Thailand Mission and Cultural Trip 2013 - Journal 15

Today my blog is an invitation to assist us in bringing the disabled farmer into the 19^th century! Yes, the 19^th! We are going out by faith and some seed money and getting them electricity. We have been talking about this a couple of years and hoping that it could be possible to run some lines the long distance to their home. We have finally decided that the better way to go is to purchase and install solar panels. We have identified the ones that will work for them. The cost is $700.00 (US) without installation costs. And it would be wonderful to at least be able to purchase some basic things like a simple refrigerator, etc. I’ve given the Purchasing office here at the University the go ahead to buy the units, and already I have donations coming in from the team members.

If you would like to be a part of the project, please make a tax-deductible check out to Walla Walla University, and in the memo line just put Thailand Mission. Mail it to the Student Missions Office (204 S. College Ave, College Place, WA 99324). You can also donate online at https://www.wallawalla.edu/epayment/index.php/payment/donation/. In the Student Solicitor box, kindly type “Thailand Mission.”

For those not aware of Uncle Prasarn’s situation, let me mention that about 17 years ago, in his old

We built a ramp so he could get down to the shed

life, he was drunk and had an accident with a train and lost his lower limbs and other internal injuries. He has been bed-ridden and his wife runs the farm alone. Students and faculty at Mission College adopted them and assist in many ways. When we started this particular project 5 years ago the Mission College folks had just replaced the shack they were living in with a permanent structure. This year the students at AIU raised funds to give him his first new wheel chair. Every Sabbath afternoon they go and have worship with him because it is too painful to sit long in church. Last year we tore down the rotting out-door shed where he spend most of the day, and replaced it with a good shed, using lumber from trees on his property. Some of you might remember that we built a road for them two years ago when the way to the back farm was flooded and no vehicles could traverse the mud and water. We continue to work hard in the sun and humid temperature with Aunt Nang to get the vegetable and fruits to produce well in order to bring in better prices. If you have been following these blogs, you might remember that I said earlier that because of our good work last year, they got good sales for the corn and was able to pay off most of their debts.

We take seriously Jesus’ statement that “inasmuch as you have done it unto the least, you have done it unto me.” We are involved in projects that reach large numbers in teaching English and the Community nursing. But Jesus also cared for the individual in need. Uncle Prasarn (a Christian) and Aunt Nang (a Buddhist) are among the individuals in need. It brings us joy to be like Jesus to them. If the Spirit impresses you to give, there will be joy in heaven and on earth.

Prasarn and Nang with 2012 WWU Team