We are on the brink of a New Year.I have been meditating on the word "hope" these days. The Beatitudes and every verse in it is full of hope. I would like to share some thoughts with you.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the Kingdom of God;
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they will be comforted;
Blessed are the meek,
For they will inherit the earth;Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they will be filled;
Blessed are the merciful,
For they will obtain mercy;
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they will see God;
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they will be called the children of God;
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
For they will inherit the earth.
------Matthew 5:3-10
Thomas Merton from his book Passion for Peace wrote:
"Despair is NOT permitted to the meek, the humble, theafflicted, the ones famished for justice, themerciful, the clean of heart, and the peacemakers. All the beatitudes "hope against hope", bear everything, believe everything, hope for everything,endure everything (1 Cor. 13:7). The beatitudes are simply aspects of love. They refuse to despair of the world and abandon it to a supposedly evil fate which it has brought upon itself. Instead, like ChristHimself, the Christian takes upon his own shoulders the yoke of the Saviour, meek and humble of heart. This yoke is the burden of sin, with all its confusions and all its problems. These sins,confusions and problems are our very own. We do not disown them."
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13
A blessed and fruitful 2008 to everyone.
Lina
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The twelve days of Christmas
In the liturgical year calendar - today, Dec. 28, is the 4th day of Christmas. The 1st day of Christmas starts on December 25. The Christmas season ends on January 6 (Feast of the Three Kings). A total of 12 days of joyful celebration remembering the coming of Jesus in human flesh. May I encourage you to spend a holy Christmas season this year? Let us continue to meditate on the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and let our hearts overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving for His great love and mercy to us. To begin with, may I share with you, the lyrics of a popular Christmas song which we often hear during this season? It is a fun song but there are religious symbolism in the song which will help us as we continue to think about God's love to us this holy season.
Religious symbolism of:
The Twelve Days of Christmas (The 12 Days of Christmas)
1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree!
A blessed Christmas season to one and all!
Lina
Religious symbolism of:
The Twelve Days of Christmas (The 12 Days of Christmas)
1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree!
A blessed Christmas season to one and all!
Lina
Friday, November 16, 2007
Advent - A season of waiting and hope
Advent: A time of waiting.....waiting....for the coming of the SON, Immanuel, God with us.
God's gift to us. Let us prepare our hearts for His coming. Let us think of how we can wait with joyful expectation and adoration to God's precious gift to us.
" O Emmanuel O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O Wisdom O Come, Thou Wisdom from on high, And order all things mightily To us the path of knowledge show And teach us in her ways to go.
O Lord and Ruler O Come, O Come, Thou Lord of might: Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height In Ancient times did give the law In cloud, and majesty, and awe.
O Root of Jesse O Come, thou rod of Jesse's stem, From ev'ry foe deliver them That trust Thy mighty power to save, And give them victory o'er the grave.
O Key of David O Come, thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heav'nly home, Make safe the way that leads on high, That we no more have cause to sigh.
O Dawn of the East O Come, Thou Dayspring from on High And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadow put to flight.
O King of the Gentiles O Come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind. Bid every strife and quarrel cease And fill the world with heaven's peace. "
I wonder what it will be like this CHRISTMAS to those who have not heard about the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift to us. I am thinking of 3 Filipina missionaries who started Elpis School in Maesot, Thailand, laboring to share the goodness of God’s love and care to about 243 migrant Burmese children. These children are getting free education, free school supplies and free food! One of their projects is to open a coffee shop to help sustain their ministry and to teach the older children livelihood skills like weaving, baking, sewing and haircut training, t-shirt printing, and card making. As independent missionaries, they are fully trusting God to provide for their own needs and the needs of Burmese migrant children.
Let us remember those who are serving the poor and the underprivileged.
Posted by: Lina
God's gift to us. Let us prepare our hearts for His coming. Let us think of how we can wait with joyful expectation and adoration to God's precious gift to us.
