MIRACLE ON THE MOUNTAINS

This story is incredible!

A Karen tribe man and his wife went to work in the fields as usual. The wife had a precious bundle on her back - their baby secured in the folds of a cloth wrapped around her. This is how the mother works for the survival of her family, while also attending to the little one.

Until recently, the young couple lived in fear of the spirit world. They spent their meagre resources in appeasing the insatiable appetites of the demons. Every sickness and misfortune was attributed to the angry spirits and required the  counsel of the community witchdoctor. Whatever the family owned was used as offering. Poverty was guaranteed. It is no wonder why so many are lured into giving their kids to “employment brokers”, who fuel the sinister activities of sexploitation, drug dealing etc.

Poverty is much more than just lacking physical resources.

Yingwhit, our River Team member from the H'Mong tribe, lives cross-culturally amongst the Karens. He stands out in the village: He is joyful. He sleeps his nights peacefully. He is generous and very hardworking. He genuinely cares for others. He volunteers to help villagers in their fields. His consistent, unconditional and fearless love for others is beginning to have a ripple effect... 

The young couple became curious to know the source of Yingwhit’s happiness. What they discovered was The Way to an eternal relationship with the One True God! The young couple made the life-changing decision to change their allegiance from demons to the living God. They have been set FREE - just like Yingwhit is free!

.... So, after a long day at the field, the little family returned to their bamboo hut. They became increasingly worried, because the baby was too weak to suck at the mother’s breast and repelled any offer of fluids. By the morning, the child was completely listless and unresponsive. Were they going to lose their precious child.... The man ran over to  Yingwhit's hut pleading for help. As Yingwhit entered the family's hut, he heard God say to him, “Take the child into your arms”. He gently eased the ailing baby from the mother's arms and held it close to his chest. Something completely unexpected happened! The baby stirred, its face became animated and Yingwhit handed the child back its mother. The child began to suck normally! 

We are incredibly glad to report that the baby is well and everyone is amazed by the healing power of the One True God!

NOOM'S STORY

Noom and his “family” were one of the first in Hangdong, which our team befriended some 8 years ago. Noom’s mum and dad had died of AIDS and he now lived with his brother and grandma.  This little “family” struggled to survive in the seemingly uncaring urban community.

Num wearing silver shirt with a friend

Our team began to empower Noom's family to improve their situation. Noom was enabled to concentrate on his studies, because our team connected with his school, made weekly visits to his home, picked him up for Kid’s Club and so on.  In those days, our base was a crammed shophouse building. Later on we moved to the much more spacious property, which became know as The River. Noom, by this time already in his teens, came with his  friends to hang out and practice music.

At times, the scream-style "singing" and ear-breaking loudness of the “music” was pretty challenging to listen, but we knew that these boys were with us for a reason. They were hugely excited about opportunities to perform at the combined Community & The River events. Then there were the camps, where they met ” purpose-living” young people. Noom loved it, but felt like an outsider.

As a teenager, the pressures of home, the gripping sadness in his heart, and the influence of his peers led him to seek comfort in places, which proved to be more like traps. He became addicted to drugs and before long was also selling them to support the habit. Grandma and brother were aware of the situation, but unable to help.  

One day, at his lowest point, Noom suddenly remembered something he had heard so many times at the Kid’s Club: 'Pray to God'. In desperation, he cried out, “God, help me!” Immediately, something unexplainable happened: Although he was physically alone, he felt the presence of God! It felt like FREEDOM! He was instantly set free from the bondage of drugs!  On 19th of August 2012, Noom came to The River and made a public confession of his new-found faith in God! 

Today, Noom is an enthusiastic musician in The River Worship band! He is also now a full-time member of The River Team and loves working with kids and youth.

Cassie, our volunteer and Noom today singing, "Greatest day in history..."

In October, as part of  The River Team, Noom made his first-ever trip to Bangkok!  At a large International Network Event, Noom served as one of the volunteers.

At praise and worship times he joined others right at the front to experience first-hand the joy of  truly "belonging" to the ever-growing number of young people, who have found their purpose in living for God!

The young generation of Thailand long to know the FREEDOM and HOPE Noom has already found!

We trust that you have been encouraged by Noom's story!