Thailand

Presbyterian work officially began in Thailand in 1840. The PC(USA) now works in this country through mission personnel and partner church relationships, primarily the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT). Membership in the CCT is still a small portion of population, but it is growing appreciably. Challenges the church faces include growing membership in many small parishes unable to hire pastors, growing interreligious unrest, a continuing HIV/AIDs problem, environmental and conservation issues, tourism and white slave trade issues, and drugs. The church’s educational, health and social ministries are widely known and appreciated. Its special ministries include an HIV/AIDS hospice ministry along with other health ministries, drug rehabilitation, education through the Tertiary Level, youth ministries and urban ministries.

Mission emphases of the CCT are evangelism, HIV/AIDS, Mekong River Valley projects, a growing interest in mission to neighboring countries, and ministry to minority groups within Thailand. In addition to its traditional support of 30 schools and eight hospitals, the CCT carries on an AIDS support program both for those who have the disease and for their families. The women’s unit provides vocational training for young women as an alternative to prostitution. A new ministry being initiated in the Klong Toey area in Bangkok seeks to reach other marginalized and underprivileged persons.

The PC(USA) also joins the Christian community in Thailand in ministries that include children’s ministries, church construction/renovation, church development/redevelopment, community development, human rights advocacy, leadership development, ministry to refugees and immigrants, new church development, peace education and reconciliation, spiritual formation, theological education and women’s work.

The 2010 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, pp. 126, 128

May 5
May 7

Related Stories

January 2010 Letter from Carol and Leith Fujii
December 18, 2009 Letter from Carol and Leigh Fuji
December 17, 2009 Letter from Esther Wakeman and Rob Collins
October 2009 [Presbyterians Today] Mission calling / What makes some people willing to serve God anywhere?
October 13, 2009 Reaching others for Christ: Mission co-workers in Thailand work with theology students, prostitutes
April 20, 2009 Mission worker [Brett Faucett] combines passion for photography, HIV/AIDS work
December 1, 2008 Political violence adds to crisis
November 20, 2008  Request for prayer from the Church of Christ in Thailand
September 9, 2008 [ENI] Thai Christian leaders urge prayers during civil unrest
May 1, 2008  Thai Christian theater troupe brings gospel stories to life
January 2008 A Success story in Thailand — Originally a leprosy hospital, McKean Hospital still serves the community

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Thailand Mission Network

• For information contact David Hudson.

The Thailand Mission Network is among more than 25 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.