Prija Had to Steal to Survive | An Update From Thailand
When Prija* was 4 years old, her father worked 14-hour shifts every day in a factory.
Her mother left the family when Prija was just 3 months old, so Prija had no one to care for her during this time.
As a 4-year-old on her own in Thailand, Prija never knew when her next meal was coming, and she rarely felt safe from danger.
Many of her most basic needs she lacked, including food and safety.
For the next two years, Prija spent her days alone in a small, dark room. She was frequently afraid, having no one to turn to for safety and protection. When she ventured outside, she was bullied and physically abused by the other kids in her community. Unlike them, Prija was born in Cambodia, so she didn’t have the legal documents to be able to attend school in Thailand.
Top: Prija on campus in Thailand.
Prija’s father gave her the equivalent of $1.37 every two days, but it was never enough to pay for food. When the money ran out, Prija resorted to stealing to keep herself from starving. She recounts—
“In my community, I became known as a thief without a mother who couldn’t attend school.”
But God wrote a different identity into Prija’s story: His child whom He loves.
One Christmas, our team in Thailand traveled to Prija’s community where they distributed gifts to children in need. Joseph, a student leader on our team, met Prija and saw her need. He invited her to live at our ministry site.
Now, Prija is 13 years old and has been living at Lifesong Thailand for over 7 years. There, she receives holistic, Gospel-centered care from a team who sees, knows, and loves her, and all her needs are met.
Since she no longer has to provide for herself, she can enjoy building friendships for the first time in her life and pursuing hobbies, like playing basketball, drawing, and learning languages.
At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The second part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing holistic care to orphaned and vulnerable children so they don’t lack food, clothing, medical care, and shelter.
Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ
Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter
Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future
Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living
By God’s grace,
Prija has chosen to participate in the same kind of outreach activities that introduced her to Lifesong. She seeks to help children like her have a second chance where all of their needs—physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional—are well taken care of.
*name changed for protection
Pray for Thailand & Cambodia
- Praise God students in need of Visas have been able to attain them to go to school.
- Pray for students and teachers during the start of the school year in April.
- Praise God that our ministry has now been recognized as a legal foundation in Thailand.
- Praise God for the joyful sounds of children singing and Bible studies happening on campus.
- Pray that more children like Prija could be reached with the Gospel so that they can know God’s love.
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Will you help orphans in Thailand & Cambodia experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.