Country Director's Letter: Thailand

Today's letter is from Thailand, where we correspond with Sa. The original letter and photo can be found here.

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Dear Friend,

My name is Sanya Ladaphongpattana. I have been the country director of Compassion Thailand for 13 years. I grew up in a Christian family as an MK (missionary’s kid). My parents came from China in 1962. Throughout those years, God prepared me to carry on the assignment to serve Thai people and help local churches fulfill His purpose. Compassion has worked in Thailand for more than 45 years and has partnered with almost 200 local churches. We currently serve more than 40,000 children.

I would like to thank you for your heart and commitment to your sponsored child.

More than 96 percent of Thailand’s population is Buddhist. Children here face many challenges in their lives, such as poverty, peer pressure, cultural norms and traditions, expectations from parents and relatives, etc. Many children we serve are so-called stateless children – those who do not have legal identities, which means they may have fewer opportunities in education, employment and health care access. With all of these challenges, our local church partners reach out and bless all our registered children.

Sponsorship is not only a financial support for schooling and improved living conditions, but it is a process of holistic discipleship that helps children become fulfilled adults who love God. Through sponsorship, children have a safe place to go. At the centers, they feel nurtured, learn about the love of God, acquire vocational skills, develop character through mentoring relationships, and so much more. It is our vision to see each one of them become a leading force, a champion in holistic transformation of this nation.

Recently, one of our church partners was very successful in an anti-corruption movement in their local community that escalated to district and provincial level. The movement started from a youth group, then expanded to peers, classmates, schools and community. They have been recognized and awarded by Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission as a community that builds up a new generation with character that will drive and reform the nation. If we change one child at a time through prayers, letters, encouragement, and generous giving, then we’ll see a national transformation taking place.

Letters from sponsors are a great encouragement to the children. Through letters, they know that someone loves and cares for them, and they are inspired to do their best. Letters are the driving force behind the sponsor-child relationship. I encourage you to write your child as frequently as possible.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your sponsorship, which means more than you can understand for your child. I pray that God will continue to bless and guide you and allow you to bless others who are in need.

Respectfully in Christ,
Sanya Ladaphongpattana

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Thailand, please consider sponsoring

Bilingual Preschool: Thailand

I am over at the Compassion Family blog today, sharing about our adventure learning about Thailand!

To read the rest of the post, click here!

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Previous posts for the 2016-2017 preschool year:

Year plan

China

Spain

Tanzania

France

Colombia

Thanksgiving

Ghana

Italy

Pastor's Letter: Thailand (TH-211)

Whenever we're assigned a new correspondent, we're sent a pastor's letter! I like sharing them here both as a record and for others to read. Enjoy!

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This letter is from Sa's project! And the photos are from Compassion's Thailand Northern Region page.

Dear Eric and Hannah,

My name is Rev. Rachen W, the pastor of KN Church, where [TH-211] CDC is located. Your sponsored child attends here. Our center is located in the lower north part of Thailand.

I and the church would like to thank you for sponsoring Sa. As a pastor, thank you for your compassion and sacrifice in your faithful sponsorship.

Our church is located in the biggest Hmong (a tribal group) community in Thailand. There are 12 villages (or sub-districts) in the community with dense population. Most of us are farmers and day laborers. Most of the farming method uses chemical fertilizer and substances, which increases the cost of farming but ends up with less benefit. Also, many of the families tend to have a lot of children. With all of these factors, the living expenses are quite high. As a result, many older children have to go with their parents on weekends to work instead of coming to the center.

Our church's vision is to see everyone in the community become a believer in the Lord. We want to start with our children's parents. Every tie we have parents' meeting, we usually have worship service before. And in the past year, there were many children received Jesus into their lives. Currently, there are about four to six people preparing themselves to be baptized. This past Christmas, the parents participated in the activities and brought food to eat together. This was the first time that we did this and it was good because it created better relationship between the church and the parents.

We thank God that our children get to receive letters because we learn about the sponsors through them. They are very happy when they receive them. But for those who have not received any enters from their sponsors can be sad, especially when they compare themselves to those who receive the letters often. Therefore, letter-writing is really important and valuable to the relationship between you and Sa.

