West Texas Seeds Sprout in Thailand

Seeds gathered in Midland were planted early this year in the northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai. We have now learned that those seeds have taken root, sprouted and begun bearing fruit.

Those seeds come from a special initiative in 2007 called "Midland 35" where 35 Midland churches were asked to make a one-time donation of towards opening a Drop-In Center in the Thai city of Chiang Mai where at-risk and sexually-enslaved children, youth, and women can find the hope and help they need to escape or avoid such exploitation. $35,000 is a large contribution for any single church, it was acknowledged, but $1,000 was within easier reach. It was hoped that that by coming together in unity the “Church of Midland” could make a one-time contribution that promises a significant on-going and eternal impact.













The doors of the Chiang Mai drop-in center are now open, following a lot of the official efforts that usually accompany the assessment and acquisition of property, and the reworking of that property for its new use. Our mission team visited the site in February, discussing the final stages of the process with the Garden of Hope leadership, and praying for them, for the property, and for the success of their ministry. In the weeks following our visit, the property was secured and the process of decorating and outfitting the building for its new use began. Many of the children who will will be served by the center have been a part of these efforts.















Among those hard at work directing these efforts is Faa Sumitra Choemue, a Hill Tribe woman of Thailand and a member of the GOH staff. Many in the Tall City will remember Faa, her enthusiasm and her spirit, from a visit she made to Midland late last year. She is one of our favorite people, and a blessing to all who have come to know her.

"We are constantly learning more about the kids and the families we serve," it has been reported. "We are appreciative of all you have done to make it happen."

The center's outreach continues to grow ... we have learned that this coming Sunday they will begin "Children's Church" services at the Center from nine in the morning until twelve noon. "Please pray," we have been asked, "that the kids' hearts and lives would be touched."

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Over the course of two weeks we spent in Thailand, earlier this year, our Mission Team learned a great deal about faith-based ministries among victims of human trafficking, displaced persons, and those fleeing persecution in Myanmar (Burma). We were also committed to aiding and supporting existing ministries among those people; and sharing the Gospel and encouraging leaders who are ministering there.

One of those ministries is

Garden of Hope. Established in 2005, Garden of Hope reaches out to women, children, and youth involved in, at risk of, or affected by prostitution, sexual exploitation and/or trafficking by developing Christ-centered relationships and offering alternative livelihoods and resources for personal development so they may experience a life of restoration, dignity, and hope that will lead to the transformation of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand for God’s glory.

On the international level, Garden of Hope equips national leaders with training, logistical, and financial support to address human-trafficking in their communities. The Garden of Hope International team conducts outreach in border areas and works to secure safe living situations for each individual.

At the local level, participants in Garden of Hope programs are taught marketable skills such as baking, cooking, sewing, customer service, English and computer training, as well as provided opportunities for income generation through small business opportunities.

How do these participants come to Garden of Hope? Volunteers builds relationships with women in the bars of Chiang Mai, who are involved in prostitution or are at-risk of entering prostitution. It is hoped that, through these contacts, the women might choose new options in life. Volunteers also conduct outreach to children who spend time in the bar areas selling flowers or trinkets to provide income for their families. These children are vulnerable to trafficking, prostitution, and child pedophilia.

For more information about Garden of hope, you can visit their website, or e-mail them at info@justfoodinc.org