Thailand is a country with 95% of its population adhering to Buddhism. It also struggles with considerable poverty. Moreover, the country has a growing refugee problem. Sadly, refugees have no legal right to employment, education, housing, transportation, or healthcare. Without the protection of international treaties, they can be subject to indefinite detention.
Matthew and Amber lead ChildCARE Plus in Thailand with a team of 18 nationals, working in 20 communities, with over 400 sponsored children and their families. Our programs provide education, nutrition, and healthcare to children to help break the cycle of poverty while also partnering with local churches in each community.
They also help Bangkok refugees by advocating for their bail from detention and providing work and resettlement opportunities. We also work alongside government officials and other agencies to help those seeking to navigate the hurdles of the legal system.
MINISTRY HISTORY: In 2006, we began serving in missions, moving to Slovakia as newly-weds two years later. We helped to plant and grow churches and began a leadership training program. In 2009, we were ordained together by the PAOC, and then in 2010, we transitioned to Poland and worked with a Business as Mission project. In 2013, we returned to Canada; however, in 2016, God called us to Bangkok, Thailand, where we having been serving since.
Prayer Focus
- For God to elevate more individuals, families, and communities out of poverty, to give them a clear direction forward.
- For God to help us build lasting relationships with those we serve and those of influence in their communities.
- For God to give us resiliency, compassion, and wisdom in the midst of truly difficult situations.