|
|
|
|
MARCH IN THAILAND
strong contender for weirdest month ever
|
|
We will talk about COVID-19, the current situation in Thailand and HOW YOU CAN HELP further down - LET'S START WITH AMAZING NEWS!
Last month we shared about funds which were raised to release 2 mothers and their children from the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC). We're happy to share that they are now out on bail. Their husbands are still detained and there is a long road ahead, but they are no longer doing it in prison. It wasn't just these two families, but all together 6 mothers and 12 children were released. LifeRaft International is the organization we've been engaging with and since they started posting bail, they've helped free 44 mothers and 90 children. The COVID-19 situation has prevented us from meeting these families since their release, but we are tracking with them as best we can.
Another AMAZING STORY is that of a refugee family we had shared with you before. Last summer we had a team visit from Prince George, British Columbia. While here Amber took them to do a cooking class in the home of a refugee family. They lived in fear and rarely went out and so the class was a chance to earn income, share their story, and host people (an infrequent joy). We didn't realize how far into their resettlement process they were and then BAM - they are in Canada. Not just in Canada, but in BC. Not just in BC, but in a northern BC town just 4 hours drive from Prince George (which isn't crazy far in the north). As if this wasn't enough, the church that sponsored this family to come is a church we are partnered with! Right now the family is staying with a Canadian family until their home becomes available. Those Canadian hosts are parents of one of Amber's former students. From Bangkok to BC, we think God was chuckling at us as He saw what was coming.
This month we were also able to get our hands on boxes of Bibles in Vietnamese and Urdu. We've been taking these to detainees at the IDC and we trust that God's word is doing good things behind locked cell doors.
|
|
|
|
Members of Mountain View Assembly welcoming the family at the airport. In a time where the world seems closed off, this open embrace of a family is a powerful example of God's love.
|
|
|
THIS MONTH WAS A TIME TO HONOUR AND CELEBRATE
|
|
|
If 50 is the new 40, then retirement is the new time to launch into something amazing. If you're near retirement, you may be wondering what comes next. Here in Thailand we have been honoured to see an example of how retirement is a time to put experience and wisdom to fantastic use. We have a number of workers in Thailand who worked their full career in Canada and moved into missions following their retirement. Dave and Ann Rideout are some of the pioneers of this (10 years or so now). This month they returned to Canada and though we celebrate all they've done, we grieve having them here (think spiritual grandparents). We also said goodbye to Sandie Kwek, a Global Worker from Singapore, who has spent her life serving the children in Thailand. Her retirement takes her back to Singapore and we are so grateful for all she taught us (full disclosure - she's still teaching us as we message her for Thai kids resources to use in the midst of all things COVID). Their example and inroads are invaluable. We miss them a lot already!
|
|
|
|
few people can make you feel as welcome as Dave and Ann
|
|
|
small but mighty - Pastor Sandie
|
|
|
Before the lockdown measures came into place, the Full Gospel Assemblies of Thailand (FGAT) held their biannual general conference. Business meetings in Thai are always a language stretch, but it's so good to be together with Christian leaders from around Thailand. As reverends with the PAOC we are able to vote at FGAT conferences (an honour we did not earn, but inherited) and it is humbling to be so included. It was exciting to hear reports of what is happening. It was encouraging to watch the voting process of selecting a new General Superintendent and Lead Team. It was so conversational and relational - at times even comical.
|
|
COVID-19 IN THAILAND
2020 always sounded futuristic, but it's feeling a little too sci-fi
Like most of the world, Thailand has been taking increasingly drastic measures to halt the spread of COVID-19. Thailand is closed to almost all foreigners entering and domestic travel is drying-up. For an update on the current situation in Thailand, our work, and our family - check out our blog - COVID-19 UPDATE.
We've tried to ensure our family is set to ride this out. We've stocked-up without hoarding (thank goodness Asia uses the bidet / bum gun - and not toilet paper). Daxon and Zala are doing online learning, Wren is thrilled to have everyone home, and Izelle isn't a Canadian citizen yet, or a passport holder. So personally we're as good as parents of 4 with a newborn all at home can be! With our kids, we've found these HOME CHATS helpful.
Our team at PAOC has been in regular communication with us and you can hear from Murray Cornelius, the Director of International Mission, HERE. We've been praying hard for spiritual leaders in Thailand, Canada, and around the world as they help lead through stressful times. We're in your corner - even from a distance!