" O Emmanuel O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O Wisdom O Come, Thou Wisdom from on high, And order all things mightily To us the path of knowledge show And teach us in her ways to go.
O Lord and Ruler O Come, O Come, Thou Lord of might: Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height In Ancient times did give the law In cloud, and majesty, and awe.
O Root of Jesse O Come, thou rod of Jesse's stem, From ev'ry foe deliver them That trust Thy mighty power to save, And give them victory o'er the grave.
O Key of David O Come, thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heav'nly home, Make safe the way that leads on high, That we no more have cause to sigh.
O Dawn of the East O Come, Thou Dayspring from on High And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadow put to flight.
O King of the Gentiles O Come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind. Bid every strife and quarrel cease And fill the world with heaven's peace. "
I wonder what it will be like this CHRISTMAS to those who have not heard about the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift to us. I am thinking of 3 Filipina missionaries who started Elpis School in Maesot, Thailand, laboring to share the goodness of God’s love and care to about 243 migrant Burmese children. These children are getting free education, free school supplies and free food! One of their projects is to open a coffee shop to help sustain their ministry and to teach the older children livelihood skills like weaving, baking, sewing and haircut training, t-shirt printing, and card making. As independent missionaries, they are fully trusting God to provide for their own needs and the needs of Burmese migrant children.
Let us remember those who are serving the poor and the underprivileged.
Posted by: Lina
Friday, November 2, 2007
Child Soldiers in Myanmar
The Myanmar junta forces children as young as ten into the army.
You might be interested to view the video in Bangkok Post where they featured Myanmar or Burma Army recruiting 10 yr. olds into the army. Click link here to seek the video:
Posted by Pappet
You might be interested to view the video in Bangkok Post where they featured Myanmar or Burma Army recruiting 10 yr. olds into the army. Click link here to seek the video:
Posted by Pappet
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Elpis Ministry in CBN News
Refugee School Offers Burmese Hope- MAE SOT, Thailand - A Christian school in Thailand is giving hope to ethnic children who have escaped violence in Myanmar.
The children had lived under a repressive regime for years. But now some young Karen refugees have the promise of a brighter future.Eighty-five percent of these children from Burma's Karen tribe attend the Elpis School in Mae Sot.
Their families fled atrocities committed against them by the Burmese military. They found a safe haven in Thailand. "
Some like Thoung Myint and Tuntun Win have endured separation from their families in exchange for an education. The boys will be safer in Thailand and will escape abduction by government soldiers. In Burma, boys as young as 10 years old are forced to join the military and serve as unpaid laborers.
"When I lived in Burma, the soldiers took our money and we had to build the roads," Tuntun Win, 14, said.
"In Burma, soldiers forced us to carry guns and plant trees. If we don't work, we must pay 5000 kyat," Thoung Myint Kyaw, 4, said. "Here, I can study and I don't need to pay much money."
In 2000, Filipino missionaries Pappet Amihan, Roselyn Sanchez and Karen teacher Heihtoo began a feeding program for 37 Burmese children. As the number of children grew, the three women decided to turn the feeding program into a formal school. But because they dealt with illegal migrants, they were ejected twice from the places where they held classes.
Their church gave them some land and they built their own school with donated materials. The teachers, parents and students provided the labor.
School co-founder and teacher Roselyn Ranchez says the school is giving the Karen children hope and a future. For most of these Burmese children, it is their first time to experience a sportsfest. But more than learning about sports, they now have dreams of their own.
Part of that dream is to be able to someday return to their homeland.
"I want to be a doctor because I want help my people," Kyaw said.
"I want to be a teacher because I want to help my people in Burma," Win said.
Co-founder Amihan said that the Lord answered her when she cried out to Him after being ejected from the school. "He gave me Jeremiah 30:15-16, 'Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears for your efforts will be rewarded, your children will go back to their own land. share about Christ to the people,'" she said.
