Noom identifies Thailand and Canada on his picture of the world. Through his English camp teacher Charlene Redekop, Noom learned about God's love for all of creation.
Bethany Keener
Wednesday, November 16, 2005

BORABUR, Thailand (Mennonite Mission Network/Mennonite Church Canada Witness) — When 12-year-old Tum first came to English camp, he was what Rad Houmphan calls “a very naughty boy.” He disobeyed his teachers and didn't want to pay attention.

All the children who come to the annual English camp are invited to attend Living Water Church in Borabur. Tum was one who accepted the invitation. As he learned more about Jesus, his attitude began to change. He became obedient and listened well during the hour-long English lessons held before Sunday school. He showed genuine care for others and had a knack for knowing how to make them laugh. At his invitation, others also began to attend church.

First Christian funeral an opportunity to share Jesus

Traditional Thai funerals last several days and involve ceremonies by Buddhist monks. At night friends come to support the family, but much gambling and excessive drinking also takes place.

Living Water Church member Tia's funeral was different. Pat and Rad Houmphan held a Christian funeral for her, the first they have been invited to perform. 

Songs, Scripture and prayer brought comfort to the family. One evening the Jesus film was shown to an audience of more than 140 to communicate the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

“Tia’s hope was that someone else in her family would come to know Jesus,” said Monica Epp. Epp and four others of Bethel Mennonite Church, Langley, British Colombia, were assisting with English camp during the time of the funeral and visited the family to show their support.

“It’s a blessing and honor to have foreigners come to your home,” Pat Houmphan said. Two family members have begun attending church since the funeral.

Each fall, mission workers Pat and Rad Houmphan give children like Tum an opportunity to learn about Jesus while improving their English-language skills through English camp.

This October, more than 210 children attended English camp in Ban Bo Yai, Borabur and Ban Daeng. Monica Epp, Jessica Horst, Charlene Redekop and Annette Wiebe of Bethel Mennonite Church, Langley, British Columbia, joined the Houmphans and a Thai national team from Living Water Church. The Canadians taught English using the creation story as a theme. The team led dramas and singing in Thai and helped translate.

“Working alongside the national team was an incredible experience,” Redekop said. “We became one big team with the common purpose of sharing Jesus with Isaan children.”

Epp and Redekop, who both taught at the camp three years ago, noticed the group of Christians working alongside the Houmphans has grown spiritually in recent years.

“The church in Borabur has been blessed with a team of committed and enthusiastic national leaders,” Redekop said. Two young adult women who assisted Redekop as translators in the past have since attended Bible college. Now Oratai and Ban Hon use their gifts in music, teaching and leadership for the church. Epp said the hope and purpose the new Christians have found in the knowledge of God’s love is quite different from the rest of Buddhist society.

But Pat Houmphan said many Christians continue to feel pressure from family and society to conform to traditional Buddhist practices and beliefs. Having foreign visitors is a great encouragement.

“The Thai church knows they aren’t alone, but have many brothers and sisters around the world that love, support and walk side-by-side with them,” he said.

Many children have never heard of Jesus before coming to English camp. Redekop developed a close relationship with one of her students, Noom. He arrived for class early each day and was eager to help her set up the classroom. After the week of lessons were over, he came to church for the first time. With friends and siblings in tow, he attended Sunday school, worship and a fellowship meal.

“We don’t always see the fruit of what we have done,” Redekop said. “That made the whole trip worthwhile.”

Horst said she hoped the children she taught would make connections with local believers who could maintain contact after the group left. “They’re at an age where relationships are a crucial part of their lives … and influence the type of person they will develop into,” she said.
 
In the past, the national team has continued building relationships long after the work team has returned home. While some adolescents hesitate to receive Jesus, others, like Tum, accept him into their lives. Rad Houmphan hopes that one day Tum and several other teenagers who have been regulars at church will choose to be baptized.

English camp and church involvement of new youngsters would not happen without the help of an international team, the Houmphans said. The encouragement, material resources and English-language skills they bring are invaluable. While the work is left in the competent hands of Thai believers throughout the following year, the two groups remain connected by prayer and a common desire to see the good news of Jesus shared with all people.

