Our Girls

Two little girls, living in poverty were being used as child labour to help their parents meet basic living needs. Their parents  loved them dearly, but, due to circumstances and financial hardship, were unable to look after them in a way that every child should be looked after. The police were about to intervene and remove the children, placing them in a Government orphanage.

Our team members had been working with this family for some time,

and have seen wonderful changes in their lives. Because of our relationship with all

parties concerned, we were able to intervene and bring a better solution. The girls

now live on site in our team accomodation, being cared for by our children’s leaders. This

also means they are still able to regularly connect with their parents, are attending a great school and are beginning to love life the way children should. A future that couldn’t have been so bleak is now full of hope and light.  Another family saved by the power of One.

Naang

 Naang is a woman who is involved with the work of The River Team.  She is quite poor and lives in this tiny hut.  Despite her financial poverty, Naang is a generous woman, opening her tiny house each week for people to come and connect and discuss life issues.  Those who attend her meetings must  sit outside on mats as there is simply not enough room inside to accommodate guests.  The area outside is often muddy, but Naang does her best to make everyone comfortable. When it rains, the group goes home early!

 Recently The River Team helped Naang by extending her roof line and adding a raised floor at the front of her house.  Naang is now excited about being able to welcome more guests to her house and offer them a dry, comfortable place to sit.  Her group can continue despite the rain and all can enjoy the comfort of the new raised floor.

Naang is one of many people in our community who are seeing their lives transformed as they come to know the life transforming love of Jesus.

Naang's extension completed!

Cultural Exchange Evening

The local government recently organised with us, a "Cultural Exchange Evening" between the local Hang Dong youth and 22 Australian year 10 and 11 students recently served with us at The River.

 The evening was attended by a number of local dignitaries who were delighted to connect more closely with us and our visitors. 

  

Following Thai culture, we all ate together, sharing a Norther Thai style meal.  This was then followed by displays of traditional Thai dances by the youth of Hang Dong and Australian songs by the visiting Australian students.                   

The evening concluded by releasing hot air lanterns up into the sky as a display of unity.

It was not just a fun evening, but a time of further developing relationships and understanding between us, the loval government and our community.