We would really appreciate your prayers. Please pray that we would be the light and hope to the community here. Pray that the people in our community would receive God into their lives. And pray for our children to live in the society safely. Thank you again for sponsoring Sa. May the Lord add and guilty the things that you need every more. May He bless your family, work, and yourself with peace.

Love in Christ,
Rev. Rachen W

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Thailand, please consider little Thanittha who turned 3 on October 14! She is crippled in her hand and leg.

In her home, Thanittha helps by cleaning. She lives with her father and her mother. Her father is sometimes employed as a farmer and her mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 2 children in the family.

Playing with dolls is Thanittha's favorite activity. In pre-school her performance is average and she also regularly attends church activities. To sponsor Thanittha, click here.

Sa in Thailand

We began corresponding with Sa in September 2016. I will continue to update this post as we hear from her.

We have received 7 letters while corresponding with Sa, one pastor's letter, and one country director's letter. Her birthday is June 10. Sa lives with her parents, Somchai and Sangdao, who are sustenance farmers who grow ginger and rice on their farm, and with her brothers, her older brother Anusak and her younger brother That-chus.

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Project Info and Activities:

Sa attends TH-211 in Kek Noi Village, Phetchabun

* Home to approximately 11,900 residents
* Primary language is Hmong
* Most common work is sustenance farming
* Average earning is $63 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, fish, pork, rice, chicken & vegetables
* Common Health Problems: colds, fevers, diarrhea
* Typical Houses: cement floors, brick walls, corrugated iron roofs

Center Activities: Bible teaching, health checkups, supplementary food, sports, health education, fellowship activities, vocational training, tutoring, field trips, school supplies and computer courses.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: musical instrument, group games, soccer/football, walking, volleyball, reading, art/drawing, ping pong, jump rope, singing, other ball games, "the story of Minion," the song "Promise," dogs, lavender, steamed chicken over rice, takraw and futsal, Thai subject, woodball

* Dreams: to be a teacher, to support her parents when they are old

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Letter Highlights...

"I can study the Bible with brothers and sisters at the church. The brothers and sisters told me about many things of Jesus. It was very fun. I can read about God too. It is fun."

"I believe in God and learned about Him when I was 4 years old. From then, I've learned more about God and studied so much at the church as there were older students who taught us in Bible teaching. They've read the Bible for me and my friends. I'm very happy to get to worship God and learned about Him."

"I want to be a teacher to teach children. I want to make some money to help support my parent when they're old and cannot work. This is my plan. Thank you for everything you've done for me. You've given mine inspiration to fight. I'll try to do my best."

"My school now had a sport day and I've played in much kind of sports such as rattan ball, soccer, footsall, and volleyball. I've so much fun as I get to play in sport with my friends. The sport day had last for two days and I've body ache. But, my team had won the first place in a volleyball game."

"I get to go work at P Temple along with 5 friends. They have let me clean up the dishes; serve the food, and selling drinking water. It was so exhausted but it's good for me. My employer had paid me 300-400 baht a day which I think that if I work in another place, I'll not get pay this much. Plus I was working with my friends so I felt happy. It's an income that I've earned. I was so proud of myself. At first, I thought that I might not be able to do it but it went well. What was your first job? Did you enjoy it? My dad is growing ginger now. I'm having a final exam then, my school will close for summer."

"Last week, I competed in a sport competition in another province. Good skilled children competed in this. I was discouraged. But I got good scores than I thought at first."

"I always think that who God is. It is suited that I have to praise God. He loves me so much. He always helps me in a bad time. I cry to Him. I believe that God has a good plan for my life always."

"There are insects at my place. There is a cricket too. But I do not like insects, because some insects eat my vegetables. Some insects are lovely. Some make a loud voice and disturb me when I do my homework."

"At the school, there was an activity for two students to attend the contest of dressing "Miss Newspaper," it was made of newspaper. We had spent 1 month to make the dress, but I think it's worth. As my class, we had received the 2nd prize. My friends and I are so glad to be selected. Its suit for the time that we didn't sleep well for several days and nights ,but my class had received the prize. The prize that we got was 500 baht. Have you ever made the dress like this when you were young? It's bringing the paper box and newspaper to make the dress."

