Update from Samuel Thang

Recent Events

Activities

You might have already heard news of the ongoing conflicts inside our country, everything seems very different here compared with 3 years ago, the roads are so empty after dark even where we live, and we worry when the soldiers knock on the door. 

Yet, we thank God that we are safe and continue serving our Lord in any possible ways we can. We have had some bad events in our lives; I was very sick with the delta virus of Covid, we lost a lot of money from our chicken project as the Covid total lockdown started the week our chickens were ready to sell, our little church was taken by soldiers over 6 months ago but thank God we have got it back now and are able to worship each Sunday again. We have also had soldiers come at night several times and check every corner of our home with the children.

Programmes

We still have children at the Peace Home but have had to close the transition house in Yangon.

At this stage the micro-loan programme (MYA05) is on hold until such time as I consider it safe to begin building it again. 

Christian Community Centre

In the last two years over 50 families from Rakhine and Chin states relocated as Internal Displaced People near the small farm we own. I saw that they are in extreme need of someone's help as they left all their property and housing and relocated in a new place where everything is different from their former villages. I found out that a Catholic sister allowed them to stay at their property and they just depend on donations from time to time. They have no jobs or skills as they were just farmers in the hill, and their kids do not go to school.

So, we decided to start a Christian centre where those IDP community people can come and learn something for their future. We started building a Christian centre on our two-acre property beside the IDPs camp. We helped build some bamboo houses although ten to 15 families still need the bamboo shelters which cost US$250 for one family. We started garden projects and helped them with seeds and tools, allowing them to garden on our property. It looks good but we have a lack of water, particularly as the weather is starting to dry out now. I think we need to dig a proper well, say a 350-400 feet tube well with a small water tower. I also want to build pig sties for 30 pigs where they can grow them from their kitchen leftovers.

We have started an informal primary school for the children where they can learn how to read and write. There are currently 114 kids at the school, mostly refugee kids, whom we also feed lunch to.

The heart of all our projects will be telling the gospel of Jesus so they get salvation both from physical and spiritual darkness.

Ideas for the Future

1) A well and water tank at the Christian Centre for watering the gardens and for families to use. US$4,000. This is the most urgent need. Plans are for a 350-400' well, a 16sqft tank on a frame and water pump/s.

Many people have been sick with fevers, and we would also like to add a water filter to the system too - US$1,500. 

We are also keen to find a Christian doctor who can come a few days a week.

3) To purchase three acres of land that they can use for food/vegetable production for the IDP community. One acre of land in the area of the Christian Centre costs around US$15,000. We have already started vegetable gardens but the land available is limited.

4) Build pig sties for 30 pigs  

5) To do some vocational training with these people in the future as well, as most have been farmers of some description back in the villages they came from. Most do not intend to return to their villages but want to make a new life where they are now.

6) At some stage I would hope that the micro-loan programme could be restarted with the intention of helping these people to start their own small businesses as well. This will likely be a little further down the track once the living basics are sorted out and could go well alongside the vocational training.  

So, life is quite joyful but busy as we try to do our best for many people who need us and to point them to our Savior. 

Regards,
Samuel

BHW Partnership Facilitator Comments

In the first instance, BHW is going to focus on assisting with the well/water tank and the housing issue however will continue to communicate with Samuel regarding the pig project, the vocational training, and restarting the micro-loan programme.