Shan children in Orchard

This is a video clip about the work.


Here is a sample of Shan girls dancing to a traditional Shan tune. The lyrics were written by a Shan Christian in another province.

Shan Youth

In the good old days (10-15 years ago) the cultural implements that were indicative of young Shan men who migrated to Thailand looking for work were, the Shan language, tattoos, bitter tea, cheap cigars and not an ounce of body fat. The Shan youth now growing up in a multicultural environment like Mae Sai share none of these cultural similarities. Those who have lived for more than a few years in Thailand speak Thai with their friends, wear their caps, sideways, often have a pierced ear, and now some even wear glasses with blank lenses because that makes them look like Korean movie stars. While some learn traditional Shan dance, many are becoming adept at break dancing as it is taught in the Thai schools they attend. Cultures change and youth will always be the targets of the promoters of change. In all of these changes how many will dare to ask the terrifying question, "Who am I?" For if all of the cultural implements that identify them are borrowed from other cultures and countries will they be able to recognize their own personal worth? Who will make the effort to befriend them and lead them to the place where they can recognize themselves as being created in the image of God and created for greater purposes than simply to imitate the latest models of what the "modern Asian youth" is supposed to be?

Catching up on recent history

The Shan Fellowship of Mae Sai has been meeting for the past few months at the Shan Family Development Center right in the midst of a Shan neighborhood in Mae Sai. We are now in the process of purchasing the land. In the future we hope to use it for a variety of activities including teaching Thai and English, producing useful literature, organizing seminars and workshops, and teaching children how to use computers. The property is big enough to use for retreats and Vacation Bible Schools as well.

Recently a sign was put up in front of the Center and the next Sunday a lady in the neighborhood came with ten Shan kids. She had on her own gathered the kids together to help them with school work and teach them Bible verses. It is so encouraging to know that someone else is already beginning to reach out with the Good News in this community. We do hope we can help each other more closely in the future.

At the end of September the youth workers said good bye as they have to go away for further studies. So the young people wished them well with a song. Now an intern is helping with the work but suitable long term workers are needed for the future.

From Oct. 17 to 19 about 100 Shan kids attended the Shan Vacation Bible School. October iswhen Thai schools have their mid-year break. This year the Shan youth proved to be a big help as they served in the role of Junior Counselors and did an excellent job.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:19-20

The weekly Wednesday prayer meeting was first held in the house of one of the youth believer who gladly opened her house for fellowship in the evenings. For about half a year, Christian youth gathered for prayers for their families and friends and to share and encourage one another with how God is constantly working in their lives.

Today, prayer meetings are held in the house of a couple serving the Shan youth believers. The couple teaches God's word to the believers and have the youth rostered into leading worship and also to share about how God has been working in their lives through answered prayers or their devotional time with God. We thank God for the opportunity to allow these believers to have a form of fellowship and encouragement in the middle of the week. We also thank the Lord for the growth in faith of these youth as we see them eagerly desiring the Word of God and also seeing them willing to serve in every capacity they can.

We have Scripture memorization, so whenever a youth is ready with a verse they have memorized, they can approach any youth worker to be tested.

We appreciate your prayers for this group of believers, that as they continue to be devoted to the fellowship and to God's Word, their faith will be strengthened; that as they continue to come together to worship and praise God, they will enjoy the favor of all the people. And may the Lord add to their number daily those who were being saved.

Hold Unswervingly

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Hebrews 10:23-25

This was the theme verse for the 3 day retreat we had for the Shan Christian Youth. It was a really good time of bonding with games, bible quizzes and meals together. During the retreat, we were able to have workshops on:

Devotion: Why it is important for us to develop a habit of reading the bible and praying. How we should go about doing our devotions. Every morning during the retreat, we had devotions surrounding the theme.

Evangelism: Why it is important as Christians. And how we can be more active in evangelism through the different ways of sharing God's love. We also took a morning to go to the big market in Mae Sai to give our tracts.

Every evening, we had the Shan Pastor to come and share with us. We were also able to have a session of 'Question & Answer' on the issues and struggles the Shan youths face in their daily lives. Mostly with regards to Shan animistic beliefs, spirit worship & buddhism. It was a good time for the youths to learn and know what the Bible teaches.

Praise the Lord for the enriching time where the youths were encouraged to hold fast to their faith and put their hope in God. Continue to keep them in prayers as they seek to grow in their walk with God.

Team from CT

This is the short term mission team US Connecticut. They were serving with us from the 15th - 25th July. Although it was a short trip, considering the time taken by them in travelling to and back from the US. They contributed so much to the ministry, and we were greatly blessed by their attitude in serving.

They organised a 3 day Bible Camp for the children at Village Nam Jam themed "Olympic Camp"

The team also helped teach in a 2 day Combined Schools English Camp. Which consists of a total of 4 schools from 4 different villages.


For more pictures of the events above, please visit our Picture Gallery.

Thai Language Class

This is the Thai Language Class we have on every Tuesday and Friday for Shan Adults. The class starts from 7pm - 8pm because all of them have to work till 5pm. Some of these adults are parents of children in our scholarship program. Many are from the village in Nam Jam. Most of these Shan have no education background, they do not know a word of Thai. For some, its their first time holding a pencil and writing.

Pray with us that through these Thai Language classes, we are able to educate the Shan as they work in Thailand, to know at least basic Thai. Which will go a long way in helping them when they go to the market or travel around in the village. And that through these classes, we are able to build relationships with them and share to them about the the Love of Christ.

We have been very impressed with their attitude in learning.

An average of 27 adults attend the Thai Language Class.
We pray together for them before the start of each class.

There are some Thai words that Shan find it hard to pronounce.
It is always funny as they try to make the right sound.

Always attentive during class

Ever willing to learn and write

Class writing the new Thai Letters learnt

Deep in concentration
as we give them a spelling test on the Thai letters learnt