thailand...

In this entry I want to take you through a photo diary and tell you some stories.

In my next blog, I will elaborate on a specific issue that have caught my attention... it's one of those.. that many people (if you're anything like me) have no idea even exists.

So please stayed tuned. 

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Remains of a house in Ban Nam Khem

Well, I can honestly say that while in Thailand, I was planning on hearing stories relating to human trafficking and the tsunami. And yes, it is true.. I have. Honestly, tears are coming to my eyes even as I write this. This world is hurting. 

Right now however I want to focus in on a little village called Ban Nam Khem and share with you the stories of those who were directly effected by the 2004 tsunami.

The beginnings of Calvary Chapel in Ban Nam Khem

James.

James, a young man from California, was already in Thailand when the tsunami hit. He wanted to help, and in the midst of the devastation he and a friend came upon a little village north of Phuket called Ban Nam Khem. They arrived to find that Ban Nam Khem had been DESTROYED by the tsunami, taking the lives of many, and leaving only a handful of homes behind. 

At the relief camp, James pulled out his guitar and began playing worship songs... and as he did over 100 little children began to gather. Later, when government officials arrived, they had no idea what to do with the children that had been displaced. In order to keep them from perpetrators and from being kidnapped for trafficking purposes, they put James in charge. 

 

Well, not long after.. the kids began to run throughout the camp singing Jesus songs. Being primarily Buddhist, the elders weren't very happy about this; but they liked James. They wound up having him move his tent outside of the camp and told him he could do whatever he wanted with the children there. And this is how the first church formed in the area which  is now known as Calvary Chapel Ban Nam Khem.

James devoted his life to these people. Literally. This past November, at the age of 32, James died of Malaria.. leaving his Thai wife Bua and 4 month old son Daniel behind...

James also left behind a legacy both here in Thailand and in God's kingdom. His story has greatly effected my life.. and so many others. 
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 Years after the tsunami, here are some kids playing outside of the Calvary Chapel in Ban Nam Khem.

 See this blue boat sitting in the background??

 Check out the next pic.

The blue line is the boats route

Originally this blue boat was out at sea. During the tsunami.. the boat was taken 1 km and ran into the house next door to the church. When the wave struck, many were running for their lives.. or trying to hold onto whatever they could. One man was holding onto his son with one arm, and with his other arm was able to hold onto the boat; it kept then a float and saved their lives. The locals now call the boat The Blue Angel. This story resembles the story of so many others. My friend Oon climbed up the mango tree in her back yard.. and was fine. Others however... many others... could not hold on long enough.. or didn't have anything to hold onto... and drown.

 Jip jammin' on the baby guitar

Meet Jip. 

Jip is a precious young girl  that I really grew fond of. She is quiet, yet so much fun. After the tsunami, Jip was living with here relatives that were struggling to support her. She ended up living with Pastor Pichchai, the Thai pastor at Calvary Chapel, and his family. It's hard to say whether Jip's parents died in the tsunami or not (some say yes, and some say no). Nevertheless, despite all she's been through, Jip still breaks out into a smile every once in a while.. and precious laughter. She loves playing the guitar and singing, "Every move I make". What a treasure. Please be praying for her.

  

Grandma Joann, Poy's mom, me, Poy, Grandpa Joe

Meet Poy.
During the tsunami.. her family lost their home, their business, and the lives of their loved ones. Despite all of this, both her and her mother (second from the left) would say that the tsunami... as hard as it was... left them with Jesus... and He has changed their lives. Even with the reality of  hardship.. life could not be better!
Poy is currently undergoing treatment for her kidneys, which God has provided all of the funding for. Her sister recently just recovered from cancer, and now they are praying for her father who is also ill, and doesn't know Jesus. 
                                                                                                                                                                                Please keep them in your prayers.