From the church’s beginnings, Christian service has been considered as integral for the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand (ELCT). The church recognised the need to be part of the work which meets the social challenges in Thai society but was worried about setting up a large institution which would become a burden […]

From the church’s beginnings, Christian service has been considered as integral for the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand (ELCT). The church recognised the need to be part of the work which meets the social challenges in Thai society but was worried about setting up a large institution which would become a burden for the future. They therefore began to develop forms of Christian love which could take place in the local congregation context and set up a Diakonia Department which collaborates with the congregations and assists them in serving their communities.

One of these congregations, Immanuel Lutheran Church, seeking to support vulnerable children, was provided the opportunity to purchase a building situated in the slums of Bangkok. This building has become the Home of Praise. In the heart of a dusty, noisy, smelly and soul-breaking area, Home of Praise has become a place of refuge and hope. This daycare centre is a nurturing space where the Holy Spirit is dwelling and active.

There are currently six teachers who care for the youngsters aged six months to four years, who spend time in Home of Praise. Many of the parents of the children work long hours for only a meagre salary and are often exhausted, so have difficulty supplying their family’s needs. Some of the parents struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. They may be in tumultuous relationships where violence is present, and children are often exposed to high levels of conflict. The parent’s experience of being disciplined as a child may be one of physical punishment, so this is what they are familiar with practicing when there are times of disagreement and conflict with their own children. When a child arrives at Home of Praise, they may therefore have physical marks on their body which raises concerns about possible mistreatment.

With this in mind, ELCT’s Diakonia Department initiated the “Strong and Safe Families” program, which provides education for parents to help them learn how to self-regulate. If staff from Home of Praise notice a mark on a child, they take that opportunity to approach the parent about what’s happened and are then able to pursue this with the parents and guide them to find alternative ways to discipline. Through the “Strong and Safe Families” program, parents are taught how to manage their stress and to express love to their children in a way which is controlled, positive, gentle and respectful. Through this program, Home of Praise is witnessing the transformation of how parents raise and look after their children.

The children, in turn, also learn different ways to interact with each other when they are sad or angry. At Home of Praise, they are taught about a Jesus who can soften their strong hearts and feelings. One way for the children to learn is by the Home of Praise staff using pictures, such as a picture of a heart with a tiger inside. “When you hit your friend, you have a tiger heart – a heart which is very strong” the staff at Home of Praise explain. “And Jesus wants to help your tiger heart to be calmed, so that you show a kind love to your friend.”

The ELCT is working in a challenging environment, supporting congregations to bring the love of Jesus in very practical ways to some of the most vulnerable people in Thailand.

Thank you for joining our faithful God in enabling Lutherans in Thailand to witness that Jesus can and does soften even the strongest tiger hearts for the extension of his love.

If you would like to consider the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in mission, serving in practical ways, teaching English, teaching in the seminaries and institutions of our partner churches, or in local churches, you are invited to phone LCA International Mission on (08) 8267 7317 or email lcaim@lca.org.au. For more information, go to https://www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/volunteer/

Read more stories about volunteering at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/join-gods-mission/volunteers/