and one of the most urgent human rights issues today. About 5,000 women work each night in the sex tourism industry of Patpong, an area specifically established for Western sex tourism. Rahab Ministries is situated in the middle of this red light area and rescues girls from prostitution in the bars of Bangkok and helps rehabilitate them through training and education. Many girls are sold into the sex trade at age 10 to 12 years by their parents and are required to send earnings home to support their family.
Rahab Ministries has an excellent record of working on the streets and through a hair salon. About 800 girls have been assisted to leave the “trade since the inception of the ministry. They have now moved into prevention work in north Thailand where they are working in schools educating and warning young girls.
History Of Partnership
Rahab Ministries began in Bangkok in April 1989 when two Thai and two foreign women met to share their desire to help girls working in prostitution. Rahab Ministries continues to grow under a strong leadership team of Thai staff and foreign volunteers.
Rahab Ministries has three objectives:
• To share the love of Jesus Christ through friendship evangelism and social concern.
• To provide practical help and emotional support to girls working in prostitution.
• To provide opportunities for education, vocational training and alternative employment.
These objectives are met through:
Bar Visitation:
Each week the outreach team visits different bars in Patpong seeking to make contacts through friendship evangelism. As they build relationships they are able to tell the women about Rahab and what support and new opportunities they can offer them.
Rahab Bazaar:
Rahab Bazaar was set up both as an income generation programme and to offer alternative employment to women choosing to leave the bars. Making jewellery at Rahab enables the women to make something beautiful out of their lives that have been ugly and hard. It is also a time to build new relationships. All their jewellery is made to a high standard using only the best materials.
Rahab House:
Any women who choose to stop working in the bars at Patpong are offered alternative accommodation at Rahab House. It is run on Christian values and provides a family atmosphere and support as the women regain confidence in themselves. Some families are reunited as children who have been back in the villages come to live with their mothers.
Discipleship and Training:
One of the Directors provides pastoral care to all the women at Rahab. Three times a week she runs a Bible study and offers counselling, discipleship and healing ministry with others on the team. Twice a week English classes are taught at Rahab. These classes are also open to any bar girls wishing to attend.
Key People
Leadership Profile
Chanaprai Wangkhampha (Prai) is the manager of the Rahab Bazaar, which is both an income generation project and provides new work and skills for women leaving the bars. She oversees the production, sales and distribution of all Rahab products. She is also involved in researching and developing new products for the women to make by hand and sell not only in Thailand but all over the world. In addition she provides support and encouragement to all of the staff at Rahab. Her wisdom and strong faith are an integral part of the leadership team. Prai lives at Rahab house with her husband Piya, and daughter, Play.
Susitorn Niwetrangsan is the on-site pastor of Rahab Ministries. She oversees the Bible teaching, discipling, prayer and worship at Rahab. Susitorn's vital role involves discipling each of the women who come through the programme as well as providing support and encouragement to all the staff at Rahab.
Alex and Sarah van Meygaarden are long term volunteers from New Zealand. Alex was a secondary school teacher in New Zealand before joining Rahab Ministries in Thailand. Alex's main responsibility at Rahab is office management and responding to incoming emails. Alex is also the general handyman at the office in Patpong and Rahab House.
Sarah's background is in mental health nursing and she holds a counselling degree. Sarah is part of the outreach team and is responsible for prayer bulletins, newsletters and all communication for Rahab Bazaar. Both Alex and Sarah are house parents at Rahab House and enjoy being part of the Rahab family.
Vision And Annual Strategy
Approx. 30 girls use the centre each day.
Counselling and teaching are given on practical matters such as safe sex, health, nutrition, STDs and AIDS, childcare and budgeting.
A Sponsorship Programme enables girls to leave the bars and engage in vocational training or further education. Some children of bar girls are sponsored to attend school. Girls are helped to find other employment.
Prevention Programme – Some young girls ‘at risk’ of entering prostitution are sponsored to continue schooling or vocational training. Suitable employment is found for others.
Income Generation – A jewellery business provides girls wishing to leave prostitution with a source of alternative income.
International prostitution and international trafficking of Asian girls and children is increasing. Worldwide, 4 million girls and 1 million children are trafficked into the sex industry every year. Rahab Ministries is increasingly involved in advocacy and generating awareness of this phenomenon, especially among Christians in the West.
What We Like About The Partnership
This is a vibrant ministry meeting the desperate needs of vulnerable people.
It has solid local leadership. We also like their approach to disciple the girls to look beyond themselves through the adoption of a refugee village on the Burmese border and their help for them to become active members in a local church. We are also currently involved through Lai Mai Coffee.
Our Potential Approach
1. The ministry would benefit from a short-term trip of people with particular skill sets, or people helping from back in Auckland in various ways:
- produce videos
- photography
- web help
- skilled trades people
2. Promoting and Selling Lai Mai Coffee as a way to support this ministry.
3. Promotion of the jewelry made through Rahab. We can do this through our yourplace website and special functions. It may be that somebody wants to pick this up in a bigger way. 100% of profits going back into Rahab ministries.
Real "Life Change" Stories
Kat’s Story
I come from a family that was very poor. My mother had five children and only my sister and I had the same father. As soon as, or just before, each child was born the fathers left home. Because of jealousy and strife in our family, mainly with my older sister and her husband who were very lazy and told lies about me, I was told to leave home. I left and found work in a factory but some time later my sister borrowed money from my friend then gambled and borrowed from others and her debts mounted up. She was in trouble with the police. For my mother’s sake I agreed to pay off the debts.
I came to Bangkok and worked in a sewing factory but the pay was not enough to be able to repay enough each month. My friend was wanting her money back so I decided to work in the bars but was unhappy with that kind of work. I became friends with one man and lived with him for a few years but when I became pregnant, my boyfriend wanted to end the relationship saying the child wasn’t his. He didn’t want another child as his ex-wife had four children.
About that time I met up with people from Rahab Ministries who brought me to Rahab Home and helped me. I want to be a good mother and we are happy here. I thank God who has given me a family who care about me where I’ve found real love and friendship.
Jan’s Story
When I was still a baby my parents separated and I was left with someone else to be cared for. I never knew my mother. Later at the age of 8 I met my father, then at 12 went to live with him and his wife who had two sons. They were spiteful and mean to me and when I complained to my father he was not interested and growled at me. I felt he did not love or care about me so I ran away and wandered the streets looking for work.
