For a relationship to grow and develop, it is essential that there be an intentionality to spend quality time together and have moments of consistent connection. Though his time on earth was consumed with teaching, healing the sick, and performing miracles, Jesus was never too busy to constantly and purposefully make himself available to his […]

For a relationship to grow and develop, it is essential that there be an intentionality to spend quality time together and have moments of consistent connection.

Though his time on earth was consumed with teaching, healing the sick, and performing miracles, Jesus was never too busy to constantly and purposefully make himself available to his disciples. Just as the disciples discovered more about his love for them as they dwelt in his midst, as we wade into the deep waters of being present with Jesus, our understanding of the Triune God’s love for us will grow.

Friendship is God’s gracious and life-giving gift to us. As we are drawn into relationship with God the Father through His Son, the Holy Spirit stirs in us the longing for connection among our earthly relationships. We receive blessings from the friendships we have with fellow believers. We are also given the privilege of inviting those who don’t yet have an intimate relationship with him, to share in the beauty of Jesus’ grace.

Fifteen churches in Thailand have recognised the opportunity to deepen their relationships with non-believers in their community and are now involved in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand (ELCT) diaconal department’s Saturday Club program.

This program started in the north of Thailand, where children are left home alone on Saturdays while their parents are working. The inital idea was to provide a nutritious lunch and a safe place for these children to spend the day, however the program soon evolved to involve Bible sharing, activities, songs and crafts.

The program is designed to encourage weekly, safe interactions between members of the church and the children from the surrounding community. Although the Saturday Club usually runs from 9am until 12noon, many times the children are enjoying themselves so abundantly that they ask to stay longer.

Miss Prayaweh Inchampa, aged 16 years, and Miss Woranan Laoklomm, aged 17 years, support the Saturday Club which is run from the Ang Sila preaching place in the north-east of Thailand.

“Since helping to lead the Saturday Club, we have more courage to face what we fear and are more daring to do things that we have not done before.

There are many different activities to do as part of the Saturday Club. Most of them are activities that the children can use in their daily life:

• We teach the student basic English, so we can have small conversations in English. There are many English words for the children to learn and understand, words that they may not have known before. We have games that the children can play, such as vocabulary guessing games, and use prizes, so that the children will not get bored with learning.
• We read from the Bible aloud so everyone can practice reading the Thai language. We teach the children about the Bible and about Jesus.
• We provide activities and quizzes to coincide with various important days, including important religious days.
• We provide training in how to solve problems by playing games such as guessing words from pictures, sudoku, and werewolf.”

Investing in relationships long term can be difficult and complicated, however our Creator has promised to equip us with all we need to live out his design for us, his beloved children. Through ELCT’s Saturday Club program, fellow Christians in Thailand are demonstrating the essence and central purpose of the life which God has designed: to dwell in loving relationship with him and to live in closeness with others.

This story was also published in the August 2024 edition of Border Crossings, the magazine of LCA International Mission.

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/