The Rescue House at The River

The River Kid’s House became a reality last week!

Last week, Cassie, our Aussie volunteer, Ittiphon, Bohae and their two children, moved into our just completed Rescue House at The River. Isaac, our building trainer, together with countless other people, worked hard in transforming the wall-less shelter on the River property into a functional house with 5 bedrooms, kitchen and 2 showers and 3 toilets! 

Last Sunday we celebrated the “new family”, which now also includes recently rescued Ganya (10,), Fon (12) and Nat (13)! For the very first time in their lives, these three girls get to experience the warmth and safety of a REAL HOME!

 

 

So many people have given encouragement, time and financial help towards this project. The River Team thanks you for your ongoing commitment in supporting our work!

English Opens University Doors!

Last Saturday, an enthusiastic group of 7 Aussie volunteers in The River Team responded to a request from the Northern University (located in Hangdong) to assist in making a one-day English Camp for the students a great success! The volunteers prepared excellent teaching materials, each person responsible for teaching a marathon of 10 classes in one day!

These kinds of opportunities are hugely exciting! The River Team is working together with the local leaders - in this case the English Department of a university - to meet a FELT NEED of students being able to communicate with native English speakers! 

We absolutely love it, because these opportunities open doors to connecting with more people!

Assistant Professor Dr Anchalee expressed her sincere thanks to us, The River Team, for our continued commitment to the youth of Thailand.

Doors are open. We need more volunteers!

Pray for many more to respond to......

 THE CALL!

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!

Gig is a beautiful young lady from the Karen Tribe. Her home is in “8 km Village”, about 2 hrs drive from Hangdong towards the Myanmar border. The River Team has been working in her village for several years. Gig was one of the first villagers to receive salvation. She is now a member of our River Team and together we have been earnestly praying for God to set these people free from spirit worship! Last week the much longed for phone call came: “Daughter, your father and the rest of the family have decided to follow Jesus!” God has answers prayer!

This leaves only a few families in the “8 km village” to make the same decision! Please keep praying and believing with us!

SET FREE!

My name is Miriam. I was born into a Christian Karen home.

Mum left me in the care of my grandparents when I was 8 years old. I felt rejected and deeply hurt. I seized every opportunity I could to stay away from home, to hang out with friends, who lived life-styles far from godly values. Before long, I became attached to a young man, who began to control my life.  I did anything and everything he wanted me to do. I felt totally trapped, both emotionally and physically. I felt dirty and unworthy. There was nothing more for me in this life, except to please my boyfriend. Then he dumped me, leaving me completely heart-broken. I locked myself in a room, pretending to study for university entrance exams. In reality, I could not concentrate at all and consequently failed my exams and was disqualified from entering university. I felt like a total loser. I had shamed my family. I was not even smart enough to study at university. 

My life changed when I came to the River! I entered university part-time studying to become a teacher. I am involved in the work of the River Team in the communities and tutor young three girls rescued from abusive situations.

The road to healing takes times, but I know that I have been set free from many bondages and I have great hope for the future! God is so good to me! 

Valentines Day in Hangdong!

On Valentines Day 2012, The River Team walked through the Hangdong Market bearing  bunches of beautifully prepared roses. Each seller and customer received a rose with a red heart-shaped blessing card attached to it. For some, it was the first time in their lives that someone gave them a rose!

Love is not a thought or an idea. It is a person. Love is the ONE who has given us LIFE, FREEDOM, JOY and PEACE for ETERNITY to come! We are the carriers of His presence....LOVE!

South comes to the North

Amazing things are happening!

170 government employees, community and religious leaders travelled nearly 2000 kms to visit North Thailand. One of their important destinations was The River! Our team prepared for the event with great

excitement. The investment in prayer, giving, building relationships and physically setting

up a base in the south, is producing results beyond our imagination!

The River Team received the guests with a song in their local language,Pattani-Malay, which inspired

them to join in with clapping and singing. Then followed The River Team singing to them,

“For I love you with the love of the Lord,.... I can see in you the glory of the Lord,...I love

you with the love of the Lord.” His presence was tangible. Hearts melted.

The meal served was Halal, so that all could participate. Our team had sourced the food from a local Halal restaurant. We all took part in serving, being careful not to touch anything with our hands.

The leader of the group, Mr Ishmael, spoke about the friendship which has formed

between the people of their city and our team. He then invited us to come and teach their

youth at the upcoming government organised camp held in June!

As it was time for one of their five daily prayers, our visitors went in groups to our meeting room, to pray in Arabic language. This was incredibly exciting for us, as every single day we pray for these

precious people in that very same room!

The joy of being together was evident. It was amazing to see the ease with which our

Team and the visitors related with one-another. Gifts and hugs were exchanged. Photos

taken. Our whole team literally ran after the buses as they left and the visitors kept waving from the

windows until we could not see each other any longer.

It is hugely exciting to walk WITH the Lord!