Thailand flood toll tops 600

Baan Sang Khom Childcare Center

Thailand (MNN) ― Thailand is still experiencing flooding in the Bangkok area. The death toll tops 600, and damages are estimated around $10 billion dollars.

According to government reports, 18 provinces are still underwater, including the capital: Bangkok. Waters are receding in 46 other provinces. However, early indicators are that more than 13 million people (or one in five Thais) have been affected.

Tens of thousands of businesses were damaged, putting over a million of employees at the risk of losing their jobs. Nearly a quarter of the crops were also waterlogged.   

AMG Thailand last week reported that they had escaped the high waters. But workers say the Baan Sang Khom Childcare Center has since been flooded. The project is in the middle of the slum. Center director Pramwadee says both the center and the church are located near the sea, so the height of the flooding is determined by sea level.

Unfortunately, that means the streets around the church areas--including the neighboring communities and many of the children's home--are flooded. 

In the wake of evacuation, parents in the area have sent their children to family in less flood-prone areas, especially since the government announced the schools in the flooded areas will remain closed until the waters recede and the land dries out.

AMG has a sponsorship program for 25-30 children at the center where the children get a meal and homework support. On weekends, there is Bible teaching and singing. All the parents are invited on special occasions such as Christmas. Right now, things have been disrupted in the scatter.

To help flood victims, AMG put together survivor packs including rice, noodles, canned fish, oil, fish sauce, tissue, and snacks, which are delivered by local church members.

Pray that many hearts will be softened, and that many people will learn to trust God. Pray too that the ministry will resume soon.

Thailand floods could last into new year

AMG Thailand getting relief
 supplies ready.

Thailand (MNN) ― While the floodwaters in Thailand are finally receding, the Prime Minister warns that the high water may last until next year.

Government reports indicate that the death toll of Thailand's worst flooding in at least five decades was 564. People are slowly coming back after a mandatory evacuation hit 1/3 of Bangkok's districts. The rains put 700,000 people out of work and caused billions in damage.

Thailand has seen about 3.8 million acres of farmland inundated, forcing the government to cut its estimate for this year's main crop by 24%. This week, the United States announced a $10 million aid package to help get the country back on its feet.

The disaster has hit many ministries in the region. AMG Thailandhas two childcare centers in central Thailand: Living Stream and Bright Home. While both stayed dry, survivors in the community need food, medicine, rain boots or similar shoes to protect their feet, and small flat-bottom boats for transportation.

AMG's missionary in Chiang Mai, Ron Hamme, says, "As for our child-care centers in Nan and Museekee (northern Thailand), they are NOT flooded. Earlier flooding in Nan did wipe out the electricity to Camp Joy and the Joy Youth Development Center for about two months, but they are again with power. "

AMG National Director in Thailand, Chowkee Zaw Min, lives in Bangkok and reports: "By the Grace of God, [at] this time, the office, our homes, and all of the AMG childcare centers ARE SAFE. However, the only childcare center in Bangkok (most of the AMG childcare centers in Thailand are in the mountains or highlands in Northern Thailand),  Baan Sang Khom (with 35 AMG-sponsored children), will probably be affected because it is near the sea."

Chowke has been in constant communication with the Baan Sang Khom project director. The ministry not only sent funds but also made plans for evacuation, temporary housing, and emergency supplies for the families." The team also bought several small boats for the center, so people can move around and get help from the government and others that are providing relief. 

The Thailand flooding provided yet another opportunity for AMG to share the compassion of Christ by meeting physical as well as spiritual needs in areas where AMG had already been working for years.

AMG is asking for funding help in order to continue to respond to these needs and to show the love of Christ to people who need recovery assistance.