No one wanted to employ me as I was young but a street restaurant gave me food and a bed and I washed dishes until the son tried to molest me and I was sent away. On the streets again a gang of youths tried to get hold of me but I got away by stabbing one of them. The next morning the police arrested me and I was sent to a government home until 18. On leaving there I tried again to find work wandering the streets until hungry and exhausted I sat down on the pavement and cried. Finally a woman befriended me taking me to her place and was kind to me.
This woman who worked in the bars was very kind and showed me love. Some time later she became infected with HIV and I cared for her until she died. She taught me a lot with good advice to help me. The other women in the bars were very caring. When I met up with Rahab I was pregnant and they helped me leave the bars and showed me real love. I have come to know Jesus and have found new life. I really appreciate what God has done for me and my baby girl through Rahab.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
THAILAND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
# 1: Church Planting
Thailand
Population: 62.8 million
Life Expectancy: 70.6 years
GDP: US$2990 per capita
Unemployed: 2.1%
25.2% earn less than US$2 per day
Thai Buddhists are very unreached! The percentage of Christians among them is less than 1% and there are still 215 large towns and districts with no church. In addition there are 3,830 villages and communities that still do not have a single Christian believer. This means that millions of Thais still have no access to the gospel. They have no chance to hear about Jesus because there is very little chance they will ever meet a Christian believer.
Muang Thong church is having an effective harvest in church-planting movements among Buddhist people groups in Thailand and Laos. In this past year, they have baptized 1000 people and begun 75 churches (many of which include 2-3 house churches).
It is a strategy development, equipping, resource and deployment centre for evangelism, church-planting and discipling the least-reached Buddhist people groups in Thailand and its neighbouring countries.
One aspect of the work the church planting does is ongoing training and encouragement for church planters. They have started running monthly training events where they bring these church planters together for two days every month. Most Thai church planters have come out of Buddhism and have no Bible knowledge so are unable to teach the Bible well in the churches they are planting. During this short two day training course they are taught some Bible lessons which they can then go and share with the people they are working with. The idea is that those people then teach others and so the training multiplies. Their aim is to continue to build and develop Thai trainers to train church planters, to help Thai Christians evangelise their relatives and start house churches, and to support and train those who successfully plant house churches.
Beneficiaries
Our involvement would involve covering the costs of transportation, materials and trainer expenses. Usually between 25-40 church planters come to each training event. However, the number of people who benefit from these church planters being trained is unknown as when they go back to their community the Bible knowledge they've learnt keeps spreading and lives are changed.
What We Like About The Partnership
1) Our exploration team benefited greatly by hearing the stories and observing the enthusiasm within this team. They have a contribution to make to us from their spirituality and enthusiasm.
2) This church has seen the huge spiritual need in Thailand and is doing something positive to equip people to reach out to others with the good news of Christ. The ongoing training for church planters and children's workers is not only beneficial but essential and it is great to see them strengthening and encouraging new believers.
3) The church planters themselves are Thai people.
Vision And Annual Strategy
The mission of the Muang Thong church is to make a significant contribution to the fulfillment of the Great Commission by facilitating church planting movements among specific least-reached Buddhist people groups in Thailand and its neighbouring countries.
Their strategy involves:
1) Integration - evangelism, discipleship and mercy that lifts communities
2) Partnership - with the whole Body of Christ in Thailand and beyond
3) Mobilisation - helping Thai partners take responsibility for their own people
4) Training - equipping Thai partners to do the work of the ministry
5) Movements - reaching whole families rather than extracting individual believers
Annual Budget
The amount required for 2010/11 to fund the monthly training events for church planters is USD $2,100.
Our Potential Commitment
• Have John/Nok at Mt Albert Baptist for two Sundays at the end of 2011/beginning of 2012 for others to hear their stories (obviously this will depend on their availability and Brighthope’s perspective of what is most helpful for the mission)
• Provide financial support of a 2 year period, followed by a review of this commitment for the future.
Thailand
Population: 62.8 million
Life Expectancy: 70.6 years
GDP: US$2990 per capita
Unemployed: 2.1%
25.2% earn less than US$2 per day
Thai Buddhists are very unreached! The percentage of Christians among them is less than 1% and there are still 215 large towns and districts with no church. In addition there are 3,830 villages and communities that still do not have a single Christian believer. This means that millions of Thais still have no access to the gospel. They have no chance to hear about Jesus because there is very little chance they will ever meet a Christian believer.
Muang Thong church is having an effective harvest in church-planting movements among Buddhist people groups in Thailand and Laos. In this past year, they have baptized 1000 people and begun 75 churches (many of which include 2-3 house churches).
It is a strategy development, equipping, resource and deployment centre for evangelism, church-planting and discipling the least-reached Buddhist people groups in Thailand and its neighbouring countries.
One aspect of the work the church planting does is ongoing training and encouragement for church planters. They have started running monthly training events where they bring these church planters together for two days every month. Most Thai church planters have come out of Buddhism and have no Bible knowledge so are unable to teach the Bible well in the churches they are planting. During this short two day training course they are taught some Bible lessons which they can then go and share with the people they are working with. The idea is that those people then teach others and so the training multiplies. Their aim is to continue to build and develop Thai trainers to train church planters, to help Thai Christians evangelise their relatives and start house churches, and to support and train those who successfully plant house churches.
Beneficiaries
Our involvement would involve covering the costs of transportation, materials and trainer expenses. Usually between 25-40 church planters come to each training event. However, the number of people who benefit from these church planters being trained is unknown as when they go back to their community the Bible knowledge they've learnt keeps spreading and lives are changed.
What We Like About The Partnership
1) Our exploration team benefited greatly by hearing the stories and observing the enthusiasm within this team. They have a contribution to make to us from their spirituality and enthusiasm.
2) This church has seen the huge spiritual need in Thailand and is doing something positive to equip people to reach out to others with the good news of Christ. The ongoing training for church planters and children's workers is not only beneficial but essential and it is great to see them strengthening and encouraging new believers.
3) The church planters themselves are Thai people.
Vision And Annual Strategy
The mission of the Muang Thong church is to make a significant contribution to the fulfillment of the Great Commission by facilitating church planting movements among specific least-reached Buddhist people groups in Thailand and its neighbouring countries.
