1988: How It Began

Nazareth made her 1st mission trips to Northern Thailand, co labouring with Frontier Labourer for Christ (FLC) in the mountain of Nongkhio within the golden triangle ministering among the Lahu, Kachin and Ahka until 1988.

1992 - 1999: The Early Efforts

In 1992, Rev Anthony and Cecilia met Rev Abel Sairattanyu, a Lahu and his Thai wife, Ruth and their son, Mark in the United States. Rev Abel invited Rev Anthony to visit Chiangmai. In 1996, our youth expressed their desire to be involved in missions work nearer to home.

In 1997, we made a missions trip to Northern Thailand between 18-22 April to see the possibility of co-labouring with Rev Abel among his Lahu people in the mountains of Mae Gone and Pang Kwai. On the first night of ministry among the children in Mae Gone (where Rev Abel had preached and ministered for three months), one married couple received Jesus Christ as their own personal Saviour and Lord. On the Lord’s Day, 20 April, we baptised 20 new believers in the river. After the mission trip, we were led of the Lord to make Mae Gone as the missions headquaters. We also took on the support of the evangelist Nami in Mae Gone and pastor Jasuh in Pang Kwai. A piece of property, one rai (1,600 sq. m.) was purchased in Mae Gone where the believers built their own worship hall.

In 1998, a Lahu witchdoctor, Jafat in his early 80s came to Christ in Jiang Jan village. Another 2 rai (3,200 sq.m.) of property was purchased for Mae Gone. We also supported pastor Elneh of Jaing Jan. In 1999, another Lahu witchdoctor was saved in Pang Kwai village. With contributions from Nazareth, Rev Abel purchased a 4WD truck, Tiger model with 3.0 cc engine to support the work amoung the Lahu.

2000 - Present: Here Come The Young People

In 2000, youths and young adults participated in the missions trips for the first time. A mission house in Mae Gone was built in 2000. Refreshing cold water was piped from a mountain stream, 7 km away to Mae Gone. At the same time, we began supporting 13 poor children in Pang Kwai in their education. In 2001, Nongkhio (where we first ministered to in 1984) under pastor Lawlo joined Rev Abel. We also supported two students, Supot and Vinai, both 21 years of age in their theological education. In 2002, the missions team spent a field-day with the villagers in Mae Gone, where we witnessed how they fish and do rice threshing. The Lahu people are very resourceful and skilful in making use of the bamboo.

In October 2003, we launched the Sukjai Orphanage project in Mae Gone. In 2004, in addition to the yearly Bible teaching to the adults, youth and children, we started providing basic medical services to the Lahu people. This medical ministry has been going on since.

Thus far more than 50 persons (adults, young adults, youths) have participated in missions trips to Chiangmai, Northern Thailand since 1997. We are thankful to God for the opportunity to be able to serve in this small way, and we covet your prayers as we continue to go on this journey together.