Thailand

In Thailand, FELM works in collaboration with The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand, ELCT, in the fields of:

• Ministry and Congregational work
• Strengthening the financial and management capacity of the Church
• Capacity building of church leadership and members

FELM staff in Thailand work as staff at the Theological Seminary/ training centre.

Ministry and Congregational work

One of the weaknesses of the Church in Thailand is the lack of sustainability, hence FELM provides the Church financial assistance as well as human resources for

• small congregations
• places of worship
• female and youth community work
• management and staff training

A good example of the assistance provided to the Church is the FELM financed rubber tree project in North East Thailand through which the Church earns income.

In Bangkok FELM funds the Theological Seminary that is responsible for the training of pastors, evangelists and laymen. A music training programme has also been initiated.

FELM’s support to ministry includes the operation of the Church’s local radio station and funding the Good News Centre in their ministry among Thai migrant labourers in Singapore. The Centre also provides English language tuition and diaconia assistance.

Community Support and Capacity Building

The diaconia work of the Church in Thailand is multifaceted. FELM participates in family support services and assistance to the elderly, as well as, funds the female shelter Home of Grace, that provides support and antenatal care to pregnant single mothers.

The child sponsorship programme ensures primary and secondary education for 140 Thai children between the ages of 6-18 years in Bangkok and rural Thailand. The children of vulnerable families are also provided food aid.

HIV/AIDS

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is alarming in Thailand and is an increasing problem due to the sex trade. According to Red Cross statistics there are over half a million HIV positive persons in Thailand. Many cultural taboos prohibit addressing issues related to HIV/AIDS.

FELM supports the Church’s HIV/AIDS support centre. The centre provides assistance and ministers to those infected by the virus and their families. The staff of the centre make home visits, advise on practical ways to deal with living with the virus and assist in finding alternative livelihoods for those who have lost their jobs due to being infected. The centre also provides training and orientations related to HIV/AIDS for church staff, members of the congregations and those living in close proximity to the church.