Project Shining Lights (Singapore Management University), Singapore (May 2012)
The Project Shining Lights team spent 10 days at CDC Baan Nam Khem. We organized 2 English Camps, a sports day event and did painting, mangrove planting and also setting-up 2 water tanks.
On behalf of the team, we would like to thank Jason and the rest of the CDC team who warmly welcomed us and treated us so hospitably during our stay there. They were always willing to drive us to 7-11 for our supper and would bring us to various parts of the village to take in the sights. We had great fun interacting with the teachers and students, who are a very fun bunch of people. We have never ever seen students who loved going to school so much!! We are very impressed by the work that Jason has faithfully done over the past few years and we would like to wish him All the Best and may God’s provision continue to guide Jason and the rest of the staff at CDC as they continue as “Shining Lights” to the community of Baan Nam Kem.
Wesley Chia, Singapore (who came back to serve in Jan 2012)
Thank you so much for having us over at CDC. It was so meaningful and each time I come I always learn something more. It has been a wonderful experience working with the teachers and you, with your unbridled hospitality, always bringing us around despite your hectic schedule. Not only have I learnt the importance of helping those in need in whatever way I can but I have also deepened my faith in God through your exemplary lifestyle. I look forward to coming to CDC again and will definitely bring more friends as it is definitely an experience worth sharing. Once again thank you so much for everything. God bless you and the CDC team for your work.
Volunteers from Bishan DG, Singapore (December 2011)
Our group of more than 30 went to CDC in Dec 2011 with different objectives / reasons and, doing a small part to participate in the lives of the children at CDC was a common goal. Many of us went away encouraged that God has brought people of different nationalities and backgrounds (Thais, Burmese and Singaporeans) together with a common purpose and to participate in His good work. We look forward to coming back to CDC again in end 2012.
Student Volunteers from Anglo Chinese Junior College, Singapore (June 2011)
This trip has been very memorable and has certainly opened our eyes and more importantly our hearts. Over the course of just three days, we have found companionship in these children who grew up thousands of miles apart from the coddled up environment of ours and were greatly moved by their radically different outlook of life. This visit has also liberated the inner childen within us who were suppressed by the flustering urban life. The entire experience was made even more unforgettable with Jason and the Burmese teachers who entertained and played alongside us with the children, obliterating all cultural barriers. It had been wonderful and immensely enriching. We definitely hope to return knowing that CDC’s doors will always remain open for us.
Haylee K VanCuren, USA (June 9-28, 2009)
I was apart of the work at the CDC for three weeks—one with High Street Baptist Church, where we helped Jason with a day camp in the local public school. The other two weeks, Erin Moon and I stayed at the CDC to get a better grasp of its ministry in Baan Nam Kem. During our stay we helped Sally with a tedious organizing project inside the CDC. Then in the afternoons we helped teach the After School Care program for the younger kids.
The CDC totally blessed my life. It amazed me how far-reaching its ministry to the village in Baan Nam Kem is. I can see short term success, in the lives of the children and people that the CDC directly touches. But mostly I see long term relationships with the community being built. I feel very blessed that God allowed me to come to the CDC for my first missons trip. It has definitely peaked my interest in missions, and there is no possible way that I can forget the experience—from sitting under Jason’s teaching on Saturday at church with ten other believers, to interacting with the children everyday and showing them Christ’s love—despite the language barrier.
Thank you again Jason, Poh Lai and Sally for welcoming me and making me feel as at home as possible. I’ve grown to love you guys, and I pray God will continue to bless you and your ministry in Baan Nam Kem.
Shawntel Robertson, USA (June 9-14, 2009)
I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to visit the beautiful country of Thailand. It was a total life changing experience that turned my world upside-down. I was always too stubborn for my own good to realize what God wanted for my life, but after visiting Baan Namkem, I feel God calling me to this wonderful country to be an English teacher … the one thing that I always said I would never be. I loved to see what God was doing with Jason and Pohlai, Sarah, and all of the CDC staff. I know God has many more amazing things planned for you. I thank your for allowing me to have this experience and work with all of you, it was such a blessing and I hope to return soon!
Sheila Chambers, USA (June 9-14, 2009)
Word can not even express how I feel about the people of Baan Namkem. My heart was touched and moved by the love of the people there. Seeing my daughter (who came on the trip as well) transformed into a young lady and see God working in her life while I was there was an experience that a parent longs for. It was amazing to see the work that Jason and Poh Lai, along with Sarah Kurian and the staff, are doing at the CDC. It was awesome to see God’s work. This missions trip has turned into life changing experience for me and my daughter. I feel blessed to have been able to be a part of visiting your ministry and helping out with the day camp. Thank You for the blessing! God Bless. (Italics added by administrator.)