While the Burmese military regime has worked aggressively over the years to destroy the Karen people, the dreams of these young refugees are being restored here in Thailand. In Greek, 'elpis' means hope - a fitting name for a school that is giving this gift to children who once had no future.
"We don't know for sure what will happen to Burma but we are praying that democracy will be restored and what we can do is to prepare the children for that future," Sanchez said.
*Original broadcast on October 19, 2007.
Refugee School Offers Burmese Hope
By Lucille Talusan, CWN Asia Correspondent
October 22, 2007
Click Link here:
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/252976.aspx
The children had lived under a repressive regime for years. But now some young Karen refugees have the promise of a brighter future.Eighty-five percent of these children from Burma's Karen tribe attend the Elpis School in Mae Sot.
Their families fled atrocities committed against them by the Burmese military. They found a safe haven in Thailand. "
Some like Thoung Myint and Tuntun Win have endured separation from their families in exchange for an education. The boys will be safer in Thailand and will escape abduction by government soldiers. In Burma, boys as young as 10 years old are forced to join the military and serve as unpaid laborers.
"When I lived in Burma, the soldiers took our money and we had to build the roads," Tuntun Win, 14, said.
"In Burma, soldiers forced us to carry guns and plant trees. If we don't work, we must pay 5000 kyat," Thoung Myint Kyaw, 4, said. "Here, I can study and I don't need to pay much money."
In 2000, Filipino missionaries Pappet Amihan, Roselyn Sanchez and Karen teacher Heihtoo began a feeding program for 37 Burmese children. As the number of children grew, the three women decided to turn the feeding program into a formal school. But because they dealt with illegal migrants, they were ejected twice from the places where they held classes.
Their church gave them some land and they built their own school with donated materials. The teachers, parents and students provided the labor.
School co-founder and teacher Roselyn Ranchez says the school is giving the Karen children hope and a future. For most of these Burmese children, it is their first time to experience a sportsfest. But more than learning about sports, they now have dreams of their own.
Part of that dream is to be able to someday return to their homeland.
"I want to be a doctor because I want help my people," Kyaw said.
"I want to be a teacher because I want to help my people in Burma," Win said.
Co-founder Amihan said that the Lord answered her when she cried out to Him after being ejected from the school. "He gave me Jeremiah 30:15-16, 'Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears for your efforts will be rewarded, your children will go back to their own land. share about Christ to the people,'" she said.
While the Burmese military regime has worked aggressively over the years to destroy the Karen people, the dreams of these young refugees are being restored here in Thailand. In Greek, 'elpis' means hope - a fitting name for a school that is giving this gift to children who once had no future.
"We don't know for sure what will happen to Burma but we are praying that democracy will be restored and what we can do is to prepare the children for that future," Sanchez said.
*Original broadcast on October 19, 2007.
Refugee School Offers Burmese Hope
By Lucille Talusan, CWN Asia Correspondent
October 22, 2007
Click Link here:
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/252976.aspx
Monday, October 22, 2007
Relax & Refresh
Roselyn
Dear MEANS Family
Thank you so much for giving to us the opportunity to have our Relaxation and Recreation. Roselyn and I were privileged to go to Khaolak. This is a beach near Phuket but there are not many tourists in this beach. Though we were able to stay for a day and a half only we really enjoyed our time in the beach as we miss the Philippine beaches so much. In our 7 years here in Thailand this is the first time we got to spend vacation in a beach. Yehey!!!
We stayed in the office base of Evangelism Explosion. We spent an early morning worship in the beach with the group from Evangelism Explosion. In the afternoon, Roselyn and I enjoyed the sunset swim.
Again thank you so much for your generous gift. May god return to you a thousand fold of what you've given to us.
Pappet
Posted by : Pappet
Friday, October 19, 2007
Spread the Word
Posted 10/19/2007
One of the opportunities that God has given me is to be able to share what other things I do (besides working at the university) to my bus mates on my way to work. It gives me an opportunity to tell them the ministry I am involved in.
