 |
 -
Baan Op Un Jai |
 |
H.E.L.P.
International (Project L.I.F.E.)
|
 The
Thailand Development Research Institute estimated that there were
1.3 million drug addicts - heroin and others combined - in the country
of Thailand in 1995. The police reported that the number of drug
cases nationwide jumped from 86,603 in 1991, to 105,556 in 1994
(an increase of 22%). Because of the rapidly growing drug problem
the government spent 64 million US dollars on an anti-drug campaign
in 1996.
Now,
in the year 2001, they estimate 3 million amphetamine addicts in
the country. Of the 3 million, at least 60% of them are under the
age of 19.
The Shelter tries to meet these need by providing a family environment
for young men coming off drugs. Changing the habits of addiction
is a long term process, but The Shelter is determined to see these
young men set free from the curse of drugs.
We have been running a drug rehabilitation program in Bangkok for
6 years now, with all the ups and downs which are part of this kind
of ministry. For the first 2 years we had mainly heroin addicts
staying with us, but that has recently changed to amphetamin addicts
as well.
In order to run our drug rehabilitation program, we have rented
an appropriate house in Bangkok that has enough space for both workers
and residents. Not only does it have a large kitchen and meeting
room, but the compound around the house gives opportunity to involve
the residents in a work programs as well.
The Team
Presently, we are a small team with only a few workers. We as
a couple (Rolf & Trujit pictured here on the right) are responsible
for the ministry. We also have several other people working alongside
of us as well.
Due to the size of the house, we are only able to take in 7 residences
at a time. Eventually we hope to see residents who have successfully
completed the program and who have demonstrated a commitment to
Jesus become co-workers with us in the program.
Future
Ministry Plans
Our
long term goal is to see Thai nationals take over this ministry,
and establish other drug rehabilitation centers across Thailand.
We also hope to see our people serve in other ways in the kingdom
of God, especially ministering to the poor and needy. We feel that
it is also important to be actively communicating with local churches
about the importance of practically assisting the poor and needy.
Staff
Needs
It is
possible to join us for a short term (some weeks) or long term .
But please take note: Drug addicts here do not speak English so
this can generate frustration for short term workers. For long term
workers it is absolutely necessary to study the Thai language, which
can take up to take years.
For
More Info Contact:
The Shelter
G.P.O. Box 12
Saphan Mai
Bangkok 10221
66-2
531 7845
Fax 66-2 531 7846
E-mail: helpthai@web.de
|
