Tragic Flash Flood Opens Doors in Thailand
Flood/mudslide damage in Thailand
Written By Harvey Steck from our Love for Asia Foundation in Thailand:
Every year in Thailand, the rainy season triggers mudslides that temporarily close roads and interrupt life in various ways.
This year, tragedy struck the little village of Pang Ung in northern Thailand (in the Mae Chaem district of Chiang Mai province). One night in late August, rain-soaked soil gave way in several places on the hillsides above the village. Suddenly, the little river that goes through the village became a torrent of water, mud, and debris that swept away homes, cars, and pretty much anything else in its path.
More flood damage
Since houses were crowded along both sides of the river, about 60 homes were either destroyed or sustained serious damage and were unlivable without significant repair, and another 40 suffered minor damage. At first, three people were reported dead, but the death toll eventually rose to ten, with three missing.
News quickly spread to a nearby village where there is an SDA church, and during the next few weeks, church members from near and far came to assist the families who were seriously impacted. Some church members and pastors spent a few weeks helping rebuild homes and sharing evangelistic messages in the evenings. ADRA and the Thailand Adventist Mission joined together and invited Love for Asia to contribute to the cost of food, blankets, and mosquito nets given to the 153 families in the area.
I am very thankful that Love for Asia was invited to contribute, because this opportunity opened the door for us to offer the “Gifts of Love” booklet, along with other literature, to the families of Pang Ung village. Virtually everyone who received the bags of food and other items seemed happy to receive the books.
Harvey Steck with Love for Asia team members helping to distribute food and literature to the flood victims
"Gifts of Love" is an illustrated first chapter of Steps to Christ in Thai and English
A big thank you to those who have donated toward the cost of operating Love for Asia and toward the cost of printing literature here in Thailand. Please join us in prayer that the seeds of goodwill and literature will germinate and, someday soon, a church will be planted in this village.
The Love for Asia Foundation in Thailand was created to help missionaries get visas to stay in Thailand long-term. As shown above, the organization also works to share God's love and compassion with the people of Thailand, combining a force of local and foreign workers to serve, make and distribute literature and media, and more.
Perhaps God is inspiring you with a burden for the people of Thailand. If so, please consider supporting the Love for Asia Foundation or our Translation and Literature fund. Click the buttons below to give.