History
Young people wanted to leave their villages and study at high-school in the town, so in 1998 we opened a student hostel. Since we first opened the hostel, we have had 20 boys finish high school, with more than half of them going on to further education. Several are involved in ministry in Stung Treng or in other parts of the country. Due to the good fruit seen in this ministry, we have expanded the number of students from the original 5 or 6 boys at a time, to the current 16, who are now all believers and serving the church in practical ways.
A 17-year-old’s Story
“Thanks to YWAM for this hostel. It has helped me continue my high school, since at my village there is no high school. While I have lived here I have learned a lot of things for my life such as how to get along with others, how to work in groups, how to love one another, especially how I can learn about God. Moreover, I also have time to learn other things such as English, computer, music, and Thai language. So thanks again.”
$30/Month
All of the current residents, except one, are from farming families, who live in a mostly “hand-to-mouth” economy, working hard to make it from one rice harvest to the next.
Families who send their sons to live in the hostel are asked to supply 15 kilos of rice a month, money for food, and also pay for extra studies (a standard requirement to get through high school). This adds up to about $30 a month which is beyond the means of most of them to do on a regular basis.
Other gifts are needed to fill the gaps.
Another 17-year-old says,
“Thanks to the Student Hostel for providing a good place for me to stay to continue my studies at the high school. My parents didn’t have enough money to help me attend school. I use to live at the pagoda (temple), but I found being here has helped me a lot in my studies… I have learned many good things for my life, especially about Jesus and His word. Here I can know God more and feel more love from him. Thank you!”