Two of my friends, an Indian girl and a Colombian girl have already heard about Elpis ministry in Maesot, Thailand. Of course, I tell them about the 3 Filipinas who have started the school and their desire to serve God in that part of the world as a volunteer (VFG- Volunteer for God). For them to be able to really get a good grasp of what it means to work there, I had to give a background of the current situation in Burma, how far Maesot is from Myawaddy in Burma, and to tell them that they are teaching migrant Burmese children.
I just hope that they would be able to see what God is doing in that part of the world. I am also challenged to share to them about my faith in Jesus Christ. I hope that through my sharing many will be encouraged to help.
Posted by: Lina
One of the opportunities that God has given me is to be able to share what other things I do (besides working at the university) to my bus mates on my way to work. It gives me an opportunity to tell them the ministry I am involved in.
Two of my friends, an Indian girl and a Colombian girl have already heard about Elpis ministry in Maesot, Thailand. Of course, I tell them about the 3 Filipinas who have started the school and their desire to serve God in that part of the world as a volunteer (VFG- Volunteer for God). For them to be able to really get a good grasp of what it means to work there, I had to give a background of the current situation in Burma, how far Maesot is from Myawaddy in Burma, and to tell them that they are teaching migrant Burmese children.
I just hope that they would be able to see what God is doing in that part of the world. I am also challenged to share to them about my faith in Jesus Christ. I hope that through my sharing many will be encouraged to help.
Posted by: Lina
Short Termers
Short Termers who have served Elpis Ministry, we need your comments:
Lina and I are thinking of going for a short term mission trip next year; maybe bring some volunteers with us.
We have some questions that would help us in planning. Here are our questions:
- What are short term projects (5 days) available in Elpis Ministry?
- What did other short term groups like you do during your stay ?
- Did this impact or add value to Elpis' ministry?
- What are your recommendations for 5 days stay? 10 days?
- What are the housing accommodations?
- What is the best time to go there?
Posted by: Carmena
Elpis Teachers' Conference
10/19/2007
Roselyn and I came back from Hatyai and Khaolak last Sunday night. Monday was spent preparing for our teachers retreat cum fun day. Tuesday and Wednesday. We went to Wattana Village Resort just here in Maesot. ( After all the teachers cannot really go that far as they don't have any ID. ha ha ha) The Elpis teachers brought their families so their children were able to have fun. The resort has a pool. For all teachers except for one, it is their first time to swim in the pool. Can you believe that? The retreat brought the teachers closer to each other as well.
What turned out to be a day to spend in Hatyai stretched to 3 days. The city government required us to revise our biodata and have the translators certify it. Today I heard that the mayor is suppose to sign our papers so that it can be forwarded to the governor's office. I pray that the governor will give us his recommendation.
Posted by :Pappet
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Burma in the News
Burma is very much in the news these days with the military crackdown on those who demonstrated against the present Burmese repressive government which included hundreds of Buddhist monks shouting for freedom and reform on the streets of Yangoon (formerly Rangoon) the capital city of Burma. Many have lost their lives as the repressive junta responded to the demonstrations.
What do Burma, the Burmese and Elpis school have in common? For those who are not aware of it, MEANS has been supporting the ministry of 3 Filipino women on the Thai - Burma border in Maesot, Thailand. The women have started a school among the children of Burmese immigrants - most of them illegal - who came to Mae Sot for freedom and for a living. The children, mostly belonging to the Paw Karen tribe, are very much in need of the basic needs in life: shelter, food, clothing and education.
Posted by: Lina
Friday, October 5, 2007
Sports Fest
Sports Fest and Prayer Request
Pappet wrote: "Our sports fest start this week. It is a welcome relief after the gruelling mid-term exams last week. We separated the kinder from grades 1-6. It was really very funny during the banana eating contest for the Kinder 1 children. We blindfolded the contestants in pair (a boy and a girl). One is to feed the banana and the other is to eat the banana. One girl in a pair instead of giving the banana to her boy partner ate it herself. Everybody was just holding their middle laughing. There were more laughters from the group especially when the other pairs had already finished the game and the girl was still eating the banana slowly while her pair was waiting all the time. That was yesterday.
