Little Sheep Childcare Centre started with two main purposes. First, to use education as a way to alleviate poverty by instilling discipline in academics and character. Second, to instil good Christian life values and habits, and reach out to their parents and friends.
Our ministry has grown steadily from the initial two to three children in 2019 to the current 10 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the hardworking teachers, the childcare centre generated much interest among the parents via word of mouth and recommendation. Indeed, God is good and nothing (even the pandemic) could stop His hand from building and growing this ministry.
After running many rounds of monthly parenting disciple group, we had a Parenting Dialogue in February via Zoom with the Thai parents of the childcare centre. We were humbled, honoured, and privileged as many parents responded positively and shared openly. Who are we that they shared their parenthood struggles across nations with someone whom they had not met before? Some shed tears of struggles; some thanked us for supporting them in the difficult journey of parenting and grandparenting.
One grandmother shared her struggles on bringing up her grandson. He does not have a father, and his mother does not care for him nor their daily living expenses. The grandmother would cry in church and worry over the grandson. Through our church and childcare centre, we provided counselling, education, and support for the grandmother and her grandson for the last three years. Through this journey, the grandmother became a believer, the grandson was baptised two years ago, and he is now preparing to enter primary school. We are thankful to journey with them although they are still facing other struggles.
Another single mother also shared struggles with us. She is a new believer and her son is in our childcare centre. We are thankful for the good relationship from the start and the opportunities to meet for lunch and teach her English. We are thankful to be God’s vessels to give advice on parenting her young child with our own parenting experience and to even offer prayers and counsel over phone calls.
Although we are now distances apart and there is no physical presence, God is still able to use us to reach out to those who are broken-hearted and in need. Please pray with us as we desire to bridge the gap – by being physically present with them. Jesus Himself…
‘… went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”’ (Matthew 9:35-37, NIV)
Dear Phyllis, I remembered reading and I thought I had commented on your post too. However, I realized it is missing. Anyway, here is a short note to encourage you in your service at KK. I also appreciated the conversations over lunch before your return. Keep up your great spirit of service, Warmest regards to your hubby Vincent, children and all serving at KK. Have a Blessed Year ahead. Shalom.