Their strategy involves:
1) Integration - evangelism, discipleship and mercy that lifts communities
2) Partnership - with the whole Body of Christ in Thailand and beyond
3) Mobilisation - helping Thai partners take responsibility for their own people
4) Training - equipping Thai partners to do the work of the ministry
5) Movements - reaching whole families rather than extracting individual believers
Annual Budget
The amount required for 2010/11 to fund the monthly training events for church planters is USD $2,100.
Our Potential Commitment
• Have John/Nok at Mt Albert Baptist for two Sundays at the end of 2011/beginning of 2012 for others to hear their stories (obviously this will depend on their availability and Brighthope’s perspective of what is most helpful for the mission)
• Provide financial support of a 2 year period, followed by a review of this commitment for the future.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Questions and Fears Keeping Me Awake
We've been back for a whole day+ now. I 'm finding it difficult to sleep tonight. I don't think it's just jet leg. A piece of me is still in Thailand . . . pondering, thinking, praying, wondering through the 'what ifs.'
I'm awake with questions. Questions that we will all need to reflect on over the weeks ahead . . .
1) how do we better care for our global missionaries commissioned and sent out by Mt Albert Baptist? After all, we have fine missionaries we have sent out. If anything, we need to better partner with them in what they are doing around the world.
2) what does effective local mission continue to look like for us? We have a good history here and have taken some pretty big steps in local misson at a church these past 3 or so years. We're connecting with our local community well. What does it look like from here? How can be better engage in our workplaces, our families, our local schools, the various 'formal' ministries that run through MAB (and elsewhere)... ?
3) what does it look like to effectively engage globally in both urban and rural areas? There are so many needs, challenges and opportunities. What does it look like for us to plant the seed of the gospel in various ways and watch it grow into a tree that bears much fruit, well beyond what can ever be imagined...
4) what type of budget does this require of us? Vision and Dreams cost something after all. What are we capable of? When comparing what we have to the poor conditions I've seen these past few days, it's obvious that we're all in the 'rich' camp to some degree (though probably none of us feel that way). I don't think we need to feel bad about this - after all, we were born into a country with opportunity and health and education and local churches; it's not like we had much to do with that! But, God in his sovereignty seems to bless some (us) with more to help others who don't have. So, what does it look like for us, especially in the wake of a recession?
5) isn't this a bad discussion to have in the midst of research for The Hub? After all, aren't churches meant to keep global missions for another day when needing to raise funds for buildings? It seems insane to be having this dialogue right now, doesn't it?
To be honest, I have some fears. Some of those fears are no doubt evident in the questions above. There are others too.
1) will the urgent and immediate strangle out the mission of God in me? In us? After all, it's natural to think about ourselves. It's like there is a second type of gravity that keeps our feet on the ground, looking inward. While we need to be internally healthy (and put additional effort in place for this to occur), we have to remain externally focused. The urgent and immediate tend to focus us inward. It takes greater effort to push outward.
2) Will cold water be poured on all this? I've seen youth fired up from camps in past years coming back with much enthusiasm to find comments like, 'they'll get over it soon' - as if enthusiasm is a bad thing. I think this is a sad indictment on us at times. I fear for Michael, David, Murray, and myself in this. I pray that we will listen well to questions, fears, and comments, but that the embers that burn within will be flamed wider - if God is in this.
3) What does it look like to ignite the heart of all of us in mission (locally and globally)? What does it look like to lead us in a way that engages all of us in this - young, old, those in the middle, the various cultures that make up our church? What does pace look like? What does faith look like (after all, risk is involved in faith, but people have done some wacky and wrong things in the name of faith too).
4) How can we grow more united through the dialogue? I'm aware that this subject can open up 'a can of worms' for lots of people. There are so many ideas and thoughts and approaches. My prayer is that our mission is biblical (we want to have God's stamp over all of this), large (something that is big enough for all of us), and effective (focused enough to actually see the power of gospel to save and transform).
Amidst these questions and fears, I'm grateful to God for the journey thus far. I'm grateful that I got to travel with such fine men, and to see the way we're all on the same page as we think through the way ahead. I'm grateful for a church that genuinely wants God to lead and shape us.
I'd appreciate your prayer over the coming weeks as we all begin to ponder and shape what the future might look like. Let's pray together as we seek God's face. Pray that we can be once again awed by the power of the gospel at work in us and through us. May God lead us in the journey ahead.
I'm awake with questions. Questions that we will all need to reflect on over the weeks ahead . . .
1) how do we better care for our global missionaries commissioned and sent out by Mt Albert Baptist? After all, we have fine missionaries we have sent out. If anything, we need to better partner with them in what they are doing around the world.
2) what does effective local mission continue to look like for us? We have a good history here and have taken some pretty big steps in local misson at a church these past 3 or so years. We're connecting with our local community well. What does it look like from here? How can be better engage in our workplaces, our families, our local schools, the various 'formal' ministries that run through MAB (and elsewhere)... ?
3) what does it look like to effectively engage globally in both urban and rural areas? There are so many needs, challenges and opportunities. What does it look like for us to plant the seed of the gospel in various ways and watch it grow into a tree that bears much fruit, well beyond what can ever be imagined...
4) what type of budget does this require of us? Vision and Dreams cost something after all. What are we capable of? When comparing what we have to the poor conditions I've seen these past few days, it's obvious that we're all in the 'rich' camp to some degree (though probably none of us feel that way). I don't think we need to feel bad about this - after all, we were born into a country with opportunity and health and education and local churches; it's not like we had much to do with that! But, God in his sovereignty seems to bless some (us) with more to help others who don't have. So, what does it look like for us, especially in the wake of a recession?
5) isn't this a bad discussion to have in the midst of research for The Hub? After all, aren't churches meant to keep global missions for another day when needing to raise funds for buildings? It seems insane to be having this dialogue right now, doesn't it?
To be honest, I have some fears. Some of those fears are no doubt evident in the questions above. There are others too.
1) will the urgent and immediate strangle out the mission of God in me? In us? After all, it's natural to think about ourselves. It's like there is a second type of gravity that keeps our feet on the ground, looking inward. While we need to be internally healthy (and put additional effort in place for this to occur), we have to remain externally focused. The urgent and immediate tend to focus us inward. It takes greater effort to push outward.
