A LIFE FILLED BEYOND DREAMS

Thong
5 days ago
4 min read

by Thong, graduated from Term Fun Home, now serving at Mittaphab Methodist Church, Thailand.

My name is Thong. I am a Shan (Tai Yai) boy whose parents migrated from Myanmar to Thailand before I was born. I grew up in a children’s home called Term Fun Home (TFH), under the care of Pastor John and Angela. “Term Fun” literally means “filling dreams”, and truly, that is what God has done in my life.

I first came to TFH at the age of nine, together with four other Shan boys. From that day onward, I no longer lived with my parents. I still remember crying myself to sleep many nights because I missed them so much. At that age, I had no idea how greatly TFH would shape my future.

Looking back now, I realise that the first gift TFH gave me was the fulfilment of childhood dreams.

As a child, I often saw advertisements for KFC and Swensen’s on television, but my family could never afford such things. At TFH, I finally had the chance to enjoy them on special occasions. Before joining TFH, I had never celebrated my birthday even once. But at TFH, every boy was celebrated. No child ever missed the joy of blowing out candles on his own birthday cake.

I was also able to play with toys, something my parents could never provide. I still remember a lady from Singapore who gave me a stuffed toy when I was nine years old. Even today, that toy remains in my room as a reminder of love and kindness shown to me.

Yet the greatest gift TFH gave me was not material. It was a life rooted in God.

At TFH, we learnt to spend time with God every morning through personal devotions. In the evenings, we worshipped together, read the Bible, and prayed. Sundays were devoted to serving in church. As I grew older, my relationship with God deepened. I learnt to recognise His voice and experienced His guidance through many decisions in life. More and more, I realised that the One who had always been caring for me was God Himself. He raised me with love.

TFH and the Student Sponsorship Scheme (SSS) programme also opened doors for my education. I was able to study in one of the top schools in Chiang Mai and learnt important life skills such as responsibility, discipline, and serving others. Honestly, I believe that without TFH, I would not have the understanding and opportunities I have today.

SSS and TFH changed the life of one Shan child. Childhood dreams were fulfilled. My walk with Christ was nurtured from a young age. I received better educational opportunities, improved healthcare, and a better quality of life.

Today, I serve full-time at Mittaphab Methodist Church (MPMC), and there are two main reasons why I chose this path.

The first is my burden for the worship ministry. I believe God has called me to use the gifts He has given me to serve Him and His people.

The second reason comes from my own experience of God’s faithfulness. Through many moments in life, God has shown me that when we choose to serve Him, we will never truly lack what we need.

One of the clearest examples happened before I entered university. I wanted to study English in the Faculty of Humanities, but there was one major obstacle: I did not yet have Thai citizenship, and the programme accepted only students with a Thai ID card.

At that time, I had already spent five years unsuccessfully applying for citizenship. I felt discouraged and hopeless. Yet I prayed and told God, “If this is Your will, please grant me Thai citizenship.”

During the same season, while sitting for my university entrance examinations, I received the news that my citizenship had finally been approved. Suddenly, the door that once seemed impossible was opened.

I studied hard with support from TFH, attended extra classes, and waited anxiously for the university results. When I finally saw my name on the acceptance list, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Another unforgettable experience came during my second year of university. At that time, I rode a motorcycle that was more than ten years old. Blue smoke poured from the exhaust, the seat was torn, and whenever it rained, water soaked through to my trousers. Sometimes I had to place a raincoat over the seat just to stay dry.

I never told anyone that I wished for a new motorcycle. Deep down, I assumed it was impossible. Most of my support came from TFH and small part-time jobs, and I thought it would take many years to save enough money.

Then, during New Year celebrations at TFH, everyone received an ang pow from our sponsor. But instead of an ang pow, I received a note. Confused, I read it carefully.

The note said that I would receive support specifically to purchase a brand-new motorcycle.

I burst into tears immediately.

At that moment, I was reminded that God knows even the unspoken needs of our hearts. He provides before we even ask. Since then, I no longer worry the way I used to. Whenever I face financial difficulties or uncertainty, I simply pray, “Lord, please take care of me,” and I continue serving Him faithfully.

Many people have told me that with an English degree, I could pursue a more stable career with a higher income. For a while, I wrestled with anxiety about my future. But as I prayed, God gave me peace.

I firmly believe that serving God will never lead to lack. He faithfully watches over my life and continues to guide my path. Even when ministry becomes difficult and tiring, I know that God has a greater purpose for me. Because of this, I choose not to retreat in fear, but to move forward with peace and confidence in Him.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

(Matthew 6:33, ESV)