Today we had a cheering contest. We let them do it themselves. The children can be creative. We also had football and marathon.
May I request prayers for our visa? We are suppose to renew it this December. The Foundation who sponsored us is required to submit a lot of papers. This is because of the new Thai immigration law. Please pray that the foundation will be given a one year (renewable yearly) visa instead of the 3 months renewable that they are giving for non immigrants. Then, we don't have to cross the border to renew our visa every time.
Pappet wrote: "Our sports fest start this week. It is a welcome relief after the gruelling mid-term exams last week. We separated the kinder from grades 1-6. It was really very funny during the banana eating contest for the Kinder 1 children. We blindfolded the contestants in pair (a boy and a girl). One is to feed the banana and the other is to eat the banana. One girl in a pair instead of giving the banana to her boy partner ate it herself. Everybody was just holding their middle laughing. There were more laughters from the group especially when the other pairs had already finished the game and the girl was still eating the banana slowly while her pair was waiting all the time. That was yesterday.
Today we had a cheering contest. We let them do it themselves. The children can be creative. We also had football and marathon.
May I request prayers for our visa? We are suppose to renew it this December. The Foundation who sponsored us is required to submit a lot of papers. This is because of the new Thai immigration law. Please pray that the foundation will be given a one year (renewable yearly) visa instead of the 3 months renewable that they are giving for non immigrants. Then, we don't have to cross the border to renew our visa every time.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Government schools in South Thailand
A Visit to Government schools in South Thailand
Here is an update from Pappet.
"I was blessed to join a study tour team for three (3) days to some Thai government schools in the south of Thailand. The study tour was sponsored by the gov't so that migrant school teachers and personnels will be able to see and know what the gov't is doing with the migrant children from Burma and Cambodia. This is the first time that the Thai Ministry of Education has done this. I learned a lot about how they assimilated Burmese and migrant children into their school. The difference however is that their schools are Thai government schools. Elpis School is not a Thai government school. It is purely a school for migrant children ( meaning children that do not have Thai citizenship and are only here in Thailand because their parents are either refugees or factory workers). However I think many of their ideas in assimilating migrants into the school are good."
"I was blessed to join a study tour team for three (3) days to some Thai government schools in the south of Thailand. The study tour was sponsored by the gov't so that migrant school teachers and personnels will be able to see and know what the gov't is doing with the migrant children from Burma and Cambodia. This is the first time that the Thai Ministry of Education has done this. I learned a lot about how they assimilated Burmese and migrant children into their school. The difference however is that their schools are Thai government schools. Elpis School is not a Thai government school. It is purely a school for migrant children ( meaning children that do not have Thai citizenship and are only here in Thailand because their parents are either refugees or factory workers). However I think many of their ideas in assimilating migrants into the school are good."
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Maesot: Thailand's "Little Burma"
Who would have ever thought that three (3) Filipinas would answer God's call to go to Maesot, Thailand. I never heard of this place until recently when our partner in HIS1040 mentioned that he was going to visit 3 brave Filipinas in Maesot. To satisfy my curiosity, I went to search for the name in google and I found some entries about the place.
Maesot is located on the Western border of Thailand located just about 3.1 miles from Myanmar (Burma). It is a busy border town with dozens of ethnic groups living in the area. On any day one can easily run into 4 or 5 different exotic hats and faces. The Karen, Hmong, Yao, Lahu, Buddhist and Muslim Burmese all live together in this frontier town speaking different languages, wearing different cloths, eating different foods, and dancing different dances. It is usually called "Little Burma" because the Burmese population is the majority group more than the Thai population. Burmese script is written all over on every store shop front and most of the men walk around town wearing longyis (sarongs). There are traditional Burmese tea shops on every street corner.
