Our Bangkok host, Elena, picked us up at the airport at around 11AM. We checked into our hotel, the Bangkok Christian Guest House, and then it was off to the SDRF Office for our orientation. Here we learned about the mission of SDRF and met the staff.
SDRF is a Thai recognized non-profit organization that was founded 20 years ago by a missionary named Jim Gustafson. The mission of SDRF is to show the love of Christ through actions without preaching the Gospel of Christ. SDRF has built two elementary schools, provided numerous academic scholarships for children who lost their parents to AIDS or the 2004 tsunami, provided free medical services to those who cannot afford it, and has established several community comfort groups to those living with AIDS/HIV. All these services are financed through revenue generated from two fish farms and one SAT Prep class. The SAT Prep class is run by Ja and the class currently has 60 students. These are mainly international students from China, Japan, and Korea.
There are currently two fish farms, one in Koh Yao and one in Udon Thani (northeast Thailand). We will be working at the Koh Yao fish farm which will be growing high quality lobster and grouper. The fish farm in Udon Thani is growing tilapia. SDRF is not a faith based organization, but many of its leaders/directors and staff are Christians. The mission of SDRF is to provide community services to those in need. When the people ask about what compels them to provide these love services, then they are able to share their faith with the people. Since the official religion in Thailand is Buddhism, it is seen as very disrespectful to try to convert them.
This is the place were we are staying.
Kio on his laptop in our room.
Having a team meeting in the guy's room.
Outside the SDRF Office.
With the SDRF staff:
1. Our Bangkok host, Elena (Nan's Left)
2. SDRF Director, Nujon (Kio's Left)
3. Elite Director, Ja, and her assistant (Suzie's Right)
A picture of Koh Yao, the place were we will be working for the next week.
After SDRF, we ate at Jim Thompson's cafe.
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