Sawadee Ka!
Unsung Hero month has started for my team in Thailand. This month we research, interview, visit, and serve potential ministries that could be future ministry partners for Adventures in Missions and the many programs facilitated by them. This is an awesome opportunity to pray over this country and see where God leads us to serve. We have the unique and exciting task of getting to know ministries in the country and help open doors for potential new partnerships. They are called “Unsung Heroes” because often they don’t get recognition for the selfless work they are doing for their country.
Our team started in Bangkok where we were trained and began this networking ministry. A couple days ago, we traveled to Chiang Mai and have been making connections and praying over this country.
Yesterday, me, Tanja, and Kathryn had the opportunity to serve with Daniel 1 Leadership Academy.
They aim to “develop citizens of Christ-like character who are well-educated and hard-working with a love of country and tribal heritage.” Most of the young women in this program previously lived in Breanna’s House of Joy Orphanage, a Christian home for the hilltribe girls of Northern Thailand. Often, these girls have been abandoned or whose parents have passed away. At a young age, they have understood the harsh realities of poverty and are at risk of being trafficked. Breanna’s House is a safe haven for all areas of life – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When they graduate from living in that house, the opportunity arises to live in the Daniel 1 house. A safe haven, these young women can continue growing into the beautiful women of God they are meant to be, learning life skills and spiritually being poured into.
We had the opportunity to talk with Zane and Jan Stoddard. They truly have a heart for these young women. Previously living in Colorado, they moved to Thailand to serve full-time.
We arrived at the Daniel 1 house, excitedly anticipating hanging out with these young women. We were greeted with smiling faces and ice-cold water. Each of these beautiful girls were so welcoming and open to spending time with us. After sharing a little about ourselves, we went on a scavenger hunt. They ultimate goal was for these girls to practice their English while also teaching us Thai. We were to learn the Thai customs and just be sisters to them.
It was so much fun!
These young women are incredible. Their hearts for serving are inspiring. Their sweetness, gentleness, and love were evident in everything they did and they really stepped out in boldness when we did our scavenger hunt. I wish we could have stayed longer. I felt so loved and truly like a sister.
So…long story short, check them out. Contact them with questions. Pray for them because Thailand is dark and they are truly being a light in that darkness. Consider financially supporting them in this incredible ministry and send them encouraging prayers and Scriptures because it’s hard work.
If you would like more information on Daniel 1 Leadership Academy or Breanna’s House, click on the links below…
