In our previous update I mentioned that we were able to extend our revised support program for the children, adding another four new children to this program. This month another child will be added.

We also started a new children’s program which is held after school time on the Seeds of Love base. Our volunteer from Japan is helping in this program, she is very gifted and much loved by the children in the village. The S.O.L gardens and a new Thai style house made from recycled wood are being used for this outreach.

Slum dwellings:

S.O.L regularly provides food for the hungry elderly slum dwellers in the Khon Kaen area. Huts without electricity, running water and often build above a mosquito infested swamp. On our last visit we looked inside the sleeping area and I got a real surprise/fright because right behind the “door” opening (close to my face) sat a huge lizard, right next to where the people usually sleep at night. I thought how difficult it must be to have to live like that. When we took the bags with food and other necessities from the vehicle we saw the eyes of those living there filled with tears of gratitude.

Prisons and halfway house:

Apart from having a program to help prisoners inside the prisons system we now have started a half way house for ex prisoners. During one of our visits to a prison we met Sunday, a prisoner who was about to be released but had nobody to go back to. On the same day of her release she arrived at Baan Non Som Boon village. While in prison she gave herself a new name: “Sunday”, because..she said; “I have new faith that is alive…a brand new future, real hope, and therefore I needed a new name as well”.  She has suffered terrible abuse since she was six years old, and lived on the streets as a child.  She is now a tremendous blessing to our leprosy food program, as well as helping our Japanese volunteer.  Sunday has indeed a new life, vision and purpose.

“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering”.
Hebrews 13:3

Food program and leprosy effected people:

Our Baan Non Som Boon meals on wheels program has passed the 113.000 meals mark. Last month, (Dec ’14) we added another four needy people to this food program. Tin, our cook and his two helpers have been doing a fantastic job.  We started this program with one meal given to a lady who had lost both her hands and feet to the devastating effects of leprosy.  At this point in time we care for 107 people who still suffer severely.
Recently we made a special visit to one of our food recipients.
Upon entering her hut I saw she was very sick.  I reached out and warmly held what was left of her hands. Then from her blind eyes tears appeared. She said; “Thank you so very very much”. Giving her a big warm hug I responded; “Mum, you are truly precious”.

Together with all our workers, volunteers and sponsors we are passionate about putting real faith into real compassionate action.

We wish you a very blessed and very fruitful 2015.

Thank you so much for all your sincere prayers, practical and financial help.

Blessings,

Hans.

“Does it not stir up our hearts, to go forth and help them, does it not make us long to leave our luxury, our exceeding abundant light, and go to them that sit in darkness?” –– Amy Carmichael