In 2007: IU MIEN HIGHLANDER COMMUNITY
A Iu Mien highlander community in Chiang Rai province (in the infamous Golden Triangle) suffers heavily from drug abuse, drug trade, and related crimes. Especially children and teens became targets of unscrupulous criminals.
We establish a Christian congregation with Sunday School and daily after-school supervision in north Thailand's infamous Golden Triangle. Up to 60 children and teens received daily training and counsel. As of 2020, most of the children and teens in the village are drug-free. As a result, even non-Christian parents send their children to the Avoda evening training.
Chiangrai (Iu-Mien) Project Activities
Sharing Gospel
The proclamation of the story of Jesus to the community is an activity of great importance both religiously and socially. It is not just telling the story of Jesus himself, but it has profound and positive impacts on people's lives in various ways. It serves as a tool to impart knowledge and understanding of the Christian church and faith at its core.
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Teaching essential life skills
Teaching essential life skills such as learning English, playing a musical instrument, baking, and computer literacy is incredibly valuable.
These skills not only enrich individuals but also empower them to navigate life with confidence and competence. Music fosters creativity and emotional expression, while learning English facilitates global communication and opens doors to diverse opportunities.
Baking not only satisfies the palate but also cultivates patience and precision. Additionally, computer literacy enhances learning and technological proficiency.
Tutoring complements these skills by bridging educational gaps and nurturing a passion for continuous learning. Each skill contributes to personal growth and positively impacts society, equipping individuals with essential tools for a successful and fulfilling life.
Helping the underprivileged is a collective responsibility
that we should undertake together.
Because it's not just a good deed but a fundamental humanitarian duty in building a strong and equitable society, both economically and socially. Assisting others not only strengthens and sustains society but also fosters confidence and appreciation for a higher quality of life. We all play a part in creating enduring goals of happiness and prosperity, both individually and collectively.
Testimonials
I come from a Mien family, a small ethnic group that does not practice Christianity. I used to prefer being alone and avoided meeting many people because I felt it was chaotic and that my presence was unnecessary. However, everything changed when I got to know Avoda.
Avoda is an organization that taught me many valuable skills and inspired me to improve myself. I am grateful to Avoda for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace life. With Avoda's support, I learned to interact with others and discovered that I actually enjoy being part of a community. I now love helping orphans and underprivileged children.
Avoda has also helped me develop many special skills, including cooking, baking cakes, and most notably, playing the piano. This year, I even had the opportunity to teach other children how to play the piano. Thank you, Avoda, for everything.
— Pai
I used to be a kid who was always indulged by my family. I could do whatever I wanted without anyone saying anything. I spent all my free time playing games and doing whatever pleased me. But eventually, I realized that this wasn’t fulfilling for my real life.
Everything changed when I joined Avoda. Avoda taught me how to manage my time and use it more effectively to develop valuable skills. I learned to use a computer not just for gaming but for meaningful activities, including helping with worship and handling various tasks. Avoda also gave me the opportunity to learn guitar from one of their mentors. Now, I can play almost any song and even lead worship on Sundays.
I am grateful to Avoda for helping me discover my potential and for guiding me to use my time wisely.
— Nat
I used to be a kid who preferred staying home and was afraid to play with others. Having just moved to a new area, I spent all my time playing games and isolating myself from everyone.
One day, a friend who attended Avoda Foundation invited me to join. Since we were friends, I decided to go with him. Once I started at Avoda, I realized I needed to develop many skills beyond just playing games.
I am grateful to Avoda for giving me the chance to learn and for supporting me in various ways. They’ve helped me build confidence and become more expressive. Now, I’m learning to play the guitar so I can help lead worship on Sundays.
Thank you, Avoda!
— Toey
I am deeply grateful to Avoda for helping me become a pianist. I now have the opportunity to play at church, school, and various other places.
Thank you for providing me with wonderful opportunities in music, English, computer skills, and photography. Without Avoda, I wouldn’t have had the chance to explore these diverse areas.
Most importantly, I want to thank everyone at Avoda for the love and support they have given me. They have taught me the value of helping others and inspired me to share love with those around me.
— O-Ven
My name is Nuch. I was born in a small village in Wiang Kaen, Chiang Rai. Before joining Avoda, I didn’t have the chance to learn about the Bible or various skills.
When I started at Avoda, I was introduced to many new things I had never done before. Avoda taught me about music, including piano and singing, as well as the Bible, typing, and teaching children.
I am very grateful to Avoda for providing me with these valuable life skills and musical knowledge. Thank you for all the support and encouragement.
— Nuch
I am truly grateful to Avoda for the many opportunities I’ve had. Thanks to Avoda, I learned how to teach music and had the chance to organize a camp for orphans in Mae Chan. I also improved my English skills and gained access to a computer, which helped me develop essential skills like typing.
Avoda has deepened my understanding of the Bible, allowing me to apply this knowledge in my daily life. Most importantly, I have learned how to teach and share the Bible with children.
Thank you, Avoda, for all the support and for helping me grow in so many ways.
— Ni New
I am deeply grateful to Avoda for the incredible opportunities I’ve received. Avoda has taught me how to teach music, organize camps for children, and improve my skills in singing, typing, and teaching.
Thanks to Avoda, I’ve also learned English, which has helped me communicate with foreigners and understand different cultures better. The experiences I’ve had, like running camps and exploring the world outside, have given me a clearer sense of purpose in life.Most importantly, Avoda has allowed me to share the message of God with children through my own example.Thank you, Avoda, for everything.
— Noi
I am incredibly grateful to Avoda for giving me the chance to learn new skills that I had never encountered before. Through Avoda, I learned touch typing and improved my English with native speakers. I also discovered my own life goals and how to plan to achieve them.
The experiences I gained, like organizing camps for children who have not yet heard about God, have helped me grow and continuously improve myself.Thank you, Avoda, for helping me develop and explore new opportunities.
— Peach
My name is Kaem, and I was born in Wiang Kaen, Chiang Rai, as part of the Mien (Yao) tribe. Before joining Avoda, I was not very obedient, struggled with music, and had no understanding of who God was. When I started at Avoda, I learned about God and began helping at church.
I also developed musical skills and gained knowledge in many areas that I wouldn't have had the chance to explore elsewhere. I am grateful for the opportunities Avoda has provided, as these experiences have been invaluable and directly applicable to real life. Thank you for giving me the chance to grow and learn in ways I couldn't have imagined.
— Kaem