CMO Declaring God's Glory among the Lahu & Shan People Groups
Abel & Ruth Sairattanyu
The Lahu Church Ministry is under the leadership of Abel and Ruth Sairathanyu. Abel and Ruth's ministry is to reach out and spread the Gospel to the Lahu people of northern Thailand.
The Sairathanyu family is a long time friend to the Filbecks and Lanna Theological Center. Abel is a former teacher and a current board member for the Center. Abel is a Lahu himself, so he has a special love for this people group. For more than a decade they have been serving among the Lahu. They have now established seven Churches in seven villages. Ban Dek Suk Jai Youth Hostel
In recent years, Abel and Ruth have seen an increase in disadvantaged youth. Youth whose parents are drug addicts, or in single parent homes. Some come from families that live in extreme poverty, or simply young people who live in remote areas. They are often denied the opportunity to attend schools, receive medical care, or proper nutrition.
After seeing this situation and after much prayer, they decided that they needed to do something to help. So in 2003, construction was started on Ban Dek Suk Jai Youth Hostel, translated as Happy Heart Youth Hostel in English. Ban Dek Suk Jai Youth Hostel is a place where school age young people can live during the school months to go to school. They receive an education and proper care and learn about God's love for them. Ban Dek Suk Jai Youth Hostel currently has 30 youth living there and attending school. |
Bringing the Gospel to a New People Group
Recently, the Sairatanyu's ministry extended out to the Shan tribe. The Shan are an ethnic group which came to Thailand as refugees of the on-going war in Burma.
The Shan, like the Lahu have made the mountains their home living in villages like the Lahu. Nearly all Shans are strong Buddhists. But despite their strong beliefs in Buddhism, God has worked His miracles among these people.
The Shan, like the Lahu have made the mountains their home living in villages like the Lahu. Nearly all Shans are strong Buddhists. But despite their strong beliefs in Buddhism, God has worked His miracles among these people.
