Mae Tao Clinic

Mae Tao is a free Burmese clinic on the border of Thailand and Burma. Because of the high cost of health care, many people cross the border to receive health care at the clinic. The clinic, with limited medical equipment has such an impact on the lives of these people.

Many, many babies are delivered at the clinic. Hundreds have had eye surgery. And, they provide (actually make) prosthetics for many of those who have lost limbs from land mines.

I took a tour of the clinic not long after I arrived in Thailand, and my heart immediately broke for the people, especially the many children who were being treated at the clinic.

The physical problems of these children are tragic enough, but the emotional brokenness and hopelessness is even more heartbreaking. Some of these children have lost their families and, because of ongoing medical treatments, end up living at the clinic for up to a couple of years.

From that first time I was at the clinic, I knew I wanted to work in some way to bring a little joy, as well as the hope found only in Jesus, to these precious children. But, having no medical experience, I wasn't sure how I could even help, let alone have an impact on the lives of these kids.

However, while we were touring the clinic, we visited the "Child Recreation Center" which is a building at the clinic designated as an "escape" for the children. A place where they can play and just be kids. As we walked in, I saw tons of arts and crafts hanging from the ceiling and children running around and playing. I begin right then to think about what I could do to help in that area, but my time was already so packed with commitments, I had no choice but to wait for God to make a way - and, of course, He did! 

Can I just say how happy I am the God I serve sees the desires of my heart and in his perfect timing allows those desires and dreams to become reality?

For the last 10 weeks or so, I have been going to the clinic every Thursday to do arts and crafts, and to play games with the children. It has been a little difficult for me, because the children only speak Burmese, and there is very seldom anyone who can translate for me. Still, it has been a wonderful experience, because even though we can't share with words, there are still so much to be conveyed just by showing these children the love of God!

Last week, when I visited the clinic, there was someone there who was able to translate for me. I started asking questions about a girl at the clinic who I had never before seen. After asking many questions about her, I found out she was all alone at the clinic. Her parents were dead and she was left (abandoned) at the clinic by her grandmother. She is receiving treatment for injuries which were a result of her being a victim of sex trafficking in her village.

I spent the last week getting to know her, and spending as much time with her as I could. She is 11 years old, and the sweetest young lady I have ever met! Boy, does she have a big personality! I am doing everything I can, with the help of my contacts here, to make sure she is placed in one of the loving Christian children's homes in this area when she is finally able to leave the clinic. My hope, of course, is she is able to come to our facility, but there are a couple of other homes which would also be great for her!

In being around the clinic so much over the last week or so, I have been able to get to know the staff on a much more personal level, and I have a much better understanding of all the things which the clinic does.

I have also met two other children who were left (abandoned) at the clinic and are in the process of being placed in a children's home.

One little boy was paralyzed when we (the directors of our children's home and me) first met him, only able to walk when all of his weight was supported by an adult. However, when I saw him a couple of days ago, he ran up to me all by himself - healed!

There was also a new baby just over a year old, who only weighs 11 pounds, because he has been so neglected and malnourished. He is such a happy little baby, and I can't wait to watch him grow. These children are being processed, and their destination after they are well enough to leave the clinic is not yet decided, but I know that God has specific plans for each of them and He has every step of their lives planned. As I get to know these children, I am learning so much more about trusting God and trusting His plan for these children, even when I think I know what would be best for them. I have to remember God sees the whole picture, while I can only glimpse the little piece of the picture I see in the moment.

Please pray God will place these three children in exactly the place they need to be to grow and flourish - especially in their knowledge of Jesus, and that they would discover the hope, peace, joy and love which come only from knowing Him!

(UPDATE - since writing this, it looks like the 11 year old girl will be going to another Christian children's home in this area, but it is a great place and one with which we work closely. But, the two boys may still be placed with us!)

This Monday, I will start a Bible study at the clinic! I will be allowed to share a Bible story with the children through coloring sheets they will do, and I will be able to teach them songs about Jesus. I am so excited I am being allowed to teach this children openly about Jesus, because it is He who holds the key to the hope and joy these children so desperately need.

 

Of course, without YOUR help my work here and the opportunity for these children to learn about Jesus would be possible!

God has done so many amazing things in the five short months I have been here in Thailand, and He is doing so much more every day!

A part of me is very sad as I begin to look for flights home! I know I need to book them now, because they will only be more expensive if I wait, but I'm not at all in a financial position to be able to purchase my tickets home.

But, I'm not worried, because I know God is faithful and He WILL provide the funds I need at just the right time!

As you continue to lift me and the work being done up in prayer, if it is possible, and God's lays it on your heart, any additional financial support would really help and be greatly appreciated.

