"Me? A soccer coach?" Pastor Gloh chuckled to himself as he recalled his feeble gait and weak legs. He was one of many victims of poliomyelitis, the notorious viral infection that had paralyzed millions of children around the world, and was only eradicated from...
Years ago in rural northern Thailand, a couple made a commitment that changed the trajectory of an entire village’s future. This couple had encountered the God who created those mountains they saw in the distance, and they dedicated their lives to make Him known to...
Growing up in a nation that has deep roots in religious tradition, Thai men will commonly spend a portion of their youth or young adulthood as Buddhist monks. Their time dedicated to the temple can range from days to years, though few make a lifelong commitment....
We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10 Tom is a man in Thailand who believes and follows Jesus, and feels the passion of the Messiah for little children to come to Him. He has seen...
The Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, adorns Southeast Asia with rich beauty and expresses a blend of traditions both ancient and modern. More than 88% of the population practice Buddhism, often intertwined with ancestral worship and animistic beliefs....
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that...
“Oh no. The church has sent the wrong person.” It was the first thought to run through the trainer’s mind. “This man cannot do anything for Christ.” He looked like a thug! He did not know how to speak or behave in a church context, and his story revealed his...
There is a conspiracy. You have always been pursued. Sports Friends coaches in Southeast Asia know that God is always moving, stirring in hearts that long for truth, freedom, hope, and honor. They know He works in both the most obvious and in the most obscure places,...
Open Doors, an organization that advocates for persecuted Christians around the world, reports about these nations we love in Southeast Asia: Converts to Christianity face the most severe forms of Christian persecution. Abandoning Buddhism or tribal animist beliefs is...
What is your role with Sports Friends? I am the Sports Friends Thailand Admin and Finance Manager. What is your favorite sport? Swimming. What is your favorite Bible verse? John 13:34: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must...
“They struggle with internet addiction. Gambling. Alcohol. The kids learn from their parents and teachers to drink to gain social standing and have more friends. So kids don’t go to school, they go to the liquor shop. They have drug problems and steal to get money for...
What is your role with Sports Friends? Administrative Assistant, Sports Friends Thailand. What is your favorite sport? To watch - futbol or football. To play - is dance a sport? I did ballet, jazz, and tap until I was in college. What is your favorite Bible...
We recently held a Basic Training to equip new coaches in Thailand. Meet four of our participants who are now trained and ready to take the gospel to the young people in their communities through sports ministry: Coach Koy Coach Koy holding up her coaching philosophy....
…let me provide some background first. Every morning, just before dawn, Buddhist Monks leave the temple to go out into the community and local markets to collect alms (rice dishes, curries, money, etc.) from local Buddhists. The act of offering alms is a way...
What is your favorite sport? Soccer!!! What’s your favorite Bible verse? 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness...” This verse is a huge part of how I ended up in Thailand. I knew that I...
After a nail-biting four hour journey along the winding mountain roads of northern Thailand, we finally pull up outside the house. We’re met by Coach Sathit, his family, 12 new-born puppies, and a whole host of chickens. The kettle is boiled ready for coffee, and we...
The Esan region of northeast Thailand is often described as one of the hardest places to do ministry in Thailand. Christians are few and far between, Buddhism is strong, and drug addiction is widespread. Although there are some church-planters in the region, the sheer...
Sports Friends currently has over 80 full-time missionaries and staff around the world. Get to know our newest national staff member, Pete, who is serving in Thailand. What is your role with Sports Friends? Sports Ministry Trainer and Coordinator What is...
By Denise Poon, SIM Thailand “It touched my heart,” PbeeMai says. It’s one of his constant refrains, and when he says it, he puts his hand to his heart in a slightly dramatic fashion and smiles, shaking his head and making a face as if he’s really touched or just...
On this month’s edition of Meet the Team, we’d like to introduce you to Maneenoot aka Noot! What is your role with Sports Friends? Administration, Finance, and Camp Programs Coordinator. Favorite sport: My favorite sports is Volleyball. Favorite Bible verse: "In...
By Denise Poon, Thailand Aof had gone to church for many Sundays and had said many “Amens” to the prayers people had prayed for her – but nothing really worked until she challenged God herself. “Aof, God has chosen you. I want you to open your heart and mind and...
By Anna Baker, short-term volunteer from Australia Last month, a group of about 30 key volunteer coaches from across Thailand, all trained by Sports Friends, joined together for several days of pre-season training up in the mountains. In sports, pre-season training...
By Bec Oakley, SF Thailand Recently we have been part of the Sports Friends training team for two very different trainings. A few weeks back we travelled through the mountains to a small Karen village outside of Mae Sot, near the border with Myanmar. There were...
By Jessica Peroyea, SF Thailand Gods’ love speaks all languages. It is amazing that two groups of women coming from completely different languages and cultures can meet together and learn from one another. This is what happened at our recent Thai Women’s coaches...