For the past few months, Thailand experienced a severe drought, as in Cambodia as well. Weather has been hot, the dirt roads are covered by inches of dust, and mosquitoes are causing discomfort. Without rain, and with the unusually warm weather, some are anticipating detrimental effect on the fruits and farm produce. This would affect the rich and poor alike.
http://scoop.bangkokpost.co.th/bkkpost/2002/mar2002/bp20020318/news/18mar2002_news13.html
The Thaksin government has come under a lot of flak in the past few weeks, and the newspapers, NGOs, and academics alike questioned his policy and integrity. On other fronts it may be so, but on the drug suppression front, the Thaksin government has taken bold and sweeping action, and even at Mae Suai, Wawi, where we are, it is like a breath of fresh air... For once, we see those rich dirty bosses (directing drug smuggling crime but never get caught with merchandise) taking cover and running scared. Army and police officers brief the local leaders, engaging their help. In the link to Bangkok Post news article below, "Doi Wawi" means Wawi hill, and that's the Thai name for "Cha Fang", where FHL is located!
http://scoop.bangkokpost.co.th/bkkpost/2002/jan2002/bp20020120/news/20jan2002_news09.html
http://scoop.bangkokpost.co.th/bkkpost/2002/feb2002/bp20020203/perspective/03feb2002_pers11.html
One hopes that the suppression efforts would be maintained and not suffer a premature end.
Perhaps due to the drug suppression efforts, many drug addicts have turned up at our doors, requesting that we take them in. It is not an exageration to say that our centers have never been so full before. Richard was quite shock to discover he has 10 female addicts at the female center when he arrived home! With all the children of the female addicts, the female center has also turned into a childcare center, sort of, except it is a 24hr thing. On the whole the children are well behave, and Richard's wife is quite strict! Perhaps this would lead to some expanded children ministry in the future.
Lastly, FHL center has also turned into a recreation center for village children on the weekends. They come and play ping pong, sepak takraw, badminton, or generally run around in the pleasant environment of FHL center. One of the government policy is to promote sports to keep youth and students from getting into drugs. And at FHL we are doing our part as well!
Pray for the various leaders, you know their names, that they will remain fresh, walk close to the Lord and not suffer from burn out.
(Prepared by CJ Yap)