Andrew recently visited the Assembly Office of the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) to become acquainted with the new National Executive.
According to our archival records, our offi cial relationship with the CCT started when the Rev Don Duncan visited church offi cials in Chiang Mai in early 1974. Since then there have been countless expressions of friendship. The majority have been outside this formal relationship through a variety of personal contacts and mission agency initiatives. From an of- ficial Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand perspective, our relationship with the CCT has been characterised by the amazing ministry undertaken by Kathryn McDaniel, who started work at Payap University in June 1974.
I think it would be true to say that Thailand holds much interest for New Zealanders and I raised this concept of popularity as a destination at the lunch. Rev Sinturong Pannavalee, the Director of Education, explained it like this: "we Thai are very welcoming people. Often the only time we say ‘no’ is when it is too late and we are already in trouble".
This sentiment was also expressed when it came to the massive issue of child trafficking and sex slavery in Thailand. In 2003 the Royal Thai government passed legislation to protect all children. In response the CCT has established a new ministry initiative to ensure that all children are protected in the church and the community. This is a huge undertaking that involves writing policy, providing training and setting standards much like our Kids Friendly initiative does for us.
The CCT have invited us to help by providing funding for a staff member. I believe this is something we can do. Please contact me if you are would like further details.
By Andrew