2) Will cold water be poured on all this? I've seen youth fired up from camps in past years coming back with much enthusiasm to find comments like, 'they'll get over it soon' - as if enthusiasm is a bad thing. I think this is a sad indictment on us at times. I fear for Michael, David, Murray, and myself in this. I pray that we will listen well to questions, fears, and comments, but that the embers that burn within will be flamed wider - if God is in this.
3) What does it look like to ignite the heart of all of us in mission (locally and globally)? What does it look like to lead us in a way that engages all of us in this - young, old, those in the middle, the various cultures that make up our church? What does pace look like? What does faith look like (after all, risk is involved in faith, but people have done some wacky and wrong things in the name of faith too).
4) How can we grow more united through the dialogue? I'm aware that this subject can open up 'a can of worms' for lots of people. There are so many ideas and thoughts and approaches. My prayer is that our mission is biblical (we want to have God's stamp over all of this), large (something that is big enough for all of us), and effective (focused enough to actually see the power of gospel to save and transform).
Amidst these questions and fears, I'm grateful to God for the journey thus far. I'm grateful that I got to travel with such fine men, and to see the way we're all on the same page as we think through the way ahead. I'm grateful for a church that genuinely wants God to lead and shape us.
I'd appreciate your prayer over the coming weeks as we all begin to ponder and shape what the future might look like. Let's pray together as we seek God's face. Pray that we can be once again awed by the power of the gospel at work in us and through us. May God lead us in the journey ahead.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Homeward bound
We begin the homeward journey today.
This morning we spent half a day with our potential partners IDHP. They'll show us some coffee processing and debrief our time in the villages. Starbucks has come around much of their community development projects so we will be spending some time with them too (a nice touch to prepare us for integration home) :-)
The time here has been incredibly special. It's hard to put into words but it has done something to my heart and soul. The power of the gospel to transform, even from small activities is breath-taking. I can't wait to share some of the stories and journey with you over the coming weeks and months.
Looking forward to getting home with my family.
Blessing, JD.
This morning we spent half a day with our potential partners IDHP. They'll show us some coffee processing and debrief our time in the villages. Starbucks has come around much of their community development projects so we will be spending some time with them too (a nice touch to prepare us for integration home) :-)
The time here has been incredibly special. It's hard to put into words but it has done something to my heart and soul. The power of the gospel to transform, even from small activities is breath-taking. I can't wait to share some of the stories and journey with you over the coming weeks and months.
Looking forward to getting home with my family.
Blessing, JD.
Monday: Tearfund village
We drove the 3.5 hours one way (around chiang rai) to a tear fund village. It provided a really good insight to what tear fund / Compassion International does. Throughout Thailand, tear fund has 33000 children in 220 projects. Most of these are in the northern parts of Thailand. In the project we went to there are 127 sponsored children of the 400 or so children that live in this area.
We drove to one village and spent time with a family with three children who are involved as recipients of sponsorship. With the kids, we played a game similar to petanque(sp?) except with stones. Sitting in their thatched hut with fire burning inside and drinking Chinese tea, we were able to ask lots of questions with the help of our translator. Both parents married at 12 years old (which is common in the villages) and had children by the time they 14. Asking what the kids what they wanted to do when they got older, they replied "doctor" and "soldier." These are comments that would not be possible in the other villages we had visited where all anyone really knows is survival. Nor would they have been possible for their parents a generation earlier. These children have dreams because there is now education and resources available to them.
Tear fund works with families in need like this one. They come into villages where a church already exists and work alongside the church on the basis that the church (in their thinking) knows the needs of the community best. This means that the projects they do are a little further down the development chain from some we have seen in these last few days where there has been little contact with the outside world (and therefore no church, water, school or electricity) until Christians from groups like ITDP(our potential partner here) came along.
Once again we were treated incredibly well by the villages who prepared meals (which take 4-5 hours to prepare!) and gave much time to show us around. Their kindness in such poor conditions is a true blessing. We prayed together and celebrated the unity we have in Christ.
We drove to one village and spent time with a family with three children who are involved as recipients of sponsorship. With the kids, we played a game similar to petanque(sp?) except with stones. Sitting in their thatched hut with fire burning inside and drinking Chinese tea, we were able to ask lots of questions with the help of our translator. Both parents married at 12 years old (which is common in the villages) and had children by the time they 14. Asking what the kids what they wanted to do when they got older, they replied "doctor" and "soldier." These are comments that would not be possible in the other villages we had visited where all anyone really knows is survival. Nor would they have been possible for their parents a generation earlier. These children have dreams because there is now education and resources available to them.
Tear fund works with families in need like this one. They come into villages where a church already exists and work alongside the church on the basis that the church (in their thinking) knows the needs of the community best. This means that the projects they do are a little further down the development chain from some we have seen in these last few days where there has been little contact with the outside world (and therefore no church, water, school or electricity) until Christians from groups like ITDP(our potential partner here) came along.
Once again we were treated incredibly well by the villages who prepared meals (which take 4-5 hours to prepare!) and gave much time to show us around. Their kindness in such poor conditions is a true blessing. We prayed together and celebrated the unity we have in Christ.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Sunday: riding, rest, and reflections
After some full on days, we let our hair down today (though that might not be the best metaphor for everyone in our team). Included on the agenda was elephant trekking (30 mins of it if that counts as trekking) and in a cage with a couple of tigers. We survived and have pictures to go with it. This afternoon we reflected on the various budhist practices so prevalent here. As a team, the same potential projects keep coming up to the surface. We began tracing out what It might mean to expand in our global mission initiatives. Some really exciting stuff for us all to be praying and thinking about into the future. Better hit the hay. Early start again tomorrow with a visit to the tear fund village out towards Chiang Rai.
Saturday: village reflections ( and please no more rice when I get home)
Saturday
Walking through the villages here can be heart wrenching. They have so little. The average income for one of the village we went to was $83 a year.
Recently one of the men committed suicide. When missionaries spoke of the need to report his death, they replied "the authorities don't know we exist. We have no paperwork. We are nobody to them." Before Christians came to this village the people were without hope.
But Christians have changed this. It began in simple ways... Bringing water, a hydro water generator, beginning a school, starting a medical clinic. Ten years later, Christianity blossoms among this previous animist village. This surely is the power of the gospel in action.
