One of the blessings of working at the New Life Center (NLC) is the fact that it is a well-established organization here in northern Thailand. At first glance, that latter fact might seem strange- one might ask "What's wrong with a new organization?"In Thailand, pretty much everything is done according to relationships. It often takes years of building relationships before a group or organization will be trusted and/or accepted in Thai society. In this regard, the New Life Center benefits from its sixteen-year history, and long-term partnership with, the Thai national leaders who are working to address the same social issues.
Today, the history of the NLC and its subsequent relationship with Thai nationals and NGO's is ever more important. Due in part to the U.S. government's "Deterring Persons in Trafficking Project" bill which was passed in 2000, renewed efforts are being made here in Chiang Mai to address this issue on a local/regional level.
A task force has been set up to assist victims of trafficking (women and children from Thailand and neighboring countries who are "bought and sold, coerced and deceived, into working in oppressive situations as prostitution or slave-like labor, particularly in the sex industry"). The New Life Center is part of this task force - a group of governmental and non-government organizations who are working together to solve these problems. It is an honor to have been invited to join this task force; our presence at the committee meetings indicates that the Thai national leaders trust and value the distinct services that the NLC provides.
Over the next two months, we will be upgrading the security at one of our program locations. This will require building a new wall and gate, and making some other improvements inside the house as well. We plan to officially open the new "emergency shelter" on May 1st. By making these changes, the New Life Center will be better equipped to serve the needs of tribal women and girls who have been trafficked or sold.
May I ask you to join with us in prayer regarding the following:
- Please pray that the anti-trafficking task force works together well, and that through our work more victims of trafficking can be found and released
- Pray that the New Life Center can continue to provide its unique services to ethnic minorities throughout the region, and that God would lead us to the girls who need our help the most
- Please pray for staff unity, solidarity, and peace as we go through these big changes together
- Please pray for God's wisdom, discernment, and guidance regarding all of these upcoming changes! We have been praying and fasting together…but also seek the prayers of you, our partners in mission, to join with us in this effort.
May God richly bless you today, wherever you are. Thank you for taking the time to read this journal!
Sincerely,
Karen