Monday, September 12, 2011

Learning about LOVE


On Mother's Day, the River Team went with flowers to Pa Da's home.  Pa Da (in her 40's) suffers from many illnesses, which make her fearful about her future.  Although Pa Da always feels encouraged by our team's visits, she has been slow to open her heart to be truly loved.  As Yua (Thai team leader) pinned a flower on Pa Da's blouse, sh reminded the lady about the day her father at the 11th hour found eternal life in his savoir.  Yua, said, "Pa Da your dad is now in the loving arms of the Heavenly Father".  Pa Da's demeanor changed and she exclaimed "You know what? I have not had any bad dreams about my father since he died!  He truly was rescued from the dreaded cycle of reincarnation!" Pa Da was then ready to follow her dad's example! On Mother's day Pa Da became a child of God!  With a grateful heart she sent the team on their way, asking them to come back for another visit as soon as possible.


The River Team has been regularly visiting Pa Khiou in her home. One day a call came from the relatives that the woman was in hospital. This request was great surprise to us, as in the past the family did not want our visit! We prayed as a team and then some went to visit Pa Khiou at the hospital. The lady was delighted to see the team members and expressed readiness to receive Jesus! Following the decision, her countenance changed and she said, “Now I feel so much peace in my heart!” 

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Community Playground Phase 2




We recently purchased, quite cheaply, some very old but sturdy playground equipment.  Some of the boys from our team, along with some wonderful helpers from Australia,  spent countless hours sanding, restoring and re assembling the playground. This process gave some of our trainees the opportunity to learn new skills in sanding, painting and seeing the importance of doing a thorough job in preparation rather than just slapping another coat of paint over the top of the existing 7 layers.  The end result is fantastic.  The boys are very pleased at their accomplishments and have seen the benefits of persistence.   
 
There is of course the other benefit too, the one for which the playground was purchased and for which the boys from our team and the Aussies who assisted, put in all those hours... the children are using the equipment every day!  This new playground, along with the earlier installation of the first phase of our playground development,  will assist us to continue to provide a kid and family friendly safe haven for the community of Hang Dong.