Jeremy Sanbrooks, Canada (May 11 ~ Jun 5, 2009)
My experience in Baan Namkem was insightful, enriching, and encouraging. My main project was to develop thirteen weeks of school curriculum for the After School Care (ASC) program. Most of my days were spent working in the office and playing with and teaching the children, and my nights were either spent relaxing on the beautiful and pristine beach or going for runs around the village. I really enjoyed the weekends in Namkem – Saturdays hold a church service for the adults (really neat to see a completely different culture praising God), and Sunday mornings are spent picking up kids in the village on motorbikes and taking them to kids church. Kids church is loads of fun, and a great opportunity to get to know the local kids and to pour love onto them – they will melt your heart, and you will leave Namkem wanting to steal a few!
The Community Development Center (CDC) serves many different functions. It promotes community integration through its facilities and events, education through its ASC program and adult English classes, and it feeds the hungry children of Namkem through its food program (integration with Manna Worldwide). I would recommend this volunteer experience to anyone – age, religion, and skills are irrelevant. Lastly, I just want to say that the employees of the CDC are extremely gifted and loving individuals. They made my experience what it was and were always there for me whenever I needed them. They work tirelessly and selflessly to help provide for the basic needs of Baan Namkem. With utmost love, I thank you for everything Jason, Poh Lai, Pi Tig, and Sally.
Vianna Phillips, Canada (May 11-25, 2009)
When I arrived in Nam Kem two weeks ago, I wasn’t really sure what to expect or where exactly I would be able to fit into it all. Having heard a lot about mission and development work, I was excited to see some of this in action.
It was only a matter of days before I felt completely comfortable in the village life at CDC and was figuring out exactly where I fit into it all. I loved to see the strong relationships being built between the CDC staff and the villagers and the importance of the center’s programs to their daily lives was clear. CDC plays such a meaningful role in this community filling endless roles. These include a weekday school and meals for the children, a family oriented church on the weekend, a place of job opportunities for the villagers, and even a place to play soccer or music after work. Over the past couple weeks, my main project has been this website (refers to the former website), but I have also enjoyed spending time with the adorable kids here and planning English and Math lessons for them. (Italics added by administrator.)
Although I am now very sad to be leaving this wonderful community, I am so grateful for what I experienced and learned about this project. I’m satisfied with the ways I was able to contribute over the past couple weeks, I hope I will be able to help more in the future, and I’m so excited for the endless future opportunities for all those involved at CDC. A big thank you to all of the staff for making this all possible for me!
Chong Wei Ping, Singapore (Apr 26 – May 3, 2009)
This trip is my first to Thailand and most importantly, my first oversea volunteer trip. I am very glad to say that it has been a very positive and rewarding experience.
This trip has really broadened my horizon and perspective. It is a first for me working with children of such a tender age, even though I am going to be a primary school teacher hopefully in 4 years time. The children in Baan Nam Khem has showed me that, even without all the materialistic wants and who-knows-what, we can still be happy and carefree if we are contented and are able to make the best out of what we have in life. The innocence and openness of the children really touch me deep down in my heart.
I will also like to take this opportunity to thanks Jason, Poh Lai, P’Tig and of course not forgetting Hannah and all the children for giving us this great opportunity and being such a great host. I am really grateful for all the graciousness and assistance, and most importantly, for being confident in us to let us run pretty much of the camp. I am very sure without all the care, concern and support we received, we will not be able to have such a memorable and enriching experience.
Once again, a really big thank you and I am certainly looking forward to another opportunity in the near future to return to a place that I can proudly call home – CDC, Baan Nam Khem.
Vickland Mohd Malik, Singapore (Apr 26 – May 3, 2009)
CDC is where they will always be never-ending smiles, open hearts with open arms, plenty of raucous laughter, and special memories for everyone.
