written by Susan Chalkias, Director of Operations & Founder of Seeds of Hope Children’s Ministry
I love how God makes the impossible possible. I made a trip to Zambia in November 2020 and upon my return I needed to quarantine for 14 days. I thought, by day 10, I was going to go crazy. I am not used to staying still for so long. In my mind, I knew that I had nothing to complain about. I asked God to forgive my ingratitude; after all I was quarantining in a 3000-sqaure foot home with all the modern conveniences and a fridge full of food.
Fast forward to March 2021 and I am off to Thailand with Bonnie (our Rays of Hope Manager). This trip will require a total of 13 covid tests and 28 days of quarantine: 14 days in a hotel on arrival in Thailand and 14 days upon our return home to Canada. The question I battled with was, ‘Can I mentally do this?’ My previous conversation with God came to my mind and I realized how blessed I am. Of course I can do this! I booked plane tickets, did the mounds of paperwork needed, had the first covid test done and off to Thailand we went.
Let me backtrack to give you some history. In 2019 after admitting a young boy who had been rescued from trafficking to Rays of Hope our hearts were horrified to think there were so many other children out there like him and we realized that there was a great need in Thailand. Knowing we had enough land to build on, we prayed and asked God if He wanted to use Seeds of Hope to meet this urgent need. We felt the Lord put on our hearts these words:
“We are anointed to proclaim freedom to the prisoners and release to the oppressed.” Luke 4:18 (paraphrased)
John and I made a trip in February 2020 and met with the police trafficking task force, social services and several organizations that work with trafficked children to see where Seeds of Hope could fit in. After our worst fears were confirmed, we began raising the funds to build two homes (one for girls and one for boys) and a kitchen eating area. We hired a builder and construction began. The homes needed furnishings and staff before we could admit children. This was the purpose of our trip: To hire staff and prepare the homes for occupancy.
Top of my list was to hire a Thai manager. I had 5 qualifications that were a must:
- Must speak English fluently
- Must have accounting experience
- Must have managerial experience
- Must be a Christian
- Must drive
I was told right away that this would be impossible, and that I was asking too much! One thing I have learned from ministry is that if it is the will of God…. God will show up. He always brings the right person at the right time. I put an ad in the local paper while I was in quarantine. A few people applied but one application really stood out to me. I set up an interview on my second day out of quarantine. We now have an amazing manager that not only filled, but surpassed, the qualifications I was looking for. I was over the moon with excitement.
Furnishing the homes was next. My long time friend, Avis, who lives in Thailand was an incredible blessing. She took us to all the right places. It didn’t take long to gather what we needed and set things up. The houses soon started to look like homes.
Third on my to do list was to hire house parents. Again, the qualifications I had in my mind sounds reasonable. A few things on my list were:
- English speaking
- God fearing
- Educated
- Loving and compassionate
- Has driver’s license
Again, God showed up and surpassed my expectations. We hired amazing house parents who love God, are involved in leadership of their church, have a university degree, drive and best of all they love children. Oh and did I mention the house mom loves to cook and sews?! She made all the bedroom curtains in both homes. Within a week they had bonded with the kids already living at Rays of Hope and were a family!
Fourth and Fifth on my to do list was to hire a part time nurse and social worker. Check and check.
Sixth and Seventh on my list were to buy a minivan and find a Christian school. As our children have experienced trauma, we believe only Jesus can heal their hearts and minds. Christian education is a must. We found a Christian school and bought a minivan!
Everything was coming together. Long 12-hour days were paying off. Even though I went to bed exhausted each night, I closed my eyes with absolutely no stress and no worries. God was showing up and answering prayers every day.
Almost 8 weeks from departure, we returned home. We left the builders clearing land for the playground (which has been purchased but needs yet to be shipped) installing a fence.
We are excited to see what God is going to do next as we prayerfully await welcoming 5 children before the end of May!