We are doing well as a team. The long bumpy roads are tiring but give lots of room for discussion and reflection. The people are so gracious to us - though I don't think I will be able to eat rice again within the month (breakfast, lunch and tea on rice gets tired real quick) :-)
Walking through the villages here can be heart wrenching. They have so little. The average income for one of the village we went to was $83 a year.
Recently one of the men committed suicide. When missionaries spoke of the need to report his death, they replied "the authorities don't know we exist. We have no paperwork. We are nobody to them." Before Christians came to this village the people were without hope.
But Christians have changed this. It began in simple ways... Bringing water, a hydro water generator, beginning a school, starting a medical clinic. Ten years later, Christianity blossoms among this previous animist village. This surely is the power of the gospel in action.
We are doing well as a team. The long bumpy roads are tiring but give lots of room for discussion and reflection. The people are so gracious to us - though I don't think I will be able to eat rice again within the month (breakfast, lunch and tea on rice gets tired real quick) :-)
Friday: four wheel drives, leeches, and a real difference.
DFriday: Four wheel drive, leeches, and a real difference
Driving today was a real experience. "Rugged" is defined by these areas. I tried sitting out in the back of the ute for an hour stint ( Murray, if you're reading this you can proud of me!!) but car sickness got the better of me and my gracious team mates gave me the front seat for the 10+ hours of driving and took turns out back. There were certainly times when we didn't want to look down!! I consoled myself that the apostle Paul survived floggings and sea- wrecks. Surely I can survive a bit of car- sickness and travel ing, not to mention the leeches that get burned off the skin ( as you do).
In what seems the most remote area with nothing happening ( just 30 km from myranmar border), we drove into villages that just 10 years ago had to real contact with anyone else. But 10 years ago ITHP stepped in and brought water to the village. They then began a school 5 years ago and a hydro electriity generator 2 years ago.
The transformation to this village is amazing. Looking around at the fun- filled children learning, singing, and interacting is an incredibly moving experiene. The Ma Oh Jo School has 123 students from 5 villages within 4 km. The furthest a child walks is a 45 minute walk. None of these students had a school prior to this. It begins with a kindergarten and goes through to year 5. They are hoping to build further grades. The teachers they have are amazing to see in action.
The outcome of all this development is that a Church was planted that has around 30% of the village converting from animism to Christianity.
There is something incredibly moving here. Words can't really describe the experience. It's simply special to see what is happening here.
Driving today was a real experience. "Rugged" is defined by these areas. I tried sitting out in the back of the ute for an hour stint ( Murray, if you're reading this you can proud of me!!) but car sickness got the better of me and my gracious team mates gave me the front seat for the 10+ hours of driving and took turns out back. There were certainly times when we didn't want to look down!! I consoled myself that the apostle Paul survived floggings and sea- wrecks. Surely I can survive a bit of car- sickness and travel ing, not to mention the leeches that get burned off the skin ( as you do).
In what seems the most remote area with nothing happening ( just 30 km from myranmar border), we drove into villages that just 10 years ago had to real contact with anyone else. But 10 years ago ITHP stepped in and brought water to the village. They then began a school 5 years ago and a hydro electriity generator 2 years ago.
The transformation to this village is amazing. Looking around at the fun- filled children learning, singing, and interacting is an incredibly moving experiene. The Ma Oh Jo School has 123 students from 5 villages within 4 km. The furthest a child walks is a 45 minute walk. None of these students had a school prior to this. It begins with a kindergarten and goes through to year 5. They are hoping to build further grades. The teachers they have are amazing to see in action.
The outcome of all this development is that a Church was planted that has around 30% of the village converting from animism to Christianity.
There is something incredibly moving here. Words can't really describe the experience. It's simply special to see what is happening here.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Goodbye urban. Hello rural.
Our morning was spent with the team that coordinates correspondence courses for children throughout Thailand. Their passion for their work was contagious. We had lunch with them and prayed together for the work that they were doing.
We continue to be amazed at what God is doing here in church planting initiatives and work among those on the streets in Thailand. I wish I could fly each of you over here just to meet some of my new friends - John and Nok in particular come to mind, Thai church planters, who are in their late 30s. Their passion and faith is mind blowing.
One of the members travelling in our team, Murray, returned home today since his son who was admitted to hospital for some checks. Preliminary results are good but Murray ( rightly) wanted to head home to be with family, especially since we will be out of range shortly.
We then flew to Chiang Mai and drove the 4 hours of rugged countryside in 4 wheel drive ready for our village stint these next two nights. We go from urban ministry to rural conditions. We are certainly about to enter into poverty conditions. I'm told that the annual salary for some of the workers is $360! (a dollar a day). We will be hearing what God is doing among these struggling people and what the opportunities are for us to engage.
Traveling and waiting for planes has enabled good prayerful discussions and dreaming about what can. Interestingly, the same projects that require further prayer and dialogue resonate with each of us. God's hand seems to be in this. Together we look look forward to the next few days and the possibilities of what God might do through us in the years to come.
P.S. There won't be any updates till back in range.
We continue to be amazed at what God is doing here in church planting initiatives and work among those on the streets in Thailand. I wish I could fly each of you over here just to meet some of my new friends - John and Nok in particular come to mind, Thai church planters, who are in their late 30s. Their passion and faith is mind blowing.
One of the members travelling in our team, Murray, returned home today since his son who was admitted to hospital for some checks. Preliminary results are good but Murray ( rightly) wanted to head home to be with family, especially since we will be out of range shortly.
We then flew to Chiang Mai and drove the 4 hours of rugged countryside in 4 wheel drive ready for our village stint these next two nights. We go from urban ministry to rural conditions. We are certainly about to enter into poverty conditions. I'm told that the annual salary for some of the workers is $360! (a dollar a day). We will be hearing what God is doing among these struggling people and what the opportunities are for us to engage.
Traveling and waiting for planes has enabled good prayerful discussions and dreaming about what can. Interestingly, the same projects that require further prayer and dialogue resonate with each of us. God's hand seems to be in this. Together we look look forward to the next few days and the possibilities of what God might do through us in the years to come.
P.S. There won't be any updates till back in range.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
A small but powerful seed: Wednesday
Only .4% Christian in total population of Thailand of 66 million which means at there over 63 million Thais in Bangkok who are not in relationship with Jesus. The Gospel was proclaimed here for 180 years but has had little fruit among the people.
