It’s great to be in touch with you all again with what’s happening with here in Bangkok! 2013 ended well with the success of our Christmas event at an elementary school in Khampaeng Phet province and 2014 is off to a promising start with the launch of photography lessons and Youth Leadership Development in the form of a film project!
One of the staff members (nickname= Sprite) comes from a village in Khampaeng Phet (KPP), his vision is to build relationships with the students and faculty at the elementary school in order that our organization can partner with them and eventually provide more opportunities for youth to serve and connect with the world around them. In light of this vision we had a survey trip in KPP which involved us putting on activities for the children. First we put on a puppet show to share a little context on Christmas. Next we had a series of ridiculous relay races—my team got second place although we were undoubtedly the best team. Afterwards we donated sports equipment, as well as many Christmas gifts useful for both school and fun. We concluded the event with a conversation with the Principle and Teachers about ways we might partner with them in the future. The survey trip was indeed a success and may greatly broaden our service opportunities.
In a previous update I included info about our Art Class (appropriately themed “Surprised by Beauty”) as a part of Youth Leadership Development program. So far the class has gone really well! The youth catch on really well to the things taught and do an amazing job expressing themselves through their work to make original art. Even better news: Sarah Hanks (B.A. School of Cinematic Arts, USC (one of the best film schools worldwide)) arrived late December and will be spending 6 months with us teaching photography and making a movie featuring youth that we work with. The photography class began a few weeks ago, and students have now accumulated enough skill to start on photo essay on the subject of their choice. The students will take a series of photos on something they find interesting/beautiful and represent it through photography.
Moreover, Sarah Hanks will be directing a movie starring the youth in the communities we work with. The movie carries the theme: hope in the midst of despair. The story centers on a teenage girl, who is trafficked into the sex industry and her two friends (who come from either backgrounds of cynicism or optimism) as they journey to come to terms with the world around them and seek to get their friend out of the sex-trade.
The photography and film projects are both a means to help youth develop skill and artistic voice to express themselves as they deal with broken families and systemic poverty which confronts them with potentially hopeless situations. The film project not only does this, but also spreads awareness about issues that are very close to home for many of the youth (many young women in these communities go into the sex-trade in order to make ends meet). As youth become more aware of the situation and imagine ways they can be involved, they begin to pray towards a different world.
Needless to say, I am VERY excited about getting to join in this work and become friends with these youth as they develop. Having the privilege to walk alongside them not only gives me a clearer picture of gospel (aka good news), but also sustains hope in moving toward new creation—I believe it is in these working relationships that we will somehow meet Jesus and be met by him.