Valentines @ The River

The River loves to celebrate!  For Valentines Weekend our theme was...LOVE!

On Friday night The River Youth had a party on The River grounds. The message about "The Greatest Love of All" was beautifully expressed through the way The River Team prepared for the event, then personally visited homes to invite teenagers and their friends to an amazing night of joy and friendship. In the society of relational brokenness and confused perceptions about "love", our "Valentine's" was life-changing for many! These teens, who are looking for love in all the wrong places, are welcomed, accepted and valued at The River.

On Saturday morning the River Kid's Club was full of energy! Balloons, chocolate, music and games... all bearing the message that "God loves you and He created you for a purpose!"



On Sunday morning, The River celebrated again! 

Roses for everyone...handed out by the girls. One of the girls was rescued from abuse and now on a journey of restoration.

May I have one too?

Welcome everyone!

Flowers, because you are worth it...

There is always room for you...

A chocolate heart for you to enjoy...

Let's give high praise to God, who is LOVE! 

A message on the Greatest Love...
During this time, one man made a life-changing decision to enter into a living relationship with God. Many people also made a recommitment to follow the Lord.

He gave His life for us, so that we may have LIFE...... Full Life Begins!

Greatest day in history...death is beaten... you have rescued me....Oh happy day.....

We give generously, so that others can share in this same joy!

The "Valentine's" Sunday was linked by Skype to our work in the southernmost part of Thailand.

Thank you for loving and supporting The River work!

New Life Begins for Virot's Family!

Virot  and his wife Fong, are well-known wood artisans and furniture makers in Hangdong.

For the past 20 years Virot and Fong searched for theTruth... Virot studied religious books and also involved himself in politicallly motivated activities. He wanted change, because he felt deeply unsettled in his heart. 

One evening, he brought his son to an event held at the local school's sports field.  The River was running a concert in collaboration with the local community. Virot watched from the sidelines as his son joined in with the other kids in the fun activities. While seated on his  motorbike at the edge of the field, Virot was overwhelmed by the joyful atmosphere and the way the crowd responded.

Although suspicious, Virot could not resist the curiosity growing inside him. A couple of The River Team members walked over to greet him. They were unusually kind...and strangely humble. Who were these people? Why would they serve the Hangdong people without expecting anything back?

Virot decided to allow his son to attend The River Kid's Cub. 

Each Saturday morning, The River bus came to pick up their son... and ALWAYS, a kind lady, called Nit, came to personally greet the parents. Soon, Nit and her husband Nu, started visiting their home, offering to help them in practical ways. Before long, other team members joined in and the practical visits became even more unusual: Meals cooked together were enjoyed with deep conversations, which touched the hearts of Virot and Fon.

Virot and Fon had never experienced such love and care before. As small business operators, they suddenly found themselves amongst people, they could trust. What really impressed them, was that these people cared for them and wanted to be their friends regardless of their faith.

They noticed the change that was beginning to happen in their son. His times at The River Kid's Club were making him a happier child. One day, he came home from the River Kid's club with exciting news: "Mom and Dad, I am a child of God!" Their son's life decision was soon followed by the parents:

 Virot and Fon received the One, who is “ the way and the truth and the life". They have found the Truth and He has set them free to truly LIVE!

 

Today the family loves God and serves Him in their local community.

They also host one of the strongest weekly The River small groups in their own home! 

New Life Begins!

Thank you for your partnership with The River.