While the people here are incredibly nice and welcoming, the huge need and oppression in this place is visible. Idols dominate the landscape. The sex market and drug scene is apparent. Even our Taxi driver today gave us the brochure of girls he could drop us off too. I guess a car full of guys on apparent holiday hints at this in this culture.
Amidst this though, I am blown away by the power of God at work among simple Christian ministries. I met one Christian local who had led
75 families to Christ in 9 months with 700 people saved/ affected. She is a stay at home mum. One church of 100 people here have begun a church planting movement. Over this past year they have baptized 1000 people and begun in 12 of the 77 provinces here. 75 churches. Probably 3-4 house churches in these. Its a simple model and the stories of these local people blow my mind. Last night we saw another ministry reaching out to girls who work and service the bar scene here. The ministry, Rahab, reaches out with the gospel to these girls and train them to reenter society through micro loans. In all is the power of the gospel is obvious.
The day has been long and full. But today I am reminded of Jesus' stories of the gospel beginning with a small mustard seed which grew and had an abundance of fruit. This is what I've experienced today. The song of Chris Tomlin rings in my ears ... " you are the lord of this nation and God of this people .... Greater things are still to be done in this city."
While the people here are incredibly nice and welcoming, the huge need and oppression in this place is visible. Idols dominate the landscape. The sex market and drug scene is apparent. Even our Taxi driver today gave us the brochure of girls he could drop us off too. I guess a car full of guys on apparent holiday hints at this in this culture.
Amidst this though, I am blown away by the power of God at work among simple Christian ministries. I met one Christian local who had led
75 families to Christ in 9 months with 700 people saved/ affected. She is a stay at home mum. One church of 100 people here have begun a church planting movement. Over this past year they have baptized 1000 people and begun in 12 of the 77 provinces here. 75 churches. Probably 3-4 house churches in these. Its a simple model and the stories of these local people blow my mind. Last night we saw another ministry reaching out to girls who work and service the bar scene here. The ministry, Rahab, reaches out with the gospel to these girls and train them to reenter society through micro loans. In all is the power of the gospel is obvious.
The day has been long and full. But today I am reminded of Jesus' stories of the gospel beginning with a small mustard seed which grew and had an abundance of fruit. This is what I've experienced today. The song of Chris Tomlin rings in my ears ... " you are the lord of this nation and God of this people .... Greater things are still to be done in this city."
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
First morning
We're he're. Arrived at our hotel 3.30 am nz time so a bit jagged. Looking forward to brekkie with the guys shortly.
On the flight over we managed to solve all the problems happening in new Zealand so we' re ready to focus on efforts elsewhere now :-)
On the flight I began reading the book "half the sky" by kristof and wudunn. It looks at the oppression many many women face in this part of the world in a culture where girls have at times appeared liabilities. We are certainly about to see that work itself today inn some of the ministry teams we are exploring.
Off to brekkie . . .
On the flight over we managed to solve all the problems happening in new Zealand so we' re ready to focus on efforts elsewhere now :-)
On the flight I began reading the book "half the sky" by kristof and wudunn. It looks at the oppression many many women face in this part of the world in a culture where girls have at times appeared liabilities. We are certainly about to see that work itself today inn some of the ministry teams we are exploring.
Off to brekkie . . .
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Tomorrow!!
I wish I had a remote to press "pause." Crazy times.
Why is it that I come down with a cold the day before? Why is it tenants don't pay when they're meant to? Why is it that things tend to get crazier than normal before these events?!! I guess it's good preparation for what we're about to see anyway.
Can't believe we leave tomorrow . . .
O God, please break my heart with what breaks yours. Amen.
Why is it that I come down with a cold the day before? Why is it tenants don't pay when they're meant to? Why is it that things tend to get crazier than normal before these events?!! I guess it's good preparation for what we're about to see anyway.
Can't believe we leave tomorrow . . .
O God, please break my heart with what breaks yours. Amen.
Monday, 16 May 2011
Itinerary
6 days and counting . . .
here's a short, crisp itinerary to give you a heads-up . . .
24th May - Travel to Thailand
25th May - Meet with Good News Team/ Visit Rahab Ministries afternoon and evening
26th May - Muang Thong church and missions centre/ Prasert Taksin/ Top Kids Ministry/ Fly to Chiang Mai
27th May - Travel to rural village (stay night)/ ITDP Partners exploring a) Micro Finance b) Church Planting and c) Teacher Support
28th May - Travel back to Chiang Mai
29th May - Meet with ITDP and discuss the future (Mike Mann)
30th May - Tear Fund sponsored village
31st May - Visit Chiang Mai Coffee Process Plant // Travel back to NZ
here's a short, crisp itinerary to give you a heads-up . . .
24th May - Travel to Thailand
25th May - Meet with Good News Team/ Visit Rahab Ministries afternoon and evening
26th May - Muang Thong church and missions centre/ Prasert Taksin/ Top Kids Ministry/ Fly to Chiang Mai
27th May - Travel to rural village (stay night)/ ITDP Partners exploring a) Micro Finance b) Church Planting and c) Teacher Support
28th May - Travel back to Chiang Mai
29th May - Meet with ITDP and discuss the future (Mike Mann)
30th May - Tear Fund sponsored village
31st May - Visit Chiang Mai Coffee Process Plant // Travel back to NZ
Further details (for good accountability)
Though I tend to fly at the 20000 foot level and forget to mention details, it's good to pause and give you the details for good accountability measures.
So, we grabbed the template used by an international NGO . . .
Participants (from Mt Albert Baptist):
- Michael Bain
- David Asbury
- Jonathan Dove
Country/ Date
- Thailand
- Date of trip: 24th May 2011 – 1st june 2011
Organisations / Individuals to meet with:
Tear Fund, Rahab Ministries, Good News Team Bangkok, Top Kids, Mike Mann (I.T.D.P.)
Overall purpose of trip:
Research how Mt Albert Baptist can play a continued long term involved role in completing the Great Commission by being involved in extending God’s Kingdom in communities globally.
Key Objectives: (i.e. what are the key reasons for undertaking the trip?)
1. Identify and meet with potential MAB mission partners in Northern Thailand to work with/receive from.
2. Expose leadership of church (pastoral and eldership) to the two thirds world to help wider church grapple with our global responsibilities and involvement.