"I have to practice to play the sports to join the sports competitions too but I have never forgotten about God. I always pray. When my school first started, there were many things to do. I rarely finished them. I have to allocate my times and I have to study harder for my better grades to apply to the higher class...Next semester I will attend the high secondary school level."

"This year, my father hasn't grown the gingers. My mother's work is about the administration...My family has already finished harvesting the rice."

"My school is a livable school. My friends are nice. English is taught. I like to study with my friends very much."

"I am preparing myself to join the wood ball competition. I used to join the competition. It was very exciting and it was very fun. I was not the winner but I was proud. This time will be my second time...Last competition my team came fifth out of ten. This time, I will try harder. It may not be as good as the other team but I will do my best. Have you known this kind of sport? Have you ever played it? It is good for the old age people to exercise."

"I think I will continue my studying at the Vocational School. Do you think it's good? As the pet at my house, there are only chickens and cows. I don't have a mouse. Did you raise the mouse?"

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Artwork

To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Great Video about Thailand

Here's another really neat video highlighting Thailand! And you can read the whole article here.


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If you would like to sponsor a child from Thailand, please consider adorable Suchid, who is 3 and who's birthday is October 26.

Suchid lives with his parents and three siblings. He enjoys art/drawing and rolling a hoop! To sponsor Suchid, click here.

Pin in Thailand

I sponsored Pin from November 2008 to April 2013.

We received 35 letters and 2 pastor's letter while sponsoring Pin. Her birthday is October 30. Pin lived with her mother and her sister. Her mother was employed as a general employee.

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Project Info and Activities:

Pin attended TH-708 near Ubon Ratchathani
* Home to approximately 4,000 residents
* The primary ethnic group is Northeastern Thai
* Most commonly spoken language is Northeastern Thai
* Most common work is work is day laboring or plantation work
* Average earning is $136 a month
* Regional Diet: bananas, chicken, fish, rice, pork & vegetables
* Common Health Problems: dengue fever
* Typical Houses: cement floors, wood walls, tile roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, special celebrations, supplementary food, medical checkups, field trips, recreational activities, tutoring, Thai dance lessons, cooking courses, and meetings and health education for parents and guardians.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: group games, bicycling, walking, hide-and-seek, running, reading, art/drawing, jump rope, singing, listening to music, other ball games, story telling, reading cartoons, spicy soup & oranges, red, rose, the creation story

* Dreams: to be a teacher

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Letter Highlights...

"On 28th February the project took us for an education tour at equatic farm in Rey-ed where I saw many kinds of fish. Some of them I had never seen before. I got to feed them too. "

"On Saturday afternoon, there are some clubs at the project such as Music club, threading the frame, typing and threading the beads in the shape of key rings clubs. I attend threading the beads in the shape of key rings, the cross and the heart shapes."

"I have gone to visit Thai-Laos frontier and Sampum Boke. I have gone boating on the Khong River where is located between Thailand and Laos and it looks very beautiful. I can see the rock in the shape of dog's head. I enjoy so much."

"I watched Olympic Game at home and I like to see boxing. My country played boxing and received a silver medal. i was so happy."

"In October 8th-10th, the project had a camp called 'Impuls.' I ride a van and bus that lot of fun. I had good time at the camp. Do you like to attend camp?"

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Artwork

Pin didn't typically include artwork, but she did send this beautiful drawing:

And this pretty Christmas card in 2010!

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Final Letter

Pin left Compassion's program because she was accepted to an advanced school of science and mathematics and her classes were at the same time as the project meetings. We are so proud of her for succeeding in school and know that she is doing well.

"Dear Eric and Hannah,

Hello, Sir. I am Pin. I am fine. Thank you so much for all letters and all gifts. I had the chances to attends camps such as camp in Khon Kaen Province and a camp in Mukdahan Province. I have to depart the project because I have a lot of activities at school to do so I am not free to attend the project activity. My mother is not free as well because she works very hard and she goes to another province very often. She is not at home that much. Most of the time, I stay with my grandmother.

May God bless you and your works.

