The city of Chiang Mai had never seen anything like it…

On January 10-11, 2009, Joyce Meyer Ministries held a 2-day Festival of Life that was the largest Christian meeting in the history of the largest and most influential city in Northern Thailand.

Joyce preached on God’s desire for every person to live free from the power of fear to crowds of nearly 20,000 each night. More than 15,000 responded and asked for prayer for God to change their lives. And nearly 50,000 people were given a free copy of A New Way of Living, translated into Thai.

Praying for a Revival
The event was also significant because it brought together the small but growing Christian community like never before. In a predominantly Buddhist nation—92 percent—only 1.6 percent claim to be Christians.

More than 400 local volunteers worked tirelessly to put on the event and some drove as long as 3 hours to be a part of it.

May, age 19, and Pim, age 17, greeted visitors as they entered the stadium. For weeks they’d prayed that God would do something special in their city.

“We’ve been praying for revival,” May said. “We want our friends and our whole city to know and love Jesus.” Pim was equally thrilled about what was happening at the Festival. “We’re so grateful for the opportunity to serve. We just want to be a blessing to others.”

Both young ladies overflowed with a genuine excitement and a passion for Christ. May had just recently re-dedicated her life to Christ, and both of them said they were deeply encouraged by Joyce’s message and grateful for what the ministry was doing in their city.

Kora: His Struggles and Triumphs
The team also traveled to visit the Bethel Children’s home in Chiang Rai, which is fully funded by the partners of Joyce Meyer Ministries.

Here they met Kora. As a small child, Kora’s dad was not around and his mom was working the streets as a prostitute. He moved in with his aunt and uncle, which wasn’t any better. It was a constant party, and at just 3 years old, they gave him enough alcohol for him to get drunk.

When he first arrived at the children’s home, he really struggled. He was angry, he wouldn’t obey, and he wildly resisted them at every turn.

But as he began to experience healing, love and support through the generous and caring staff, Kora’s heart changed. Now, even though he’s just 11 years old, he’s forgiven his family and prays for them every day. He wants them to experience the joy and freedom he’s found in Jesus.

Kora is just one of the 19 children who live full-time at the Bethel Children’s Home in Chiang Rai—a beautiful oasis of joy, peace, and the love of God. Many more children come and enjoy programs and classes at the facilities. The laughter and joy that they experience there is a stark contrast from the pain of their everyday lives.

We Couldn’t Do It Without You
Hand of Hope is working to help children get off the streets and is striving to provide the Word of God in a country where Christianity is minimal.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support that have helped turn this vision into a reality…and have helped us bring hope and encouragement to these beautiful people.

Go to the World Missions Log  to read stories and see pictures on the Thailand trip.