Specifically, I will need another $700 or $800 to cover my living expenses over the next 8 weeks. And, I need to book my flights home while I can still get them at a reasonable price. Right now, I can book flights for about $1350, but the I know, too, the longer I wait, the more expensive it will be.

(The picture below is the 11 year old girl I was telling you about and the next is of the two boys! Then more pictures from the clinic below that!)

 

 You may give a tax-deductible gift by going to http://www.gslchurch.com , then going to the God's Shining Light page, clicking on the "DonateNow" button, and designating your donation for "KT2Thailand" You may give via Credit Card, Debit Card or Electronic Check.

Any gift is greatly appreciated, and so important to the good work being done in which you have partnered with me!

Serving Him,

Katie

Pictures from Burma

If you haven't read about my trip check out my previous post telling all about it! This one is just the pictures I promised would follow

Be in prayer for this home, the staff and the children. This month they will be building their first home, the kids will start school and they will be receiving 15 new children. The new children are being sent from the war zone in Burma. Most of the children are being separated from their families for their safety.

Because of him,
Katie

Burma

I was so blessed last week to be able to spend some time and share the Gospel at a children's home in Burma. This home serves 36 kids ranging in age from 6 - 17 years old, with the majority of these children made orphans by Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

These children, who lost everything but their lives in just a few moments, are so strong in spirit. With so much destroyed by the cyclone, this children's home was started in an office building. All the children live together on one floor of an office building, and have for far too long. A few months ago, a nice piece of land was purchased and God has just now provide the funds for two homes to be built on the land. Each home (one for boys and one for girls) will provide living quarters for 24 children. These children have been praying and praying for God to provide them with a place to live where they can run and play and be outside more, and they are so excited to see God's faithfulness as He has answered their prayers.

I was able to take the children on an outing to an amusement park and swimming pool. It wasn't much of an amusement park or swimming pool by our standards, but they were so excited to go, because with 36 kids and only five staff, they don't often get to go places just for fun. Another night, we bought ice cream, topping, candies and cookies and let the children make their own ice cream sundaes.

During the day we spent time playing games, learning songs, and letting the kids just be kids. Life is so difficult in much of southeast Asia, that children don't have much of an opportunity just be kids, and so when they do, it is really a special treat and their faces light up!

In the evenings, the children have a worship time, and it is incredible. Words cannot describe the way I felt to join these kid in worshiping God. Most of them lost everything, including family to the cyclone and it would be easy to think they would have no reason to worship God, yet it is so apparent they worship with their entire being, offering everything up to Him. The depth of their faith and the way they continually encourage each other in the Lord was unbelievable. They are continually sharing the true love of God with each other. It just pours out of them. As I worshiped with these adolescents and teens, and as I watched them worship, I could feel the Holy Spirit speak to my spirit that this room full of children were going to change their nation! And, if there is any nation needs hope, change and love - it is Burma! And, I know in my heart of hearts, and these children are going to bring the hope and love which can only be found in Jesus Christ to this dark nation. I could see that these children are even now dreaming big dreams - dreams driven by the power of God! Lord willing, I hope to be able to return to this place in 7 or 8 years and see all these children have accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit within them. It is going to be incredible. God is even now doing so much in these young lives, and it is only the beginning of the plans He has for each of these very special children.

I cannot begin to express how blessed I was to be able to spend a week of my life with these children and the dedicated staff who care for them, teach them and love them. My only regret was it was my stay was not longer! I went hoping to be a blessing to them and I walked away far more blessed and having learned so much more than I ever expected. God is so good and so faithful!

"If you listen obediently to the Voice of God, your God, and heartily obey all his commandments that I command you today, God, your God, will place you on high, high above all the nations of the world. All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God"
(Deuteronomy 28)

As always, none of this would be possible without your support in prayer, as well as your financial support. The children's whose lives are touched, who grow a little closer to God and some who hear about Jesus for the very first time are because of you, just a much as me, because your partnership in this work allows me to be here!

When I had the opportunity to stay twice as long as I originally intended, I have had expenses far beyond what was first anticipated. Even when I'd left to begin with, I left without the funds to purchase my flight home. I had to recently leave the country to extend my visa, which prompted my trip to Burma (an unexpected expense, since we had to fly.) I still need to raise the funds to support me for June and July (at least $800) and also the money for my return flight home (about $1800.) If I can raise an additional $300, I will be able to travel home via China. When I was a junior in High School, I was in an exchange program with a young lady from China. We sent home a Chinese Bible and she and her parents have been reading it. She is now graduating from college in July and has often asked questions about the Bible, and this would be a wonderful opportunity to see both she and her parents and to be able to talk to them about Jesus. I am trusting God to provide, so I can witness to this family already being touched by God's Word.

More to come soon (including pictures)! Exciting things have been happening since my return from Burma!

May God bless you for all you are doing for these wonderful children and for me!

Because of Him!

Katie