Gan HuiYu, Singapore (Apr 26 – May 3, 2009)
I absolutely love CDC! I think it’s such a wonderful place filled with beautiful smiles and beautiful hearts. I absolutely love the nong nongs there – they are too cute and adorable beyond words (I miss them already!). And it really warms my heart that CDC is present, as a place that would continue to be a great platform to nurture these lovely nong nongs with the programs CDC has in place. I sincerely believe that CDC will succeed in giving them a more fulfilling and happy childhood, seeing from the nong nong’s happy faces at CDC every day. There’s always this happy aura in CDC, and I really thoroughly enjoy every single moment there! Our plan is to go back at least once every year, and I hope we’ll be able to stay even longer and help out more next trip! And I would like to thank you amazing people at CDC for giving us such a wonderful and enjoyable experience on each and every single trip, in particular Jason, Poh Lai and P Tig! I really salute you guys for your dedication to the CDC, to the village, and all the love and care towards the nong nongs. Love you guys a lot, and I really look forward to the next trip!
Tan SiJie, Singapore (Apr 26 – May 3, 2009)
I have been on three trips to the CDC so far and each of them, while different, is fulfilling all the same. I now share a deep sense of attachment, which I treasure very much, to the place and people. The quiet and laid back nature of the village, coupled with the warmth and friendliness of the community, offers something refreshing compared to the high-paced and often stifling environment of Singapore. The children, in particular, exude infectious positivity and happiness all the time, and that is something I am truly glad for. While it is not possible to do everything and to help every single person, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to be able to be there for some of the children. They may not remember me due to the short period of time I spend with them, but I will certainly remember them and I am honestly blessed to be able to bring smiles on their faces, even if only for a little while.
Candy Lee, Singapore (Apr 26 – May 3, 2009)
This is my second trip to CDC and it felt like homecoming! It felt really familiar the moment I stepped in and everything fell into place automatically. Initially, I was a little worried whether or not I will be able to catch up with the rest cos I have not been able to interact with the team before the trip, and I had also joined the rest later. However, I guess it is the same reasons which bring all of us to CDC and therefore, it became natural for us to be bonded within a short period of time.
Besides being able to be there to see the kids and help out in the English Camp, Baan Nem Kem also allows me to ‘escape’ from Singapore where everything goes at lightning speed and more often than not, I feel trapped. The slow pace, innocence of kids, purity of the relationships make me realise that the world does not just revolve around materialism.
I am definitely looking forward to returning VERY SOON when I can and hopefully, this time round, I will be able to stay around longer and contribute more! 🙂 I feel really blessed to have met all of you in my life! Cheers to CDC!
Rebecca Ye, Singapore (May 14-28, 2008)
It’s been exactly a year since I visited the CDC at Nam Kem, but I still think of it like I was there yesterday. The trip was belated – I knew of the place since 06 but only got to visit 2 years later. Interestingly, it was timely to visit. By 2008, most of the relief centres and missions that were previously set up to assist the community with reconstruction efforts had left. Slowly, it was like people were forgetting about the calamity that struck this village as other pressing issues filled news agendas and priorties. I could have easily been one of those to forget about the Tsunami of 04, but, I think my short visit to Nam Kem has prevented that from ever happening. Jason and his team has proven to be a team that is dedicated to stay, committed to partnering with the community, determined to walk alongside the people of Nam Kem, even if the world forgot. I am incredibly blessed to have been able to experience their work, their love, and their sincerity for the people here with that as the backdrop, I endeavoured to do up a simple publicity video for the centre that could sum up the work in a succinct and accurate manner; more importantly, my intent was for the video to excite others to visit the CDC at Nam Kem and to contribute to the development and growth of its people. I have to add this caveat – I am not a filmmaker. I am not sure if the publicity material had achieved its intent. Looking back, I wish I could have done so much more while I was there. I felt that what I had went intending to contribute to the centre amounted to so little, vis-à-vis what I got out from the entire experience of just, being there. From making new friends (Pi Tig, Pi Lek, all the nong-nongs, the trio of Sockie, Oopsie, the late Katik), to wiping out Nam Kem of “slushie”, dumplings and char dam yen, to stealing the memories of the orange-streaked skies and most gorgeous sunsets, to hanging out with the kids every single day playing “Bat!” and soccer barefooted, to dancing around at the platform under the tree, eating 15 baht ice cream and letting the dogs lick some off, to relishing the images locked up in my memory of the pristine village observed from the bike while sending the kids home, with the wind in our hair, 30km/h on the bumpy gravel – how do I stop, this list could go on. Am I romanticizing the short fortnight I had experienced at Nam kem? I don’t think so. I think that experience was truly one of the greatest blessings of my lifetime, and I am sure many others can attest. Nam Kem, you are missed, but never forgotten. God Bless You, and I will be back. Chan rak Nam Kem.