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Saving Innocents: Ministries Reach Out to Children Touched by AIDS
July/August 2001 Family Voice
Eight-year-old Kim was born into a slum area of Thailand. His mother was a prostitute and drug abuser. His stepfather and others beat him. Then his mother contracted AIDS. With no one protecting him, Kim was the perfect target for sex traffickers, child labor bosses or organ harvesters—three evil “industries” running rampant in the Southeast Asian nation.
Then, a missionary took him to Im Jai House, an orphanage in the city of Chiang Mai housing 36 children whose parents have AIDS. The loving atmosphere was altogether new to Kim. He’d soon learn about the One Who saved him and would give him a future.
During a car ride with Im Jai Founder and Project Director Ladda Tipkunta, he asked, “Where is God?”
The Growing ProblemKim is one of nearly 13 million children worldwide orphaned because of AIDS. U.N. “experts” have praised Thailand—flooded with condoms and other contraceptives—for having “one of the most successful family-planning and AIDS prevention programs in the world,” reported the Chicago Tribune (May 9, 2001).
However, according to UNAIDS, annual Thai AIDS cases have jumped from 107 in 1990 to nearly 14,000 in 1999. Since HIV prevalence was first detected in Thailand in the late 1980s, 75,000 children have lost parents to AIDS. The situation is desperate, as child prostitution rings descend upon these young innocents, increasing the HIV/AIDS growth.
A Loving AnswerHaving worked with children for about 20 years, Ladda recognized the desperate need in her homeland and started Im Jai House in 1997. “Im Jai” means “full of love.” Ladda ensures every child experiences the love shown to her as a child. Her parents had leprosy, and a missionary ministered to her family. Ladda became a Christian and now shares the Gospel with needy children.
As a guest on “Beverly LaHaye Today,” Ladda recalled the time Kim asked her, “Where is God?”
“I asked God for wisdom on how to answer,” she said. “I said, ‘Kim, think about when you stayed in the slum area and when you came to Im Jai. Which place makes you think God is with you?’
“He replied, ‘Im Jai.’ He knows God is with him here.”
On Im Jai’s informational video, when asked what he wanted to do when he grew up, Kim replied, “I want to serve the Lord.” The far-reaching impact of Im Jai’s work will flower in future generations. The ministry caught a Concerned Women for America member’s attention halfway around the world.
Serving the Lord’s ServantDell Chalk had always felt called to missions. When she heard about the opportunity to visit Im Jai through her church in McLean, Virginia, she jumped at the chance. When she arrived, she saw how the Lord had prepared her for this moment.
“I could not have children,” said Dell. “When I went to Im Jai, I realized … the Lord had 36 waiting for me.”
Dell serves as Im Jai’s director for international relations, coordinating publicity and financial support from the United States. Her husband, Brad, helps with accounting services.
“When I saw the blind faith [Ladda] puts in the Lord,” said Dell on “Beverly LaHaye Today,” “I realized why I [went to Im Jai.] The Lord wanted me to be a servant to His servant.” And Im Jai’s work is multiplying His kingdom.
More Than SurvivalWhile many overseas ministries meet children’s basic needs, Im Jai House reaches further. “I want these children to become leaders [in] Thailand,” says Ladda. “I want my country to know Jesus Christ.”
Im Jai’s objectives fall into four areas:
- Spiritual—Teach children to know and love God and develop Godly morals. The children attend a Christian school and worship together.
- Social—Train children in proper conduct, develop concern and respect for the elderly, and compassion for the less fortunate. They visit the poor hill tribes, ministering to them through praise songs.
- Educational—Provide children education and training. The students receive lessons in English, music and computer, in addition to regular schooling.
- Health—Provide physical and dental checkups and counseling to deal with the death of parents.
Without Im Jai, these children would have to fend for themselves on the street. Much is needed to keep the ministry going.
Current NeedsBesides running Im Jai, Ladda works full time for Compassion International. Thus, 100 percent of all donations go straight to Im Jai. Because of its growth, Ladda would like to work exclusively with Im Jai.
And the orphanage’s current lease will expire soon. Building new facilities would cost under $500,000 in U.S. currency.
Volunteer opportunities, temporary and long-term, are available for anyone interested in donating their skills in teaching English, computer or music, caring for children, or fulfilling administrative duties. Also, Im Jai is licensed to care for 80 children. With child sponsors, that number can become possible.
Pay It ForwardIn the film “Pay It Forward,” a student embarks on a project. He surmises if he does good deeds for others who also help others, and so on, the good will multiply greatly.
“Because Ladda had a Christian sponsor, she became a Christian,” explained Dell. “Now look at the children she is helping. When you take that [number], plus their future spouses and children and people to whom they witness, it leaves a legacy for the Lord.”
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Sidebars: Out of Africa AIDS in America |
- Im Jai House
Dell Chalk, International Relations
10497 Dunn Meadow Road
Vienna, VA 22182
703 757-6154 phone
703 757-1212 fax
E-mail: chalkd@aol.com
More from July/August 2001 Family Voice
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Concerned Women for America 1015 Fifteenth St. N.W., Suite 1100 Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 488-7000 Fax: (202) 488-0806 |
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