Day One Heartbreak

 

After waiting for several days in Chiang Mai we finally made our way further north to Mae Sae which is right on the Burmese border. This is our first ministry location, and we will be working at a “drop-in” center. Upon arriving, we had barely begun unloading before a stream of excited children ran out and began hugging us and grabbing our bags! We barely even knew them yet and they were excited to see us. After helping them carry our grossly oversized backpacks inside, we got a chance to speak with the director of the drop-in center, Frank. He is British and has had a heart for these children for years. He also does HIV/AIDS work in the city, and is a strong man of God.

 

The Drop-in Center

 

He told us about many of the children and the different situations that they come from. During the day many of the children come to the drop-in center to play, learn and get a hot meal. The drop in center is generally open from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. During the day, most of the kids either beg on the bridge leading to Burma or collect garbage/recyclables to earn money. We’d often see kids run from the bridge to get lunch and play and then run back afterwards to go back to begging. Many of the children are beaten by their parents if they do not bring home enough money. We learned that often the money the kids earn is used by parents for drugs (opium primarily) and alcohol. In addition to this, some parents actively sold their children in the sex trade in order to earn extra income. Frank estimated that 95% of the kids in the drop-in center either had been or were still being sex trafficked. Another heartbreaking reality is that many of these kids are homeless. Often they are kicked out of their home by parents or have no parents at all. Because of this many of the children sleep on the streets…..7 and 8 year olds, sleeping in the streets at night. In the U.S. this would be unheard of but in Mae Sae it’s a sad reality. Luckily the drop-in center is able to house some children although there is limited space and technically is illegal. The whole situation is very hopeless and miserable…..

 

Good thing we worship a God who saves! It was great because after the center closed our first day were able to hang out with some of the street children and walk throughout the city. The children, despite their circumstances were filled with joy and smiles. After some authentic Thai street food we walked up to a temple on a hill that overlooked the city. As I looked out I couldn’t help but think of all the darkness and brokenness that lie below. I prayed over the city; that God would pour out his love, and that HE would heal broken hearts and bring his HOPE! I’m not sure how he will do it but I know that He will do it. He loves us & them too much.

 

This first night is a heavy one, but I think a good one! I was reminded during worship with our team that our God is a God who is “mighty to save”, and for that I am glad! I can’t wait to see what God has in store from myself, my team and this ministry site!