From the Field Friday: Thailand

I have been excited to share this letter with you. There are a few countries in the world that have my heart; India, Honduras, and Thailand. I just love the work that Compassion is doing in Thailand, especially among the people in the Karen tribe, a tribe of people who are often illegal immigrants from Burma and who have no legal status. These people are often considered untouchable or low-class. Even the Karen people who have legal status are often discriminated against and have very few basic rights, such as good jobs and quality education. Compassion is intervening in the lives of these children and family and getting them the most basic necessities.

Of course, Compassion is doing great work in the lives of all Thai children, not just the Karen people. I really admire the work the staff members are doing here. Today we read the letter of the man who runs it all!

I have three children in Thailand: Rujikorn, Mor-Mi-Say, and Tern.

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Dear Kayla, 

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. 

Sanya Ladaphongpattana

I would like to thank you for your heart, commitment and sponsorship to Chokchai, Tern, Rujikorn, and Mor-Mi-Say. 

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 have fewer opportunities in education, employment, and healthcare access. With all of these challenges, our local church partners reach out and bless all our registered children. 

A Village in Northern Thailand

Children Singing and Worshiping at Their Project 

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. 

Children Learning to Create Handicrafts

Girls Learning Hairdressing 

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. 

Children Receive Bikes at Their Project

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 children as frequently as possible. 

A Girl Writing a Letter to Her Sponsor 

Once again, I would like to thank you for your sponsorship to Chokchai, Tern, Rujikorn, and Mor-Mi-Say, which means more than you can understand for your children. 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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