Journal from Lea, Tuberculosis Project Manager
Kanchanaburi has a large number of migrants groups from various ethnic backgrounds. Some of these are now in their second generation yet have not been given Thai citizenship. A large number have crossed in to Thailand from Burma, either legally or illegally, and work as housemaids or in factories. In Sangklaburi, the majority of the population is ethnic Karen, Mon and Burmese migrants.
The incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) has increased among migrants groups over the last 2 years. Thanks to the work of Non-government organization groups, these new migrants receive quicker health services and treatment. The majority of these patients are of working age, which contrasts with Thai TB patients, who are mostly elderly.
From the beginning, the organization which works with the TB - RAM project in Kanchanaburi has clearly explained the objectives, goals and strategies to the head of Department and government officials responsible for the TB - RAM project and this ensures ongoing coordination.
From its inception until the present time, TB - RAM has effectively diagnosed and treated migrants with TB, thus preventing the spread of disease and protecting the local population.
What could be more fulfilling then than knowing that you have touched people’s lives through your own little way of helping and serving them?
A word from one of our TB patients:
My name is Chart. I’m a 56 year old man from Burma. I was a fourth grade teacher in Burma and became a student leader before I was forced to flee to Thailand in 1988 due to the political situation. I ended up in Saiyok and worked in construction and as a farmer. I worked very hard but my salary was still less than the other workers because I had no ID or work permit to be in Thailand.
On March 4, 2010 I came to the Kwai River Christian Hospital (KRCH) because I was feeling very sick. I’d been sick for some time and could not work because of this fever, my poor appetite, and weight loss. When I arrived at in the Out Patient Department I was semi conscious with a high fever and was very weak. The doctor examined me and screened me for TB. When I was diagnosed with TB I cried and did not know what to do.
The staff at KRCH helped me by giving me food and medication to take and also prayed for me. I was very grateful to the hospital staff for this. After 2 weeks, when I was a little bit better, I was moved to the TB house outside the hospital where they have a weekly worship service and Bible study. I learned so much and it changed my life! I used to drink liquor and smoke, but now I know that’s not good for my health. And it wastes money, so I’ve decided not to drink and smoke anymore.
Now I’m cured and I want to help patients who are sick like I used to be. My experience here at KRCH helped me change my life. I learned so much from the hospital staff about hygiene, awareness of TB and the word of God. I think the TB project for Migrants was so good because it helped me and other migrants to live and changed us to a new person.
I really want to thank the project and the staff that helped me and other migrants in so many ways. I will tell my friends and others about the TB project at KRCH. So with the help of God, if I’m able, I will plan to help others who need help, the same as the staff helped me when I was sick.
Prayer Request:
• Pray that we continue to know God’s leading in what we should be doing
• Pray that we find creative ways to meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patients and those whom we are working with
• Please pray for wisdom and strength in facing challenges in our ministry
• Pray for supernatural protection and provision in every area of our ministry
• For our health as we continue to serve, our staff and also our family
Kanchanaburi has a large number of migrants groups from various ethnic backgrounds. Some of these are now in their second generation yet have not been given Thai citizenship. A large number have crossed in to Thailand from Burma, either legally or illegally, and work as housemaids or in factories. In Sangklaburi, the majority of the population is ethnic Karen, Mon and Burmese migrants.
The incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) has increased among migrants groups over the last 2 years. Thanks to the work of Non-government organization groups, these new migrants receive quicker health services and treatment. The majority of these patients are of working age, which contrasts with Thai TB patients, who are mostly elderly.
From the beginning, the organization which works with the TB - RAM project in Kanchanaburi has clearly explained the objectives, goals and strategies to the head of Department and government officials responsible for the TB - RAM project and this ensures ongoing coordination.
From its inception until the present time, TB - RAM has effectively diagnosed and treated migrants with TB, thus preventing the spread of disease and protecting the local population.
What could be more fulfilling then than knowing that you have touched people’s lives through your own little way of helping and serving them?
A word from one of our TB patients:
My name is Chart. I’m a 56 year old man from Burma. I was a fourth grade teacher in Burma and became a student leader before I was forced to flee to Thailand in 1988 due to the political situation. I ended up in Saiyok and worked in construction and as a farmer. I worked very hard but my salary was still less than the other workers because I had no ID or work permit to be in Thailand.
On March 4, 2010 I came to the Kwai River Christian Hospital (KRCH) because I was feeling very sick. I’d been sick for some time and could not work because of this fever, my poor appetite, and weight loss. When I arrived at in the Out Patient Department I was semi conscious with a high fever and was very weak. The doctor examined me and screened me for TB. When I was diagnosed with TB I cried and did not know what to do.
The staff at KRCH helped me by giving me food and medication to take and also prayed for me. I was very grateful to the hospital staff for this. After 2 weeks, when I was a little bit better, I was moved to the TB house outside the hospital where they have a weekly worship service and Bible study. I learned so much and it changed my life! I used to drink liquor and smoke, but now I know that’s not good for my health. And it wastes money, so I’ve decided not to drink and smoke anymore.
Now I’m cured and I want to help patients who are sick like I used to be. My experience here at KRCH helped me change my life. I learned so much from the hospital staff about hygiene, awareness of TB and the word of God. I think the TB project for Migrants was so good because it helped me and other migrants to live and changed us to a new person.
I really want to thank the project and the staff that helped me and other migrants in so many ways. I will tell my friends and others about the TB project at KRCH. So with the help of God, if I’m able, I will plan to help others who need help, the same as the staff helped me when I was sick.
Prayer Request:
• Pray that we continue to know God’s leading in what we should be doing
• Pray that we find creative ways to meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patients and those whom we are working with
• Please pray for wisdom and strength in facing challenges in our ministry
• Pray for supernatural protection and provision in every area of our ministry
• For our health as we continue to serve, our staff and also our family