Love and respect,
Pin"

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

How Compassion Letters are Delivered

This video shows how Compassion letters are delivered in Northern Thailand!!


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If you would like to sponsor a child from Thailand, please consider handsome Sawkorsoe who suffers from partial hearing loss. He will be 9 on May 13.

In his home, Sawkorsoe helps by running errands. He lives with his father and his mother. His father is sometimes employed as a laborer and his mother is sometimes employed as a laborer. There are 3 children in the family.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Sawkorsoe participates in church activities. He is also in kindergarten where his performance is average. Walking, running and playing group games are his favorite activities. To sponsor Sawkorsoe, click here.

Great Video from Thailand

I love videos of Compassion at work and thought I'd share some recent favorites with you! Here is one about a sponsored girl in Thailand:


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If you would like to sponsor a child from Thailand, handsome Teerachok is 5-years-old, has 6 siblings and has been waiting over 300 days for a sponsor.

To sponsor Teerachok, or to read his profile, click here.

Book Reviews: Only 13

As you probably know by now, I am very passionate about helping children through Compassion! I also am so excited to be an international board member of Sherinah's New Hope Ministry. One thing that I really like to do, in order to be motivated to pray and be involved more in my ministering, is to read books that share what life is like in these places.

In an effort to learn more about what the kids in Uganda are facing, Holly, who blogs at Sherinah's New Hope Ministry has begun loaning me books! I'm currently reading Kirabo: A Journey of Love, Faith and Adoption.

While reading this I thought I'd start to share books that have really opened my eyes to the difficulties that kids face in third world countries. While I'll share about Kirabo later, I thought today I would start with a book about Thailand.

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Only 13: The True Story of Lon by Julia Manzanares and Derek Kent, is about a 13-year-old girl from Thailand who enters the sex industry.

This book is not from a Christian perspective, and so it ends on a pretty hopeless note. But if you sponsor a teenage girl in Thailand, I really encourage you to read the book. A friend passed me this book as she brought gifts to our teenage girl, Pin, in Thailand. Shortly after she brought the gifts, Pin dropped out of Compassion's program.

Surprisingly, the book Only 13 really encouraged me when I heard about Pin.

I learned that girls in Thailand are expected to support their entire family, including sending their brothers to school. These girls are under intense familial pressure to keep "face," meaning keeping their family's reputation high in their communities. So when they're 13 and sent out to provide for the family, they learn that one night's pay in prostitution equates to a year's work in the restaurant business.

But if a girl has one year of high school education, she can earn almost the same rate as prostitution…and if she has two years of high school education, she's matching the prostitution rate! Imagine if that girl graduates from high school?

When we received the news of Pin's departure we learned that she was in her third year of high school and was just accepted to an advanced school of math and science! It met at the same time as the project, so she had to choose one or the other. But Pin had accepted Christ and was actively involved in her church on weekends! Praise God! Learning how much a high school education helps a Thai girl was so encouraging. I know that Pin is doing well.

So if you have a child in Thailand, please read this. It will help you pray for your child and to understand why some girls choose prostitution. But be prepared for a hard read.

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Please consider sponsoring a girl from Thailand. Sopha will be 13 on March 31!

Sopha lives with her father and her mother. She is responsible for carrying water, washing clothes and running errands. Her father is sometimes employed as a farmer and her mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 5 children in the family.

Playing jacks, swimming and volleyball are Sopha's favorite activities. In primary school her performance is average and she also regularly attends church activities and camp. To sponsor Sopha, click here.

Sidewalk Games: Mah Kha Diew

This month's sidewalk game is called Mah Kha Diew and is played in Thailand. The letter I sent looked like this:

If you would like to learn how to play or would like to share this letter with your sponsored child, here is what I shared:

Dear Name,

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. How are you and your family? We are doing well here. This week, I would like share another game with you. This game is played in the country of Thailand. Thailand is located in the continent of Asia. Thailand's national sport is Muay Thai, or kickboxing, which is a martial art. Are martial arts practiced in your country? And Thailand's national symbol is an elephant. Does your country have a national symbol? I included a map of Thailand, a picture of their flag and a photo of their beautiful scenery.

