Development Training in Bangkok

The intensive 9-day development training which was conducted by the Chalmers Centre for Economic Development at Covenant College . There were more than 25 attendants from various countries such as Philippines , India , Kenya , America , Australia , Singapore , Thailand and of course Cambodia . Most of them came from NGOs (non-government organisations) or churches that we have a common goal to understand more about the services for the POOR (even the very poor). A strong theological foundation is a must because we are not DOING some PROGRAMS but it's our mission to carry out a reconciliation role between God and the fallen world. In Hong Kong , we always struggle that we are already busy in church ministries such as Sunday school, meetings, internal affairs or personnel problems; we may consider reaching out the community especially for the poor is something we could do later when we have more resources or time. However, we discover that in the Bible and the history of Israel , God always cares for the needy people especially for the poor people. In His commandment, God claims the real godliness is to care for the widows and orphans those are in foes or cater for the vulnerable groups.

In Cambodia , we easily see poverty and lots of people live in a helpless and hopeless situation. Even in the churches, many church members are also suffering from hungers and sickness. Could we just tell them go in peace? Or another way round, should we provide all they need and make them become more vulnerable? It's always a tension of how to draw the line. Development training is a means to help them to build up themselves via some financial or developmental interventions. Ultimately, poor people could be transformed not just in economical way but also in a spiritual realm. Holistic ministry is the mission of the church! I appreciate the local churches where even though they don't have any resources (not even have enough support to their pastors), they still outreach their neighbors via some English classes, visitations along with the gospel or gathering some children on the streets for fun. No matter how big and small things they do, they are in midst of the community instead of a hermit or outsider. May God grant us wisdom to serve the poor and the needy in a holistic way.

During the stay in Thailand , I was very happy to visit our dear brothers and sisters in the FM church. A member took me to visit a slum near a bridge. Thailand 's economy is much better than that of Cambodia , however, poor people are still there and the point is "Can we see them?".

Prayer points:

1. My sister-in-law's recovery from breast cancer operation
2. Building up deeper relationship with the mission team members and local churches
3. Plan about the policy in development service for the church members
4. Assignment of Development training course which will be due in September
5. Regular Khmer study and follow-up of the land project
6. Raise fund for the land project that the Amenity building would be the first to be built

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27)

In Christ,
Davis Lam
June 14, 2004