3. Identify and meet with para-church organizations (NGOs) in Northern Thailand for potential partnership.
Expected outputs:
1. Insight gained about potential partnerships in North Thailand.
2. Potential increased focus on Northern Thailand within church activities.
3. Church leadership exposed to Two Third’s World and hearts broken as God’s heart for the poor and neglected.
4. Inspiration for continued missions focussed series/messages.
Budget:
Flights – $2750 (2 people)
Internal travel – $250
Travel / Health Insurance – $350
Food and sundries – $1000
Accommodation – $500
Koha (gifts) – $50
Total: $4900 Budget Source: Harding Trust
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Holistic Approach
One thing that we've chatted much about is that the gospel has something to say to the 'here' as well as the 'to come.' It has something to say to our relationship with God, as well as our relationships with each other . . . So, we can't ignore a persons physical or community challenges and just focus on a relationship with God (or vice versa).
Here are some comments from earlier reflections:
1) The Lausanne Covenant (1974) affirms “that evangelism and socio-political involvement are both part of our Christian duty, for both are necessary expressions of our doctrines of God and man, our love for our neighbour and our obedience to Jesus Christ”.
2) Jesus’ mission focused on word, sign and deed (Luke 4). He says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 17:18 and 20:21).
3) We think that the best holistic mission is done hand in hand with area churches, where local needs are understood and there are people on the ground to help guide spiritual development.
4) There are basic needs that many people don’t have. We simply can't ignore this:
• 1.3 billion live in abject poverty, living on less than 1 dollar a day
• 3 billion live on less than 2 dollars a day (this is half the world population).
• Of these in poverty, children fare the worst. Children who are malnourished in the 1st two years of life suffer irreversible brain damage due to lack of protein.
• 30,000 children die every day due to poverty: that’s one child every 3 seconds.
• 2.2 million children die every year because they are not immunized.
• 15 million children are currently orphaned due to AIDS
Monday, 9 May 2011
The Downtown Inn
So, are we staying at Downtown Inn in Thailand, the hotel where a Wellington young adult, in addition to other tourists, have died (after staying or eating there)?
Short answer - no. We DID have reservations there but are (gladly) moving elsewhere. In fact, TV3 interviewed Michael Bain (one of our team) about this last night. You can see the story here - http://www.3news.co.nz/WHO-investigates-Thailand-death-hotel/tabid/313/articleID/210415/Default.aspx .
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Foundations
Here are some brief take-aways from our board discussions together. They lay a bit of a foundation for global missions . . .
• Our God is a Missionary God. The Father sent his Son Jesus. Jesus is the ideal missionary in becoming one of us. The Spirit is involved in convicting the world of sin and bringing the presence of God to us (and his filling believers involves launching them into His mission).
• The Bible’s message is missional. It does not simply contain verses about mission. It is the message of the Bible. Christopher Wright, ‘The Bible renders to us the story of God’s mission through God’s people in their engagement with God’s world for the sake of the whole of God’s creation. The Bible is the drama of this God of purpose engaged in the mission of achieving this purpose universally, embracing past, present and future Israel and the nations, life, the universe and everything in it.’
• The heart of God is for all people of all cultures. As a Board we prayed “ . . .for our hearts to be broken by the things that break the heart of God” – Bob Pierce
• Mission is both ‘here and there;’ local and global. It is part of our regular jobs, home and life. It is what we do as a local church. It is equally what goes on at Rocket Park, our jobs and Calcutta.
• Cross-cultural ministry is both here and there. Globalisation has brought other cultures to us (eg students learning English at ESOL). Our approach needs to be here and there.
• There is a natural drift away from external focus to internal focus. There will always be a natural drift towards an internally looking church causing outreach and missions to be negatively affected. We have to be proactive to keep focus off ourselves.
• The gospel is holistic in approach. It has something to say to physical and social conditions – not just the state of our souls.
• God holds us accountable for what we do with those in need when we have the ability and resources to help.
• Mission is costly. Suffering and difficulty is never wasted. We need to share in the suffering of our brothers/sisters in our countries. The mission God has called us to is not ‘safe.’
• Partnership: There is much to learn from brothers and sisters outside our own country and cultural bias as part of our own discipleship.
• Our God is a Missionary God. The Father sent his Son Jesus. Jesus is the ideal missionary in becoming one of us. The Spirit is involved in convicting the world of sin and bringing the presence of God to us (and his filling believers involves launching them into His mission).
• The Bible’s message is missional. It does not simply contain verses about mission. It is the message of the Bible. Christopher Wright, ‘The Bible renders to us the story of God’s mission through God’s people in their engagement with God’s world for the sake of the whole of God’s creation. The Bible is the drama of this God of purpose engaged in the mission of achieving this purpose universally, embracing past, present and future Israel and the nations, life, the universe and everything in it.’
• The heart of God is for all people of all cultures. As a Board we prayed “ . . .for our hearts to be broken by the things that break the heart of God” – Bob Pierce
• Mission is both ‘here and there;’ local and global. It is part of our regular jobs, home and life. It is what we do as a local church. It is equally what goes on at Rocket Park, our jobs and Calcutta.
• Cross-cultural ministry is both here and there. Globalisation has brought other cultures to us (eg students learning English at ESOL). Our approach needs to be here and there.
• There is a natural drift away from external focus to internal focus. There will always be a natural drift towards an internally looking church causing outreach and missions to be negatively affected. We have to be proactive to keep focus off ourselves.
• The gospel is holistic in approach. It has something to say to physical and social conditions – not just the state of our souls.
• God holds us accountable for what we do with those in need when we have the ability and resources to help.
• Mission is costly. Suffering and difficulty is never wasted. We need to share in the suffering of our brothers/sisters in our countries. The mission God has called us to is not ‘safe.’
• Partnership: There is much to learn from brothers and sisters outside our own country and cultural bias as part of our own discipleship.
Friday, 29 April 2011
Our 'DNA'
So, let me give a bit more background...
When we got together on that Saturday (12th June 2010), we began with a couple of questions:
Who are we?
Here, we wanted to identify our 'DNA' as a church, reflecting on what we saw from our history, survey and what was going on around our church. Here's the list of things we nutted out as a Missions Team and Board:
These are various dreams/aspects thrown around as possibilities for research/further discussion by the group . . .