 

 

 Related articles

 

 

Teachers become students in IndiaTheological Educationhttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/5001/Teachers-become-students-in-IndiaTeachers become students in IndiaGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476Kolkata
Rethinking "Thanksgiving"Thanksgiving Dayhttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/5009/Rethinking-ThanksgivingRethinking "Thanksgiving"GP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476
Mennonites in Ecuador reach out as their country strugglesPeacebuildinghttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/5000/Mennonites-in-Ecuador-reach-outMennonites in Ecuador reach out as their country strugglesGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476
Couple experiences shalom and community across the United StatesSOOPVideohttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4928/Couple-experiences-shalom-and-communityCouple experiences shalom and community across the United StatesGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476
Mission worker shared faith through Anabaptist scholarshipObituaryhttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4997/Mission-worker-shared-faith-through-Anabaptist-scholarshipMission worker shared faith through Anabaptist scholarshipGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476
Mission worker remembered for a ministry of presence in India and the United StatesObituaryhttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4996/Mission-worker-remembered-for-a-ministry-of-presence-in-India-and-the-United-StatesMission worker remembered for a ministry of presence in India and the United StatesGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476
An adoptee who invites othersLeadershiphttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4993/An-adoptee-who-invites-othersAn adoptee who invites othersGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476
Markers commemorate Bodéwadmi-Myaamia Trail in northern IndianaBodéwadmi-Myaamia Trailhttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4992/Markers-commemorate-Bodéwadmi-Myaamia-Trail-in-northern-IndianaMarkers commemorate Bodéwadmi-Myaamia Trail in northern IndianaGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476Elkhart, Indiana
Ramers serve in the big city and the wildernessSOOPhttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4991/Ramers-serve-in-the-big-city-and-the-wildernessRamers serve in the big city and the wildernessGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476Montreal, Québec
Harmony: A compendium of peace storiesInternational Day of Peacehttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4985/HarmonyHarmony: A compendium of peace storiesGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476
First memorial signage of Bodewadmi Myaamia Trail to be installed September 29Press releasehttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4979/First-memorial-signage-of-Bodewadmi-Myaamia-Trail-to-be-installedFirst memorial signage of Bodewadmi Myaamia Trail to be installed September 29GP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476Indiana
Service Adventure units welcome new participantsService Adventurehttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4974/Service-Adventure-units-welcome-new-participantsService Adventure units welcome new participantsGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476
Apache Stronghold continues prayerful struggle to protect sacred placesPeace and justicehttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4973/Apache-Stronghold-continues-prayerful-struggleApache Stronghold continues prayerful struggle to protect sacred placesGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476Arizona
Greening the faith: students plant avocado trees in GuatemalaStewardshiphttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4962/Greening-the-faithGreening the faith: students plant avocado trees in GuatemalaGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476Chamelco, Alta Verapaz
Celebration of life in community carries on Service Adventure lifestyleCycles of Lifehttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4961/Celebration-of-life-in-community-carries-on-Service-Adventure-lifestyleCelebration of life in community carries on Service Adventure lifestyleGP0|#52c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1;L0|#052c46992-a072-4af3-b006-834f7e8b9cb1|News;GTSet|#544fcc8d-5de2-49c8-9d51-afee09323476

 

 

 Related

 

 

Teachers become students in Indiahttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/5001/Teachers-become-students-in-IndiaTeachers become students in India
Rethinking "Thanksgiving"https://www.mennonitemission.net/news/5009/Rethinking-ThanksgivingRethinking "Thanksgiving"
Mennonites in Ecuador reach out as their country struggleshttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/5000/Mennonites-in-Ecuador-reach-outMennonites in Ecuador reach out as their country struggles
Couple experiences shalom and community across the United Stateshttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4928/Couple-experiences-shalom-and-communityCouple experiences shalom and community across the United States
Mission worker shared faith through Anabaptist scholarshiphttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4997/Mission-worker-shared-faith-through-Anabaptist-scholarshipMission worker shared faith through Anabaptist scholarship
Mission worker remembered for a ministry of presence in India and the United Stateshttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/4996/Mission-worker-remembered-for-a-ministry-of-presence-in-India-and-the-United-StatesMission worker remembered for a ministry of presence in India and the United States



 

 

“Action expresses priorities.”https://www.mennonitemission.net/beyond/5013/Action-expresses-priorities“Action expresses priorities.”Called to peacemaking
Take your career for a test-drive with MVS!https://www.mennonitemission.net/video/4982/Take-your-career-for-a-test-drive-with-MVSTake your career for a test-drive with MVS!MVS Minute
Teachers become students in Indiahttps://www.mennonitemission.net/news/5001/Teachers-become-students-in-IndiaTeachers become students in IndiaTheological Education
A Congolese pastor overcomes fear of preaching in remote communitieshttps://www.mennonitemission.net/blog/5012/A-Congolese-pastor-overcomes-fear-of-preaching-in-remote-communitiesA Congolese pastor overcomes fear of preaching in remote communitiesGod's grace
Rethinking "Thanksgiving"https://www.mennonitemission.net/news/5009/Rethinking-ThanksgivingRethinking "Thanksgiving"Thanksgiving Day
Your support makes service opportunities happen!https://www.mennonitemission.net/video/5010/Your-support-makes-service-opportunities-happenYour support makes service opportunities happen!WATCH