Thoughts on visit to Tribal Children’s Home, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

As we sit in the airport at Bangkok, Thailand we have a few hours before our flight leaves. Perhaps a few hours will be sufficient to pen some heartfelt thoughts about the experience of having visited a Thai orphanage where over 160 precious children are living.

The  Tribal Children’s  Home is privately operated and receives no government funding.  This particular orphanage has been around  for over 10 years with some of the kids having grown up and been educated only choosing to return and help out with the future of the next generation of orphans. Oh that we would have that same heart to return to help the orphans. James 1:27 speaks volumes about what is and what is not acceptable to the Father as our religion. I know many who would choose to spend endless hours debating and lecturing about man’s religion. Our Heavenly Father appeals to us to be people of action when we find orphans and widows. We are to make a difference. We are to peer in to their lives and identify with them while attempting to come to their rescue in every way that we can.

Some say, “Geez, there are thousands of orphans all over the world. I can’t make that much of a difference so I’ll leave that up to someone else.” Each one of us can make a difference by following the tug on our heart to move forward to make a difference.

I want to mention to you a small story about Ana. Ana is not an orphan but is a kind traveler and adventurer who took up a casual invitation to go along with a group of us to the orphanage. Sometimes it is the random things that are life changing. Ana is on a 6 month journey around the world seeking more about what direction she wishes to follow in life. After months of travel to many continents she remarked that she was totally touched by this casual visit to the Tribal Children’s Home. Ana identified and reached into the hearts of a number orphans. She played guitar with the guys, held hands with the little girls. Looked a paintings, visited the bunkbed rooms to bring joy to the life of two precious little girls.  Ana committed to make a difference in the life of these girls. Ana commented that she is one step closer to seeing what is important in life. Money does not bring joy in an of itself and in particular if it is not shared in the purposes of God. Why do suppose that it is more blessed to give than to receive? The giver is blessed in the giving in particular if there is no expectation of a return. No hope to take a business advantage but simply love poured out as an offering.

It is not all about the money…it is about time, holding hands, laughing and crying together. Learning names and understanding backgrounds. Perhaps you can give some time, hold a hand, wipe away a tear, provide nurturing, provide hope, provide a financial gift freely.

Take a close look at the pictures knowing that each child has a name. Each child has a story. Each child has a need. Each child amazingly has a dream.  Can you intervene? Will your heart allow for you to turn away? Can the Lord use you as an instrument of his peace and his love in reaching out with the true religion spoken of in James 1:27.  If this note is speaking to your heart all the way from S.E. Asia then here is the address where your gift can become a reality to one of these children.

Witthaya & Katchareeya Phuttharaksa

P.O. Box 33 Doisaket

Chiang Mai, Thailand 50220