This game is called Mah Kha Diew and is played by kids in Thailand.

To play, you need: 4 or more players. A circle drawn on the ground.

1. Draw a circle. Make it large enough for all the players to hop in and out of-a diameter of 1 to 3 meters. 2. Choose somebody to be “It.”

3. “It” stands inside the circle.

4. Players move in and out of the circle by hopping.

5. PLayers inside the circle can be tagged by “It.” But It can only use his or her food.

6. As “It” tries to tag the players, they can run inside the circle or hop to get out of it.

7. Once “It” tags a player, that player becomes “It.”

I am praying for you and your family! I love you very much. Please send my warm greetings to your friends and family.

Love,
Hannah

I found the map, flag and photo via Google searches.

International Highlight: Thailand

Apparently I got confused in my alphabetizing! I posted about Togo before Thailand. Oops! Either way, I now have both countries posted.

GENERAL INFO

If you want to read more about the history, education and other information, read Compassion's page on Thailand.

Compassion asks that we pray for three things for these kids here:

1) Please pray for protection over children and families during the rainy season. Pray for God to protect them from diseases such as dengue fever and malaria.
2) Please pray for the children and families located near the violence between the Burmese soldiers and the Karen rebels. Pray for God's peace to enter this land.
3) Please pray for the children who have been abandoned by one or both of their parents. Ask the Lord to provide a loving caretaker. Also pray for the children to find healing in the Lord so as not to carry the feeling of shame or guilt.

And for some beautiful photos of Thailand, check out Compassion's Flickr album here.

COMPASSION IN THAILAND

If you want to read a thorough description of Compassion's work in Thailand, read their ministry highlight here.

I love how Compassion has a focus on sharing the Gospel with the kids involved--here's a neat post about kids receiving their first Bibles: A Bible = Changed Lives!

Ever wonder what your kid enjoys playing? This post shares about tire racing, or tee-wong-law: What's a Favorite Game for Children in Thailand?

I love how Compassion joins forces with the International Justice Mission. You can read how they work together in Thailand: Assisting Burmese Refugees in Thailand With International Justice Mission.

And here is an eye-opening post about Human Trafficking in Thailand. I really encourage you to read this post.

Here's a fun post about a church in Sakon Nakorn: Bringing Christ to Buddhist Villagers.

And you can read about Compassion's work in the high mountains of Northern Thailand: Yellow Leaf Spirits.

A group of Leadership Development Students are working with refugee children and you can read their story here: The Refugees of Sao-Hin.

And here is another neat post about the work that Leadership Development Program students are doing: The Give With Love Club.

I love learning more about what happens to the letters that I send my kids, so I found this post really interesting: How Does Our Letter Translation Process Work?

And here is a fun post about the changed lives of some moms involved in the Child Survival Program: How I Came to Christ.

Ever wonder what happens when Compassion has been helping a church for years and the church becomes self-sufficient? I loved this post: How Does a Church "Graduate" from Compassion?

INDIVIDUAL STORIES

Siriporn, a sponsored child, competes in tae kwon do. Her story is very encouraging: Siriporn: A True Christian Warrior and Christian Warrior.

Meet Suppakit, a sponsored child, and read his story: Life as a Burmese Refugee in Thailand.

Kittisak was a sponsored child, graduated from the Leadership Development Program and now he's a pastor! I recommend reading his story: Serving Jesus in Lamphun, Thailand.

Meet Wongduan, a mom who's enrolled in the Child Survival Program and check out her story: The Pain and Joy of Becoming a Mom.

The Child Survival Program doesn't just help mothers and babies--this CSP in Thailand was able to help Somporn, a single dad with a little baby: A Single Father's Journey.

Juli sponsored Nuy, a Leadership Development Program student, and was able to attend her graduation! I highly recommend reading Juli's post: How Deep Does Compassion Run In Your Family?

Vitoon is also a Leadership Development Program student! He had a special relationship with his sponsor, Richard: "You Give Meaning to My Life So I Want to Give You a Better Life".

The former sponsored child, Yamsuk, is making a differences in the lives of many: A Microlending Leader Emerges: Yamsuk's Life After Sponsorship.