The nearest Burmese town to Maesot is Myawaddy. Foreigners can only cross the border to enter Myanmar for day trips. There are 3 refugee camps around Maesot. Many Burmese, especially the Paw Karen people, have crossed the border to flee the rule of a very repressive military Junta which does little to improve the rights and living conditions of the povery stricken people. Special target of the Burmese military are the Chin and Kachin minorities who are heavily Christian. They are severely persecuted by Myanmar's repressive, pro-Buddhist military regime.
A group of Chin and Kachin activists met with U.S. officials in Washington in February 2007. Their reports included the rape of Chin and Kachin Christians, forced shutdown of churches, and the taking of children from their Christian parents, placing them in Buddhist monasteries to become novice monks under the false pretense of ensuring a good education. Also, government soldiers are driving thousands of minority Christians from their villages. Those hiding from their own government are called Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Chuck Colson has referred to Burma's military government as "one of the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world."
The battle against the Burmese Christians and other minorities which has been going on for the past 5 decades, particularly those from the rebel groups have caused the border town of Maesot to overflow with Burmese refugees.
Maesot is God's opportunity for Roselyn, Pappet, and Joy. This is the place where they can share the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to Burmese migrant workers - mostly Buddhists - who cross the border, often times illegally, to find work and opportunity in Maesot. It will be a great challenge to demonstrate the love of Christ to Myanmar's poorest of the poor.
Maesot is located on the Western border of Thailand located just about 3.1 miles from Myanmar (Burma). It is a busy border town with dozens of ethnic groups living in the area. On any day one can easily run into 4 or 5 different exotic hats and faces. The Karen, Hmong, Yao, Lahu, Buddhist and Muslim Burmese all live together in this frontier town speaking different languages, wearing different cloths, eating different foods, and dancing different dances. It is usually called "Little Burma" because the Burmese population is the majority group more than the Thai population. Burmese script is written all over on every store shop front and most of the men walk around town wearing longyis (sarongs). There are traditional Burmese tea shops on every street corner.
The nearest Burmese town to Maesot is Myawaddy. Foreigners can only cross the border to enter Myanmar for day trips. There are 3 refugee camps around Maesot. Many Burmese, especially the Paw Karen people, have crossed the border to flee the rule of a very repressive military Junta which does little to improve the rights and living conditions of the povery stricken people. Special target of the Burmese military are the Chin and Kachin minorities who are heavily Christian. They are severely persecuted by Myanmar's repressive, pro-Buddhist military regime.
A group of Chin and Kachin activists met with U.S. officials in Washington in February 2007. Their reports included the rape of Chin and Kachin Christians, forced shutdown of churches, and the taking of children from their Christian parents, placing them in Buddhist monasteries to become novice monks under the false pretense of ensuring a good education. Also, government soldiers are driving thousands of minority Christians from their villages. Those hiding from their own government are called Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Chuck Colson has referred to Burma's military government as "one of the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world."
The battle against the Burmese Christians and other minorities which has been going on for the past 5 decades, particularly those from the rebel groups have caused the border town of Maesot to overflow with Burmese refugees.
Maesot is God's opportunity for Roselyn, Pappet, and Joy. This is the place where they can share the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to Burmese migrant workers - mostly Buddhists - who cross the border, often times illegally, to find work and opportunity in Maesot. It will be a great challenge to demonstrate the love of Christ to Myanmar's poorest of the poor.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Will Go Where you want me to
What do Roselyn Sanchez, Maria Nelma Amihan, and Joy Gahaton have in common? Three things: all came from West Visayas, Philippines; all are single Filipinas; and all were called by God at different times and different ways to work in building His Kingdom in Maesot, Thailand. Yes, God who is not a respecter of persons have called many single Filipinos to get out of their comfort zones and go to places not commonly known to many missionaries to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.Roselyn, Pappet, and Joy are serving the children of Burmese migrant workers in a little known place in Thailand called Maesot. Not even my Thai friend who rides each morning with me on the Milwaukee West line train on my way to Chicago knows about Maesot. But it is in Maesot that Elpis School was founded in 2002.
