05/24/2026
A Door Reopened, A Future Restored
After more than a year of silence, the doors have reopened in Tây Ninh for our education program. What was once paused is now alive again, as 86 children gathered with excitement on the very first day back. It was a moment filled with gratitude, knowing that God had made a way for this work to begin again. This program was started back in 2018-2019 and has been off and on as the government allows
As the children arrived, our THOH staff took time to learn more about each one, creating a list and asking about their lives and education. There was encouraging news. Around 35 children are now attending government school, even if they began later than expected. But many others have dropped out completely. When asked what they do at home, most shared that they spend their days playing, while a few help their families by selling lottery tickets or assisting with fishing. These conversations revealed both progress and great need.
The team was especially encouraged to welcome back Lan Anh, a volunteer teacher who had previously served with them. In the morning, she focused on reading and writing, patiently guiding the children through basic skills. She also led a discussion about the four seasons, inviting each child to share which one they liked most. The room quickly filled with excitement as the children participated, even though many struggled with slow reading and frequent spelling mistakes. Still, their willingness to engage showed a growing desire to learn.
In the afternoon, Nguyen shifted the focus to a Bible lesson about building a house on the rock or on the sand. Knowing that many of the children often struggle with fighting and using harmful words, this message was especially important. Recently, Pastor Bình had provided Bibles to some of the children, making it the perfect time to help them understand how God’s Word can shape their lives.
The children watched a video of Jesus teaching His disciples about obedience and forgiveness. Afterward, they played an interactive game using real-life situations, helping them recognize what it looks like to build on a strong foundation versus a weak one. Through this, they began to understand the difference between wise and foolish choices. It was clear that the lesson connected with them, and there is hope that God will continue to transform their hearts through His Word.
Throughout the day, the children also memorized two key verses, one from Proverbs and one from Psalms, learning that true wisdom comes from the Lord and that His Word is a guiding light for their path. They joyfully practiced singing “My Wonderful Light” and ended the day with a craft, creating small Bible booklets to take home as a reminder of what they had learned.
As the ministry continues to grow, there are also practical needs. The current tables at the church are too high, heavy, and unstable, creating challenges and potential safety concerns. To better serve the children, the team is planning to provide around 40 small plastic tables, creating a safer and more effective learning environment for them.
Moving forward, the classes will continue twice a month on Saturdays. What has begun again in Tây Ninh is more than just a program reopening. It is a fresh opportunity to invest in these children, to guide them in both education and faith, and to build a foundation in their lives that will stand firm for years to come.