Before coming to Abba House, our expectation had been that we would be working with young women coming out of the sex trade. When we arrived, we quickly realized that this was not the case. Instead, a significant amount of our time has been spent working with men!
The men that we have been working with are from New Life and Freedom Christian Center (FCC). The men in New Life have come out of drug rehab or off of the streets, while those in FCC have come out of prison. They all live together in a house and are discipled by Pastor Ed. The guys are usually in the program for about a year, until they are firmer in their faith and have found jobs. These men have rough backgrounds but have made major changes in their lives.
Most of them are former drug users and even sold drugs to other people. Others were involved in stealing and used to get in lots of fights. One of them was even a murderer and spent 13 years in prison. Many of these men also used to be involved in prostitution. In their desperation to get money for food or drugs, they sold their bodies in downtown Chiang Mai.
But now their lives have been transformed by Jesus! From Monday to Friday, these men come to Abba House and work around the property during the morning. Our team spent the afternoons sharing Bible lessons, worshipping together, and teaching English to them. We also got to be with them in many other settings: celebrating Christmas together, going to church services, helping at a home for children with disabilities, and even serving with them in a northern Thai village for a weekend.
When we see these men now, it’s difficult for us to imagine them as drug addicts, prostitutes, or murderers. Their lives are totally changed and they are some of the most genuine and loving people we’ve ever met. They love to serve others and are incredibly generous, often giving us presents or buying fruit or ice cream for us. These men are so gentle and caring with the Abba House kids and are such amazing examples to them. They are passionate about Jesus and they actively share the gospel with their family and friends. They are prayer warriors and they know how much they need Jesus.
Our team has been so blessed by these great men of God. We did not expect to be working so closely with them, but we are so glad that we did. They taught us so much about what it really means to serve and love others.
-Katie Born
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