Home of Grace is a safe refuge in Thailand for mothers-to-be and new mothers who have been rejected by their family or are in difficult situations and need shelter. At Home of Grace, women are provided with care, love, work training and counselling. They are supported in finding a good solution for themselves and their […]

Home of Grace is a safe refuge in Thailand for mothers-to-be and new mothers who have been rejected by their family or are in difficult situations and need shelter. At Home of Grace, women are provided with care, love, work training and counselling. They are supported in finding a good solution for themselves and their baby. It is the aim of Home of Grace that everyone who leaves will have hope for the future, knowing that theirs and their baby’s life is valued.

A few months ago, Lotta came from Finland to volunteer and live at Home of Grace for three months. She is a retired nurse and was a valuable assistant to Home of Grace’s staff. Everyone loved Lotta’s baking too, particularly her carrot cake and cinnamon buns. Her time spent with the staff and mothers was precious and she formed valuable connections with many of the women there.

When Lotta arrived, her first task was to care for a newborn baby girl left at Home of Grace whose mother, Vadsana, had asked that she be given up for adoption. Vadsana Meajuntueng was 34 years old and had four children, aged 15 years, 14 years, 9 years and 1 year, 7 months old. When she was four months pregnant with her fifth child, Vadsana’s husband became unwell with COVID-19 and shortly after, passed away. Following his death, she was working at a job which paid her only 200 THB a day (approximately 8AUD).

As Vadsana was nearing the impending birth of her child and facing life as a single mother of five with such a low income, she went to stay at Home of Grace. While there she delivered her baby but had to hurry home to care for her other four children soon after the baby’s birth. She asked that the Home of Grace staff arrange for the child to be given to the Orphan Foundation.

After she returned home, Vadsana became deeply distressed; she missed her child immensely. Vadsana’s daughter phoned Home of Grace and explained the situation. The Home of Grace staff spoke with Vadsana who told them about her inability to support all five of her children on a single wage. The staff at Home of Grace were able to suggest ways she could increase her salary, so Vadsana decided to take her baby back home. Lotta’s happiest memory of her time at Home of Grace, was reuniting the baby with Vadsana. This is one of the stories of joy and hope which continue to come from Home of Grace.

During the last year there have been a few staff changes. Pisara (Kaew) continues as team leader, however long serving Monthakaan (Nok) retired and Sukanya has been employed to replace her. Sukanya has had experience working in a kindergarten for many years and is now responsible for the babies’ wellbeing.

Supporting the work of Home of Grace

A few years ago, Home of Grace started a local fundraising project – a community store. Home of Grace Community Store sells donated second-hand clothes, toys, books, and household items. They also continue to run a café on market days and by prior appointment, and a flea market, where people gather to spend time together and do some shopping. The community store and the flea market are volunteer-led initiatives. Home of Grace is grateful and thankful to all the volunteers who donate their time, energy, and skills to support both ventures. The women and girls who stay at Home of Grace are given the opportunity to learn new skills and gain work experience when they help at the store. The income generated by the community store has enabled more expectant mothers in difficult circumstances to be offered refuge at Home of Grace. There has also been funds available for repairs to be done on the houses.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Pray that women who are struggling will find their way to Home of Grace. Pray for resilience and good cooperation between the staff and volunteers. Pray for the continued thriving of the community store and the flea markets. Perhaps most importantly, pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to be present in this place of unrestricted welcome and 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 Nevin on (08) 8267 7300 or email nevin.nitschke@lca.org.au. For more information, go to https://www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/volunteer/

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