- we have an established long tradition in missions (and other aspects) over these 95 years.
- we have a desire to help the poor
- we enjoy serving/doing something
- much of our church is professional/well-educated (medical, education, self-employed, media)
- we are a relational/community church
- we have many families incl children/youth who want/need to get engaged
- we are generous and respond to need when we hear it (whether requires time, energy, or finance)
- we are committed to the Bible
- we have cultural diversity (After native born kiwis, we have many people from Asian countries who have moved here)
- we have a broad range of interest/focus for missions (eg church planting, poverty aid, social justice, theological education, translation…)
- we have a particularly affinity with Asia (over above areas such as Africa, Pacific Island and Middle East).
These are various dreams/aspects thrown around as possibilities for research/further discussion by the group . . .
- an encouragement for new generations of career missionaries
- an involvement of all ages/cultures engaging in global missions
- an approach congruent with our DNA
- a connection/congruence with our local and national mission
- genuine partnerships where we give and receive in relationship
- holistic ministry/mission occurring
- upholding the importance of prayer and giving opportunities for this
- hands on involvement and opportunities
- working with our local community
- a potential building project overseas while we born something here ourselves
- the sale of coffee/trade aid, t-shirts, freeset bags etc which 1) raises awareness of suffering in other areas, and 2) provides financial assistance to these areas.
- People hearing and experiencing stories
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Some Background (how did we get to this stage anyway??)
I guess the first 1-2 blogs re. Thailand should begin with the question - 'how did we get to this point.' It hasn't happened over night.
Mt Albert Baptist has a significant legacy in global missions. It's imperative that we build on that. Our Global Team met in January 2010 (over a year back now!) to identify a process for us to develop a strategic global plan that would keep global mission beating loud and clear into the future.
From that meeting, we came up with the following 'steps' in the process . . .
The "analysis" step broke down into the following . . .
1. Congruency
3. Current Partners
We wrote to our current global missionaries to identify what prospects, if any, could exist to develop greater partnerships.
4. Global trends and opportunities
Reading and research was key. Here are some books on the reading list during that time . . .
Books:
1. Richard Stearns, The Hole in our Gospel, Thomas Nelson (2009).
2. Michael Pocock, Gailyn van Rheenen and Douglas McConnell, The Changing face of World Mission; engaging contemporary trends Baker (2005)
3. John Piper, Let the Nations be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions IVP (1993)
4. A. Scott Moreau, Gary R. Corwin and Gary B. McGee, Introducing World Mission: A Biblical, Historical and Practical Survey Baker (2004)
During step 1, our Board (and others) will take time to read, discuss and pray in the desire to understand more about missions and to give God the opportunity to speak to them as a group about the place of their church in missions.
While the "analysis" step was occurring, the Board committed itself simultaneously to the "revelation" step.
We devoted time to pray, study and reflect over 5 months (February to June), reflecting on various articles, reading 'The Hole in the Gospel' by Richard Stearns, and asking God to lead us in a way forward to better engage in global missions.
Then, on the Saturday morning, 12th June 2010, the Global Team and our Church Board met together to bring a lot of the above together in order to identify a profile about our church (our 'DNA') and the next steps in a plan. I'll share more about that in the next blog...
Mt Albert Baptist has a significant legacy in global missions. It's imperative that we build on that. Our Global Team met in January 2010 (over a year back now!) to identify a process for us to develop a strategic global plan that would keep global mission beating loud and clear into the future.
From that meeting, we came up with the following 'steps' in the process . . .
FOCUS | DESCRIPTION | DURATION |
1. Analysis | Understanding who we are and what we can offer to the world-wide church in terms of missions. Understanding what is happening in the world and where God is at work. | 3 – 6 months |
2. Revelation | Giving space to God to lead into effective involvement | 3 – 6 months |
3. Profile and Plan | Pulling together a detailed profile of ourselves so others can engage with us and we can understand our role | 1 day and follow up |
4. Approach | Finding those who can help develop the international connections | Ongoing |
5. Research | Finding out the options and meeting prospective partners | Ongoing |
6. Engagement | Discussing expectations and formalizing an agreement | Ongoing |
7. Development | Creating helpful timeframes for a strong, mutually beneficial partnerships | Ongoing |
The "analysis" step broke down into the following . . .
1. Congruency
These are questions that we paid attention to:
2. History
- Values, Beliefs and Major practices of MAB
- What type of ministry characterizes your church? (church planting, theological education, Christian education, poverty development, medical, etc)
- Are there any particular people groups you have exposure too or affinity with? (Moslem, Hindu, tribal, Unreached, etc)
- Are there any areas of the world, countries or places there is an affinity with?
- Are there any preferred types of location? (rural, urban, mega-city, etc)
- What are the demographics of your church and those most interested in cross cultural mission engagement?
- What interests, current experience or missions contributions are your people already involved in. How can their interests contribute to the overall picture of the new direction
2. History
We also celebrated our history and put together a Missions Passport in August celebrating the various people and places in our church that have made a significant difference globally.
3. Current Partners
We wrote to our current global missionaries to identify what prospects, if any, could exist to develop greater partnerships.
4. Global trends and opportunities
Reading and research was key. Here are some books on the reading list during that time . . .
Books:
1. Richard Stearns, The Hole in our Gospel, Thomas Nelson (2009).
2. Michael Pocock, Gailyn van Rheenen and Douglas McConnell, The Changing face of World Mission; engaging contemporary trends Baker (2005)
3. John Piper, Let the Nations be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions IVP (1993)
4. A. Scott Moreau, Gary R. Corwin and Gary B. McGee, Introducing World Mission: A Biblical, Historical and Practical Survey Baker (2004)
During step 1, our Board (and others) will take time to read, discuss and pray in the desire to understand more about missions and to give God the opportunity to speak to them as a group about the place of their church in missions.
While the "analysis" step was occurring, the Board committed itself simultaneously to the "revelation" step.
We devoted time to pray, study and reflect over 5 months (February to June), reflecting on various articles, reading 'The Hole in the Gospel' by Richard Stearns, and asking God to lead us in a way forward to better engage in global missions.
Then, on the Saturday morning, 12th June 2010, the Global Team and our Church Board met together to bring a lot of the above together in order to identify a profile about our church (our 'DNA') and the next steps in a plan. I'll share more about that in the next blog...
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