Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Community work in Bangkok has begun!

The River is starting to make a noise and an impact in the great city of Bangkok!

Whilst our Connect gatherings each Tuesday night have been growing and expanding, we have also been hard at work, building relationships and pathways into some inner city communities.

The communities have asked for help with English teaching, and also to assist them in organising after school activities for the kids.

Last Friday we started English teaching in one of the local temple schools - teaching grade 4 with approximately 50 students in attendance!
One of the champion volunteers from The River - BKK, was a part of the teaching team, which is so exciting!


As of last Monday, we kicked off our first kids club program in the same Buddhist school!  Over 100 children turned up and the principal of the school was 100% behind us and what we were there for.











Kenny the Koala came to visit, and the kids had a great time laughing, singing, dancing and learning. This is a great opportunity for us to empower the kids in life and social skills, and incorporate biblical teaching.

This will springboard our work in the community, as we build relationships with children, teachers, and families.




Sunday, August 17, 2014

Mother's Day Blessings

The greatly loved "mother of the nation" of Thailand, HRH Queen Sirikit's birthday is celebrated and highly honoured on August the 12th of each year. If fact, the festivities for her extend throughtout the entire month! August the 12th is also the official Mother's Day in Thailand. 

The River honours all women, and especially mothers during this special time.

Preparations begun weeks in advance. On the actual day The River divided into three teams, giving away over 200 lovingly prepared gift bags to the mothers in the communities. Many of these women have children in our Saturday kids club, but this was the first time we had an opportunity to properly meet them.  



Some mothers and grandmothers accepted gifts with tears in their eyes, explaining that they have never before received a gift like this.

It was so great to connect with these beautiful women!  Some we were able to pray with, others we just laughed and got to know each other.  With some families we shared a meal.  One lady had her son pass away just that morning, and it was a true blessing for us to be able to be there for her during this time of grief.   

We are excited to know that we have more friends than ever now!  And we cannot wait to build relationships with each and every one of them!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

A new beginning in our nation's capital

WE'VE LAUNCHED IN BANGKOK!

These are exciting days for The River Team, as we enlarge, extend, empower and influence – both our team, and the people of Thailand!

The River Team has officially set up another "room" in the centre of the nations capital!  We now have a base, begun connect groups, and are actively involved in development projects in 2 communities.





We believe that His House needs to have an influence in the community to which it is planted.  

Our connect nights have been fantastic!  The team is doing an incredible job connecting with people who are interested in being a part of our work.  We are building strong relationships and seeing friendships flourish.



With a city of 10million people, we cant wait to see revival!

If you would like to be apart of this new work - either in Bangkok or to support us from afar, please contact us!  We would love to hear from you!