Why this blog

I want to come clean on this one.  I don't do this to write interesting stories so I can get more readers and maybe then I'll feel it's worth writing a book someday.  I don't write so that you will send financial support or even tell us what a great ministry we have.  I'm not wired lke some that I respect very much, who faithfully labor in one area, serving those to whom they are called.  When I see problems, even big, my mind goes to what needs to happen next to bring change.  But while there are many things that need to happen in Thailand, ultimately I believe that what we need most is more people willing to give up everything and follow Jesus. 

Last night another of our girls was raped, our fourth case in 7 months. Most tragically, it was Pui, whom I wrote about here, and if it could be even worse, it was another gang rape, this time by 3 men.  She is at the police station right now with Gai, one of our staff, and some other students at The Well.  We were doing our best to protect her--I knew she was still high risk, and I won't go into how it happened.  Needless to say, we're not in a happy mood.

We've heard many women tell us that "Thai men are no good," and we've seen what they're talking about.  Something has to be done, and I only use the passive voice here for effect.  By God's grace, we will do something, but we can't do it alone.

Yesterday I talked for a long time with Arin, one of our longer-term students, and learned a few more details about her history, and about the problem with poor men in Thailand.  Arin's father was a hit man.  He and her mom were seldom at home, because they were constantly on the run, so Arin was raised by various relatives.  He did make sure to send plenty of money for Arin's support, so she never lacked.  She did not know of her father's line of work until he was arrested when she was a young teen.

We would think contract murder must be a rare profession, but according to Arin it is in fact common. "Many young guys do it because they don't have anything else to do," she related.  The going price: about $100.  I asked Prang if there are many in Buriram.  "Oh, many!" she acknowledged.  "But no one in my village." 

I made some big requests in my first post about Pui, and did get one tentative response.  Please don't forget.  If you're already doing something important, no problem, but otherwise we need you here, or somewhere like this--perhaps inner-city New Orleans, or something like Sierra Leone if you can handle a bit more risk.  People are too precious, certainly more precious than what many of us live for, whether more stuff, more comfort, more fun, more prestige or more adventure.  

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qsemtbok
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qsemtbok
Reply #7 on : Tue December 04, 2007, 06:41:32
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Roy Bessell
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Re: Bill's comment
Reply #6 on : Mon November 12, 2007, 18:38:18
Bill, I know the feeling. In Thailand I visited people who had left the nomadic hunter/gather life in the jungle to live in a settled village. They believe in Jesus. And that is why they are able to stop wandering from place to place. But their only sustenance comes from tour operators who bring tourists to gawk at them. THE VILLAGE IS A ZOO! I found it sickening. After two years, I have not forgotten. I pray for them. And I support the ministries of the indigenous church that ministers to them. If it would help, I would live with them. But I cannot.
Bill Graver
Posts: 7
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RE:
Reply #5 on : Mon November 12, 2007, 11:22:56
I struggle with this. My heart is with kids and young people in those villages but my body has to stay here. It's frustrating.

The Lord tells me, though, that I can follow the passion He's put in my heart, regardless of where I am, and that I can do other things to serve and love these people that mean so much to Him.
Roy Bessell
Posts: 7
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Re: Why this blog
Reply #4 on : Sun November 11, 2007, 20:02:16
You're right people are too precious. I remember when I resolved to work where I am even if it meant I would always be single, because my kids were more important. I have known disappointment, but I have had sweet harvest as well.
Heather Duncan
Posts: 7
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Re: Why this blog
Reply #3 on : Sun November 11, 2007, 17:49:13
Jim,
You are in my prayers always and my checkbook monthly. God has not called my family to overseas work, nor will He while Ian is at home, so here in Jerusalem we continue to work. I will work here to find contacts and workers to further the work of the Well.

My brother is an artist and has done Jewerely making. Unfortunetly he has been unemployed for awhile and cannot financially make a move to Bangkok. He did however wonder if some Jewerly making books would be of any assistance.
Chika Okoronkwo
Posts: 7
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so sad...
Reply #2 on : Sun November 11, 2007, 13:08:35
Jim, I was so sad to read this story about Pui....for the second time?! I'm keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers....Something really does need to be done. As to your requests, I am with you all in spirit, and whenever i get the chance i will be honored to help in any way I can. I will also pray that people respond to your call, even if it is by simply cutting down on expenses and putting money where it can help and protect these ones that God loves so much but somehow manage to find themselves trampled over and over again....
stef
Posts: 7
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Being sent
Reply #1 on : Sun November 11, 2007, 10:40:52
I am coming to Thailand to share your burden. I will be a career missionary with the heart to rescue girls as well. I hope this encourages you... it's a vision Amy Carmichael had in India one day when she felt all alone in this mission:

"Amy carefully shared parts of the little girl’s stories with other missionaries and local pastors. There was mass unbelief and little sympathy. She was alone in the new plight to rescue these innocent victims from such a life of darkness and abuse. She waited for years before they were able to rescue another child. In this lonely time, Amy had a vision. This time, she looked under the trees outside the bungalow and saw a man kneeling alone… it was Jesus, praying for the children. She realized the burden was not hers, it was His and He was asking her to share it with Him and search for the lost lambs together (Elliot, A Chance To Die, p. 181). She went and knelt beside Him, weeping and pleading with Him. During this heavenly moment, a local pastor identified a group of temple women with children and immediately found a way to rescue a newborn baby from them. On March 1, 1904, the first temple baby was in Amma’s arms."