AVODA FOUNDATION

Hello, my name is Raimund Homberg (Saechao),I’m blessed to be part of a unique story, a bridge between two worlds – the ancient and the new. My wife, Sriphai, and I are Christian missionaries, working among the Iu Mien people in the Wiang Kaeng District of Chiang Rai.

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Together, we have been witnesses to something truly incredible – a revival not just in faith but in the preservation of our culture.The Iu Mien people consist of 12 beautiful tribes. Though we no longer have our own country, our traditions remain alive in our language, dress, stitching, and farming methods.

 

We are known for being peaceful neighbors, and despite the challenges that come with being a migrant community in Thailand, we have held on to the richness of our heritage.As an Iu Mien by marriage, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the strength and resilience of this community. Sriphai, a proud member of the Saechao tribe, opened my eyes to the Iu Mien’s deep-rooted culture.

 

Together, we have embraced a mission to share the love of Christ, while preserving the values and traditions that define us as a people.In Wiang Kaeng, nestled in the midst of the infamous Golden Triangle, the Avoda Mission and Aid Agency supports a growing church community. Since the beginning of our mission work here, the changes have been nothing short of miraculous. Drug consumption among children and teens has dropped by over 85%, and this community is flourishing once again, spiritually and culturally. But our work is far from over.

 

As part of an unreached people group in missiology, the Iu Mien are still seeking their way to Jesus. While preserving our heritage is essential, it’s even more important to open the eyes of the Iu Mien to the ultimate truth – that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. This mission is not just ours. It belongs to all Iu Mien.

 

I want to invite you, whether you are here in Thailand or living abroad in the United States, particularly in California where many of our community reside, to take part in this movement. By preserving our culture and embracing the Gospel, we can make an eternal impact.

 

Together, we can build a future where the Iu Mien not only remember who they are but also know who they belong to – Jesus Christ.

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Join us on this journey by signing up for the Avoda Foundation newsletter, where we share stories, updates, and ways you can support and participate in this mission. The time has come for the Iu Mien to rise and shine.

 

Warmly,

Raimund Homberg (Saechao)