School Bags, Guardians, and a Farewell

Philip's July 2026 newsletter tells of a month in which, as he puts it, hearts were stretched in two directions at once — school bags placed in small hands and a soccer field taking shape, while the community also stood beside a boat on its way to fetch a coffin. Joy and sorrow walked side by side, and through both, the Lord was faithful.

The joy came first. After church on 19 June, every Moken schoolchild received a brand-new school bag — for many of these children a bag of their own is not something taken for granted, and every one was a small gift of hope as the school year got underway. Wud, meanwhile, studied hard all week and travelled to Suratthani to write the water-operator test for the water-and-ice factory. It proved very difficult — there were more questions about the ice factory than about bottling water, and candidates typically need three or four attempts to pass. Wud did not pass this time and will go back to try again; Philip is undeterred: "God is so goed!" — God is so good.

From 27 June to 3 July a Global Challenge team of fourteen from South Africa was on the island. They helped with the soccer field and spent precious time with the Moken — the children even performed for them in the church — and Philip hopes sincerely to see them back.

The month also brought deep sorrow. Goy Thalealuek, a man of the Moken community, died of cancer on the morning of 6 July after the hospital could do nothing more for him; Philip was on the boat to Ranong to fetch his coffin when the news settled in. Goy leaves behind a wife and six children, and Philip asks everyone to pray with him for this family.

Out of the same month comes an invitation: the launch of the Guardians program — five boys, five opportunities, one prayer. WanChai (14), Aajee (13), Koeng (11), ToenTeam (9) and Yoad (6) are each seeking a monthly sponsor to carry their education, nutrition and spiritual care. You can become a Guardian on the support page, and read the story behind the program on this timeline.