In the warm shadow of the overhead Bangkok highway, alongside the railway tracks slicing through the slum structures, in an area full of sights and smells most people go out of their way to avoid – lives Kainui. Kainui already wears his environment like outer clothes. Although 6 years of age, he has the size […]

In the warm shadow of the overhead Bangkok highway, alongside the railway tracks slicing through the slum structures, in an area full of sights and smells most people go out of their way to avoid – lives Kainui.

Kainui already wears his environment like outer clothes. Although 6 years of age, he has the size and look of a three year old. His constant companion is the television – always on – often showing images children should not see.

His parents are drug users and the slums harbor crime. Few words shock Kainui. His body carries underdeveloped upper arms, smaller and thinner than his forearms. His body also sometimes carries bruising from where his father has hit him while drunk.

Since he was one, Kainui has attended the Home of Praise community center. Home of Praise is in the slums, in the heart of where Kainui lives. Run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand, Home of Praise provides education, food, activities, love and hope for the children who live here.

Kainui is a very active boy who especially enjoys playing in the Home of Praise playground.

He loves cartwheels and fooling around. At Home of Praise he finds it hard to concentrate. His body seems to use all his energy for moving around, leaving his brain struggling to develop.

He constantly wants attention. He likes English classes and loves it when foreigners comes to visit Home of Praise.

His father says he likes Home of Praise very much because there are toys to play with and good food and milk, while at home he has nothing – and no place to move around.

Like all of us, what lies ahead down the track for Kainui is unknown. The now for Kainui though has moments of love, times to jump with joy, people to smile with and a sense of hope.

The love that comes from Jesus changes the lives of those who receive that love, just as it changes the lives of those who love!

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Thailand at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/thailand/