by Marcée Lane
After more than 24 hours of travel, the Thailand team arrived safely in Pattaya. Due to the time change, our bodies felt like they were left behind on Friday while our minds kept reminding us that it was actually Saturday. Our first stop was to settle in at our accommodations, the Momento Hotel. We were all extremely tired so after eating supper, we turned into our rooms to catch up on our sleep. On Sunday, we joined in worship at the international church called One Way, which offered a service in both Thai and English. It was an incredible blessing to experience worship with believers from all around the world. After the church service, we headed to Hand to Hand’s housing centre where we had a tour and a delicious lunch. We met many of the beloved staff and children, including several children who are sponsored by Forestview attendees. On Sunday afternoon, we enjoyed a tour of the city and supper at a well-known restaurant right on the ocean. So far, it has been a beautiful time of connection with our missionary friend, Margie Grainger, and seeing firsthand the work that Forestview has faithfully partnered with for over a decade. Thank you for your prayers and we’ll stay in touch periodically throughout the week.
by Kim Ward
Our team spent most of Monday at the Tamar Center, where we learned about the work they do with girls coming out of prostitution. Tamar Center provides vocational training, counselling and bible teaching to “bargirls and ladyboys”. They teach hairdressing, baking, cooking, sewing and handicrafts.
We started our visit with coffee and treats from their bakeshop and we learned some of the history of the ministry and of Pattaya; a history that has led to its current label as the unofficial sex tourism capital of the world.
We took a tour of the Tamar building where we saw girls making greeting cards and the guest house where girls learn hotel/hospitality skills.
After enjoying a delicious lunch made by the restaurant staff, we visited the Palm Center, a separate ministry, located in the same building. There, they offer counselling to girls from the Tamar Center as well as others in need.
We ended the day by visiting their gift shop, purchasing some of the handicrafts made by the girls.
Pattaya is a city in great need of God’s love and care; it was a privilege to meet some of the people who are meeting that need.
by Hilary Carver
The Thailand Team had an early start making sandwiches to take to the prison and participating in the pre-school’s daily activities. Frank was a great hit sharing his moves during the exercise and dance. The teaching class featured the Canadian maple tree with an appropriate snack of real maple syrup that we brought from Canada. In the afternoon, we helped sort a lot of bags of donated clothing that will be distributed in the slums later in the week. Our day ended with supper at a beautiful garden restaurant.
by Frank Ierullo
Day four was another busy day for the Thailand team. Some of us went to the hospital and others prepared bags for the scholarship children. We worked in the preschool and attended a worship service run by the children from the housing community. We even cooked dinner for everyone! It was a very,very busy day and a lot of fun. Our trip continues to be a rewarding experience.
