Servantworks Thailand
The Well Bangkok is a working model for practicing the way of Jesus in order to transform people and communities.
WhAT IS A WORKING MODEL?
Practicing the Way of Jesus
Our work in Thailand centers on a small community of learning leaders and a group of ministry projects called The Well.
The Well aims to foster holistic transformation for high-risk people and communities in Bangkok, Thailand. It is also a working model for serving others in the way of Jesus.
We hope the lessons we learn and the experiences we share can be useful both in Thailand and to people everywhere who want to live, love, and serve as Jesus did.
Being a working model means:
We experiment.
We research and try new approaches, projects, and methods. We start, iterate, learn, and keep going.
We make mistakes.
We acknowledge that mistakes are how we learn. Rather than hide our errors, we attempt to be as transparent and humble as possible.
We think about success differently.
We measure our work by how both our team and the people we serve are all developing and growing.
We honor our values.
While we might adjust, pivot—or even quit a project altogether— we keep our values consistent.
Why Bangkok?
Trafficking is the tip of the iceberg.
Bangkok, Thailand is well known for its huge sex industry. Yet the engine driving this systematic exploitation is not shady trafficking rings, but cycles of abuse. Broken families raise damaged people.
Contrary to the story of the young girl lured away by a trafficker, many young women slide into prostitution very gradually.
The causes are complex. All too often, the stories we hear from people who have been exploited include intense family pressure, violent abuse, economic hardship and debt, and drug addictions.
The lesson: Over the years, we’ve learned that quick solutions like rescue don’t lead to lasting change.
Our approach: Servantworks Thailand prioritizes deep investment in long-term health. Our projects aim to both help individuals AND build healthy communities. Healthy people create healthy communities; healthy communities create healthy people.
WhAT IS A WORKING MODEL?
People-First Projects
We need a deep, holistic approach to get to the bottom of an entrenched system and love the wonderful people stuck in it.
Instead of building programs and trying to find people, we start with the people. Our goal is to connect, provide safety and space for healing, and then mentor and develop leaders who can do the same for others.
Our strategy in Thailand is summarized in three words: REACH, TEACH, and SEND.
Reach
We prioritize developing long-term relationships, especially with those in need.
Teach
We seek to mentor Thai leaders and focus on both their healing and their development.
Send
We build connections in the community, and encourage Thai leaders to do the same.
Who We Serve
The People
We seek to help people exit abusive and exploitative situations . . .
. . . and to develop healthy communities where abuse and exploitation won’t thrive.
Key Focus Groups
Moms & Children
Working-class Bangkok mothers are often single or virtually single, and usually working multiple jobs and finding income in creative ways. Stress, exhaustion, and burn-out are common, which can result in fractured families, neglect, and abuse.
Teens
Teens are often unparented and are poorly supervised. Secondary schooling is not engaging; drop outs are high. Experimentation with sex, pimping, and drugs is common, and social media fuels these toxic patterns. Healthy, caring adults are rare.
Women with Chronic Needs
Older women living with chronic physical and mental health conditions can fall through the cracks. For many, a life of trauma has taken a toll and they suffer from multiple conditions. They may live and work on the streets.
Future Leaders
Promising teenagers and young adults often need practical help to finish their secondary education or to go to university. We not only provide assistance help with financial needs, but also mentorship and coaching.
How we serve
The Projects
Community Development
On Nut Neighborhood
On Nut (Ohn Noot) is a diverse and busy neighborhood, home to many working-class Thai people. Our Connect Center is on the main drag.
Example Projects in On Nut
- One Glass of Water church plant
- Connect Community Center and coffee shop.
- Saturday Youth Program to provide teens and young adults with fun enrichment classes
Compassionate Care
Chinatown Streets
A 4-6 block area in Bangkok’s Chinatown is notorious for its long history of night workers. Many homeless live and work on the streets.
Example Projects in Chinatown
- Street outreach to sex workers, homeless teens, and others.
- Home visits to build relationships and share a meal.
- Special events to love and honor these women, like our annual Christmas party.
Resources and Referrals
Soi 84/86 Recycling Slum
Often called “slums,” these large communities of recyclers are just off the main On Nut road and are home to some of the poorest in Bangkok.
Example Projects in On Nut
- Networking with Thai churches to provide tangible aid.
- Connecting Christian medical volunteers with operating community clinic events.
- Supporting a Thai church sponsored school for migrant kids.
Since we operate The Well as a “working model,” our team adjusts our projects and frequently tries new things. For a regular glimpse into our latest projects and activities, subscribe to our newsletter.
Support The Well
Our ultimate hope is that the main work of The Well will be supported by Thai people. At this time, the majority of our funding to do this work comes from people like you.
Please consider making a financial gift to help us continue and sustain this work.