Ever wonder What Difference Does the Child Survival Program Make in the Lives of Mothers and Babies? Check out Marisa's story!

Sudaphorn is another mom involved in the Child Survival Program and this is her story: "I Felt Like Ruth in the Bible".

Bee was a sponsored child--and now he's a Compassion employee! He has an encouraging story: From Sponsored Child to Compassion Employee.

FOOD

Compassion's website shares this information about food in Thailand:

"Thai food includes rice, beef, chicken, eggs, vegetables, fruit and fish.

Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yam Goong)
This hot and sour soup is popular; each region has its own variation. This recipe makes four servings.

8 oz. shrimp, shelled and deveined, with shells reserved
3 cups water
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 lime leaves
3 thin slices fresh or dried galangal
1/4 cup fish sauce
2 stalks lemon grass cut into 1-inch strips
2 shallots, sliced
1/2 cup sliced straw mushrooms
5 green Thai chili peppers (optional)
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp. black chili paste
1 Tb. chopped cilantro/coriander leaves

Rinse the prawn shells and place them in a large pot with the water. Heat to boiling, strain the broth and discard the shells.

Add the garlic, lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, lemon grass and shallots to the stock, then the mushrooms and chili peppers, if using. Cook gently for two minutes.

Add the shrimp to the soup and reheat to boiling. When the shrimp are cooked, place the lime juice and black chili paste in a serving bowl. Pour the soup into the bowl, stir, garnish with the cilantro leaves and serve."

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Compassion's blog shares a post about the Loy Krathong Festival: Mai Pen Rai! Enjoying Thailand's Loy Krathong Festival.

AVAILABLE KIDS

Please be praying for the kids of Thailand who are still waiting for sponsors.

Meet Suppakorn, who's 12.

Suppakorn's birthday is December 22. Suppakorn lives with her stepfather and her mother. She is responsible for carrying water, teaching others and buying or selling in the market. Her stepfather is sometimes employed as a farmer and her mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 2 children in the family.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Suppakorn participates in church activities and camp. She is also in primary school where her performance is average. Rolling a hoop, playing jacks and swimming are her favorite activities. To sponsor Suppakorn, click here.

And meet Jeerawat, who's 7 and who has been waiting 244 days for a sponsor.

Jeerawat's birthday is September 26. Jeerawat lives with his father and his mother. He is responsible for carrying water and making beds. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Jeerawat participates in church activities. He is also in kindergarten where his performance is average. Playing with cars, singing and art are his favorite activities. To sponsor Jeerawat, click here.

To see more available kids from Thailand, please click page.

(Note: all facts & photos are taken from Compassion's website and blog.)

Farewell to Thailand and Hello to Brazil

We recently received a phone call from Compassion notifying us that Pin has stopped attending the Compassion project. Along with the sad news that we would no longer be sponsoring Pin, we also received the information as to why she stopped attending--Pin was accepted to an advanced school of science and math that meets at the same time as the Compassion project, so she chose to take advantage of this school opportunity.

We also learned that Pin recently accepted Christ as her Savior and we were told that Pin is regularly attending her local church! So while I was sad to say goodbye to her after so many years, I am so happy for how well she is doing. I would like to share Pin's photos over the past years of sponsorship.

Pin ~ Age 9


Pin ~ Age 11


Pin ~ Age 13



Pin ~ Age 15


I will miss corresponding with this lovely young lady, but I am so thankful for all the wonderful things God is doing in her life!


Now, I would like to introduce two new members of our Compassion family with you! Do you remember the video I shared on Brazil? (If not, you can watch it here.) Well, the project in the video split into two projects, and project BR-417 is one of them. We just sponsored 2 precious girls from this project--and just in time for their birthdays! I'm excited to begin writing to these two girls from the same project!

First, meet Gizelle. She just turned 5 on May 20.


Gizelle lives with her parents, her performance in kindergarten is above average, and she enjoys playing house and playing with dolls.


Now, meet Estela who turned 5 on May 22.


Estela lives with her mom and one sibling, her performance in kindergarten is above average, and she also enjoys playing house and playing with dolls.


So while saying goodbye is always sad, there is a sweet note of being able to welcome new kids into our family.