A Century of Faith and Healing

A few months back, we noted in this post that, according to the 2008 World Fact Book prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency, Buddhists comprise 94.6% of Thailand's religious population, while Muslims account for 4.6%, and Christians account for 0.7% (2000 census).
CLICK HERE for the CIA's complete entry on Thailand.
CLICK HERE for the CIA's complete 'People' entry on demographics in Thailand.

But that has changed. While we were in Thailand, in February, we learned from Reverend Dr. William J. Yoder, Dean Emeritus of McGilvary College of Divinity (part of Payap University in Chiang Mai) that the most recent numbers - just being released at that time, showed that Christians now account for about 2% of the country's religious population. And that varies from region to region. Some estimates say Christians may account for as much as 15% of the local religious population in the Chiang Mai area of northern Thailand. McGilvary could be one reason for that ...

... and McKean Rehabilitation Institute, also of Chiang Mai, could be another reason. Founded in 1908 by a Presbyterian missionary, Dr. James McKean, as the first asylum for leprosy sufferers in southeast Asia, this center developed over the years through various stages. From a leprosy colony it became a leprosy hospital, and later a leprosy rehabilitation center. Now McKean is a general rehabilitation center integrating leprosy patients and people physically disabled from other causes in its therapy rooms, wards and rehabilitation projects, including the community-based projects outside the center.

According to McKean's website, "In 1908 the only way to reach Chiang Mai was either by an arduous river journey up the Chayo Phrae and Ping rivers from Bangkok, or an equally arduous overland journey on elephants or ponies. In good times this trip took nearly two months. In bad times it took much longer. The population suffered from malaria, malnutrition, typhoid, epidemics of small-pox, and of course the ever present scourge of leprosy."

The facility recently marked a century of faith and healing in Thailand, and is actively working for the next century. Presbyterian Church USA reports that, through the community-based rehabilitation team, McKean is facilitating disabled people in their home areas to improve their situations physically, economically and socially. This team also continues to help people affected by leprosy to live healthily and productively in their own home areas. At the north end of the property McKean provides Buraphaniwet Village for the elderly disabled people who have no homes or families. About 50 people live in small cottages. Another 50 who are blind, infirm and very disabled need total care in two hostels. Chaplains minister in each area of McKean and there are churches established in the hospital area and in Buraphaniwet village.

Here is another report on McKean from Brett and Shelly at Welcome to the Jungle.

One way that McKean pays for its operation is through the sale of handcrafts produced by patients/residents (you have been enjoying photos of these crafts while you were reading this post). One of their wooden crosses now adorns a wall at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, and other samples of their work grace the homes of some of our team members. Those wishing to find out more about supporting McKean and its mission through craft purchases can e-mail Heather at McKean Rehabilitation Center, in Thailand. Of course, regular contributions are also welcome, as are your prayers for their continued success in bringing healing hands and words to those in need.