We've had a few people ask about how the current situation has impacted our fundraising. We appreciate the concern and honestly we are okay right now. Most charities are expecting to feel the impact in a few months. We did put down some of our thoughts on how supporters and churches can go about talking with Global Workers about finances. Check out our thoughts on our blog and share your thoughts too.
THE VULNERABLE ARE NOW MORE VULNERABLE
Even before coronavirus upended the world, poverty was on the rise in Thailand. With tourism all but shut-down and most small businesses closed, the economic impact of this virus will be long lasting. That's true for everyone, but many here in Thailand live with little to no safety net.
UNESCO has reported that over a billion children are unable to attend school because 100 nations have closed their schools. World Without Orphans compiled data from previous health emergencies which suggest children are 3 times more likely to be exposed to
For migrants, refugees, and stateless people, the UNHCR Thailand is committed to helping those identified as persons of concern. However there are many who fall outside of this group - including those detained in the IDC.
|
|
ENGAGE WITH THAILAND
how we can all partner with people in Thailand
1) PRAY - a few months ago we had people over for dinner and we talked about faith. They said were politely opposed to our love for Jesus. Last week we "met" with them and they asked us to pray - so we did. People are open to the divine. Let's be people of prayer during this time.
2) HYGIENE AND FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS - As tourism wanes, so does sex tourism. Yay! This leaves sex workers with few places to turn. Through ISM, Amber has built a relationship with NightLight and we've been giving them hygiene and feminine hygiene products to include in food packages to the lovely ladies they know.
3) FOOD AND HYGIENE SUPPLIES - the IDC is closed to visits, but we can still drop off food and supplies. Someone we know on the UNHCR's protection working group for Thailand informed us that food banks which work with refugees are low on food. Rice and cooking oil are big needs right now.
If you can help with any of these, please let us know.
|
|
|
|
We went to the bulk store of Thailand and got hygiene and feminine products.
|
|
|
At home the kids helped sort and pack everything.
|
|
|
|
We prayed over the items as a family.
|
|
|
Daxon helped drop the supplies off.
|
|
CHILDCARE PLUS
children matter
As mentioned, this month FGAT held their biannual General Conference. CCP Thailand works with FGAT's humanitarian agency, FGAT Foundation. Many of our CCP team are also working with FGAT churches. Education is key to breaking generational poverty, but the local church is a vital change agent in every community. We value working with local churches. Many of our CCP team came for this conference. P' Jai, our main administrator, presented CCP's report to the conference, and we had a display table to promote our collaboration. It was a good time.
ERDO has been in touch as CCP navigates COVID-19. Thankfully Thai schools are on summer break now. This is great for health as children are already home, however it means we have cancelled many summer activities. We've given our Program Managers materials to help teach good hygiene and we've encouraged them to pursue creative ways of staying connected to sponsored children and their families. Some areas we work in are very remote and so tech solutions are not as accessible.
This past week we were heart broken when one of our sponsored children was killed in an accident. While playing outside of their home with their younger brother, a construction accident up the mountainside from them caused a landslide which took the lives of both boys. Last month a sponsored child was killed in a traffic accident and this month a construction accident. Please be praying for the family of the child last month and for the family and small community impacted this month.
|
|
|
|
The CCP table at FGAT Conference.
|
|
|
P' Jai presenting the CCP report.
|
|
PRAY WITH US
we believe there is strength in numbers
- being deeply spiritual people, the Thai government live broadcast a Buddhist anti-plague prayer. We pray that there would be a divine response, but in a way that is unexpected and can only be attributed to God.
- please continue to pray for our health - especially for Amber and baby Izelle
- northern Thailand's air quality is "hazardous" as forest fires are raging. Pray for an end to these fires.
- pray for speed as we wait on Izelle's citizenship and limited validity passport
- pray for our CCP team as they lead through challenging times. Pray for wisdom and creativity.
- pray for the CCP families impacted by the death of their children (both last month and this month)
- pray for the migrant, refugee, and day labourers whose worlds have been thrust into dangerous and vulnerable territory
|
|
|
|
|
|
CANADIAN residents can partner with us through the International Missions department of the PAOC to receive a tax receipt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
AMERICAN residents can partner with us through our American sister organization to receive a tax receipt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
