Global Adventure to Thailand -- A Report from Dave and Janet Barr

From March 31-April 8 a team of 4 people traveled to Thailand to visit Word of Grace missionaries Sonny and Millicent Thweatt as well as experience life and ministry in this beautiful country.

Sonny and Millicent Thweatt

Our Team -- Dorothy, Lyn, David and Janet

During the week they were in Thailand the team spoke in church services, visited the Life and Social Development Foundation in Chiang Rai, engaged in prayer walks at various Buddhist temples and shrines, visited the Grace International School where Sonny and Millicent work and spent time in orphanages.

Perhaps the two highlights of the trip were the opportunity to spend time with Sonny and Millicent and see first-hand how God is using them not only at Grace International School, but also through their heart to serve those who are poor and have less access to the Gospel.

Grace International School in Chiang Mai

Grace International School is the largest international Christian school in Asia, serving over 550 students from 24 countries. The school is well-known for providing a quality education, with many of its graduates attending top universities in the USA. Sonny has worked hard at developing a first-class physical education program for the school.

The second highlight was spending time at the Life and Social Development Foundation in Chiang Rai. This organization, led by Dr. Suphot is home to about 120 young people. 100 of these young people are girls, many of whom are at risk for involvement in the sex trade. Most of them come from one of the seven hill tribes living in northern Thailand. The girls from these tribes are often sold into prostitution by their poverty stricken parents. The Foundation prevents girls from going into prostitution by providing a home, food, clothing and education. Through the generous donations of people from Word of Grace we were able to provide sponsorships for some of the girls who do not yet have a sponsor. In addition we ill be assisting with educational expenses, such as school uniforms, books and fees.

Kan is one of the girls who has lived at the Foundation for seven years. She is from an Akha village, and recently started working at the university in Chiang Rai. Kan was very excited about her first real job.

Kan

Our team came back from Thailand with a profound gratitude for the ministry of Sonny and Millicent Thweatt. We were also thrilled to be part of the ministry of the Life and Social Development Foundation, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young girls in Thailand.

The only question that remains is -- when are we going back? If you are interested in a Global Adventure to Thailand, contact the Outreach office.

Sonny and our team ministering in a church.