Thailand Project History

During the fall of 2005, a man was interviewed for a staff position at Woodside Bible Church.  During the discussions, he mentioned his passion was to go to Bangkok, Thailand, to rescue young girls from the sex auction houses.  Senior Pastor Doug Schmidt asked this man to return to Woodside to speak on a Sunday morning.  He related his passion and story to the congregation.  A short video was shown and the congregation was emotionally moved. An offering was taken which totaled $25,000.00.  This was the beginning of how Woodside became involved in Thailand and the rest is history.  4

James 1:27 (NIV) “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

In the spring of 2006, Woodside Bible church sent a research team of six to Thailand. David and Mary Andersen, Mike and Jennifer Wendland, and  Sam and Carlene Brenize went to explore how we could be involved in the rescue of young girls from the Bangkok sex trade.  The team met with a Thai Pastor named Kiatesak.  They discussed his ministry and heard of his passion for the hill tribes in northern Thailand. The team also heard good reports of and was directed to an Akha village pastor near Chiang Rai named John Phanthawit, whom we call Akha John.  This team came back and recommended that instead of being involved in the rescue of girls, which is dangerous, we should look at a preventative strategy.  Woodside then contacted ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism) for assistance and was directed to GAP (Global Access Partners) to work in conjunction with George Collins on this project.  Our goal is to create a safe learning environment to lead the children to Christ, teach them English, Bible lessons, and enable them to be equipped with skills for life and the job market.

In September 2006, Sam Brenize and David Janman were sent to meet with Akha John to develop a strategy.  They worked out a business plan, created a constitution and prepared the documents to form a foundation that would include an orphanage.  Under Thai law, this Humanitarian Organization was formed with the name of “Akha Light Foundation.”  Approximately eight months later, the Thai government approved the documents and the foundation was formed.  During the eight months, Akha John was looking for a piece of ground on which to build the proposed orphanage.  A plot of land, 16 acres, was then purchased for $96,000.00.  Construction began in the fall of 2007, to house 60 children, both boys and girls, in a permanent structure.  This phase of construction was completed and occupied in the spring of 2008, with 14 girls and 11 boys.  

Luke 18:15-17 (NIV) People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

In the spring of 2008, a dining hall and training center were added on the property.  Woodside took its first Thailand short term trip with 30 people in the spring of 2008.  At the end of this trip, Pastor Doug arrived in Thailand to speak at the property dedication.  A great time of celebration was held with over 500 in attendance.  Subsequently in May of 2009 and May 2010, another 10 children were added to the orphanage for a total of 45.  In October 2009, another phase of building began which when completed this past spring of 2010 can now house a total of 100 children at the orphanage.  This latest construction will be completed with a combination short term trip from Woodside Bible Church and South Church in Lansing, Michigan.  

Future construction projects will include a director’s home, dorm parent housing units and other buildings when needed.  Other trips have included a Medical / Dentistry component, VBS and ESL teaching.  To become involved as a trip participant, a sender, or prayer warrior, contact Lexie Schwarze with your interest at missions@woodsidebible.org