As Sao Mandee (Director of Home of Praise) wraps her arms around the crying child, she is reminded of the words of Jesus, “let the children come to me”. That’s what happens every day during the week, as children from the poorest of the poor people living in the slums of Klong Toey in Bangkok, […]

As Sao Mandee (Director of Home of Praise) wraps her arms around the crying child, she is reminded of the words of Jesus, “let the children come to me”. That’s what happens every day during the week, as children from the poorest of the poor people living in the slums of Klong Toey in Bangkok, come to Home of Praise. Up to 35 children aged from six months to three years enter the gates of Home of Praise and are welcomed by Jesus, loving them through the five staff members and various volunteers serving at Home of Praise.

As we open the gate and enter, past the green picket fence at the front of this building which struggles for light under the towering freeway above, we see children smiling, crying, crawling and playing in the different sections of this brightly painted building, on this tiny section of land. Surrounded by houses constructed from discarded plywood, corrugated iron and cardboard boxes, the Home of Praise of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand stands in stark contrast to the homes of the children who are cared for each day at Home of Praise.

These children of criminals, drug addicts, AIDS sufferers and people in many other difficult situations of life are fed, washed and clothed with a fresh uniform each day. The daily routine also includes play in the newly constructed sandpit and playground, stories and Jesus songs, as well as learning some new words in English.

…And when these children return to their homes at 3.30pm, a new group of children arrive. These are the older children, who attend the after-school activities and program. They come to learn English, computing, music and other skills taught by the volunteers and the after-school program coordinator.

You, too, are there at Home of Praise, wrapping your arms around the children, sharing Jesus’ love with the children and the staff. God uses your love and support, and your prayers to bless the teachers and the children at the home.

The staff of Home of Praise give thanks to God for you and your generosity. They invite you to pray for them, to ask God to provide them with the strength and love to do their exhausting work.

We give thanks to God for you. Your partnership in the gospel, together with LCA International Mission and the staff of Home of Praise and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand, has eternal consequences.

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/