This is just a brief update on the ministry that we were doing this month in Chiang Mai Thailand. This month was a little unique. Due to the time of year it is here, with the New Years festival taking place right in the middle of the month, we had the option of working for the first part of the month with a ministry that Dave and Lindsay knew of called Garden of Hope. What is unique about it, is that team Luminous is the only team that stayed together this month, with the exception of the Gentle Warriors who are actually serving in Vietnam and will come back to Thailand next month. (please pray for them. All other teams split up to do various ministries around Thailand and becaue all of our men are doing a “manistry month” working together as one big team.
For Luminous we worked for three wonderful days. The Garden of Hope has a great many woman and men who are dedicated to serving Thailand and loving on the woman and children of the area. I myself was involved all week with helping work in a childrens drop in center. Lindsay and Stephanie also helped in this area. We assisted in playtime, meal time and english classes. It was such a blessing to be able to use the skills and training I have in Early Childhood education out here. I was able to help the staff with lesson plans and ideas for the children as well as leave them with great websites etc.
While my focus was mostly with the children, I did spend some time out at the Garden itself. It is beautiful and though still not completed it has such character and so much great potential. The woman they serve are being trained in the hopes that they can find good future employment. They teach them baking and cooking skills. A full restuarant inventory had been donated to the center, so one the first day we helped do a little inventory and clean up for them.
The big event they were doing was on Friday. The rest of my team spent the day helping with set up, cooking, serving, and cleaning. I heard it was wonderful. I volunteered to stay with the children and miss out on the day. But we had a blast at our own little pizza party.
After the New Years (where our ministriy partners take a brief break to enjoy the festivities which consist of a full out water fight where no street is safe) we join the 15 other girls here working with Litehouse Ministries. Benny and Dave head off to join the men in Manistry month. I will keep you up to date about whats next for us Luminous girls.
Please pray for the Garden of Hope. Pray that they make a lasting impact on the people they encounter. Pray that they stay strong and healthy. Pray that the garden and restuarant will be up and running soon and that the woman that they serve, will be able to find stable and lasting employment, but more importantly the Lord.