To be able to know more about Elpis School, I wrote Pappet (Maria Nelma) to inquire:
1) Is Elpis a private or a public school?
Elpis is a migrant school. Since the students are children of Burmese or Karen factory workers which have a work permit or illegal migrants it is not registerd as a school by the Thai government although we work closely with the Ministry of Education. It is neither a government school mostly you can say that it is a privately put up Migrant school to answer the need for education of the Migrant children roaming Maesot. Most of the support of the school come from support of personal friends. Some are from foundations. It is run by two Filipinas,Roselyn and Maria Nelma Amihan (Pappet), under the banner of Foursquare Church of Maesot under Pastor Sompol John Srivichai. Together with Pastor John, Pappet, Roselyn and Heithoo ( the Head Teacher) Elpis was formally opened as a school in June 2003. It started as a feeding progarm for migrant children in June 2002.
2) How many teachers are there? Filipinos and locals?
Three (3) Filipina Missionaries, Maria Nelma S. Amihan, Roselyn Sanchez and Joy Gahaton
and nine (9) local teachers.
3) Who are your students?
The majority of the students are ethnic Paw Karen. 10%, the remaining Burmese and Mhong and Shan.
4) What grade are you teaching? Do you teach inThai? English? Is there a translator?
I teach Grades 2-4, sometimes Kindergaten 1
Roselyn teaches Grades 4-6
Joy teaches Grades Kinder 2 to Grade 2
We only teach English subjects.
The medium of instruction in the school is Burmese.
Subjects range from Math,Science, History, Geography, Karen, Burmese, Thai, English, values, religion and P.E.
5) Do the students pay? What are the grades in the school?
Since the students are the poorest of the poor, everything in the school is free. From notebook to ball pens, books, school materials, bags, and everyday lunch, etc...
6) How many are enroled in the school at present?
By the grace of God, we now have 243 registered students in Elpis School . Have 7 paid teachers, 2 cooks and 1 school bus driver. Our expenses have almost doubled but with the amazing provision of the Lord. Our school expenses from June 2007 to August 2007 is more than 263,000 Baht! That's US $7,970. With God's amazing provision!!! Oh, the fullness of HIS grace.
After 6 years we were able to buy wooden school tables for Grades 2-6. It really helps them to concentrate well in class. Still because of God's grace.
Arts classes are improving and we also teach tambourine dancing that could be use during ministry outreaches, presentations and Praise and Worship. Still another another God's grace!
6) What do you want the MEANS family to pray for you?
"Please pray for more annointing, good health and physical strength. It is really my desire to be like David. A woman after God's own heart. To be more in love with HIM. To have more time to spend with HIM. To receive fresh revelation everyday. To be more discerning. And of course more wisdom to handle everyday work. I cannot say that I am something special because I'm a missionary. In fact it's in the mission field that I realize how weak I am. How imperfect & impatient. My weaknesses are magnified yet I can truly say with Paul that HIS strength is made perfect in my weakness."
Pappet wrote recently and gave an update on the project that MEANS has helped in funding:
As you have given, Elpis School together with the Pastor's wife Sara and the the Home of Hope Orphanage have opened a small Bakery/coffee shop in Maesot to as a livelihood project the proceeds of which will go to Elpis School and the orphanage. God's grace!
We've now expanded our livelihood training to weaving, baking, sewing and haircut training, T-shirt printing and accessory making. Another of God's grace.
ministry outreaches, presentations and Praise and Worship. Still another another God's grace!
Kid's Quest. We have been doing children evangelism using performing Arts in Hua Fai Prathom School . We are now on the fourth episode. We have to do 2 more to complete the whole discipleship program. I have been playing the female clown Gigi.
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