Bong Ti Community Outreach and Service

October 9–11, 2020
This project was initiated by the AY committee when they felt like they need to do some outreach to serve the community, whether Christian or non-Christian. In the planning process, Mr. Chargaygey, a member of our AY committee, found out that the Bong Ti SDA church requested help for a group from Myanmar affected by recent floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bong Ti is located near national borders and is distant from towns where supplies can be more easily found. Recent floods and the COVID-19 pandemic have made it challenging to travel to get provisions, and living conditions have become difficult for many families in the community to continue living.

The group quickly coordinated with the AIU Pastor and received approval to help the community and the Bong Ti SDA church.

On October 8, after receiving the operating budget, the group purchased all necessary items to be packed for distribution to the brothers and sisters in the community. The budget received for operations was around 16,000 baht.

On October 10, the group organized the Sabbath morning program in the Bong Ti SDA church. The group led classroom activities that included children and teens and then presented the sermon for adults.

In the afternoon, members of the group visited church members and other villagers who were in need. Despite the rain, the group distributed supply bags for 40 families in the village. There were more gifts and provisions for more families; however, the borders were not open, and no one could travel freely. These packages that were not immediately distributed were kept with the pastor of Bong Ti Church to be given to the community later.

Sunday morning, October 11, the group worked together to clean and repair the bamboo dormitory at a nearby orphanage. Mrs. Kathalene cares for 65 children at this orphanage she operates. Daily operations at the orphanage were smooth before COVID-19, but visitors and donors have not been able to visit since then.

That morning AIU students could be found all over the orphanage. Small groups could be found repairing and cleaning the kitchen, student dormitories, and nursing room. Others helped set up a water tank.

Helping out in the Bong Ti community was a great outreach experience for the students and staff. We want God to be glorified as we tell others about Him and show Him through our actions. And we want to continue to inspire our students to be good members of society and the community they find themselves in.

We are thankful for God’s providence and protection throughout this ministry project. These activities could not have happened without the AIU church’s help and the university’s approval. We are convinced that all efforts given will produce fruit and grow in due season, and that God will bless His proclaiming gospel through outreach ministries.

Report by: Apinan Kamthornpitak (AY advisor)