The World Race began a partnership with Ray and Candace Ward in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2007. Since then, over a dozon World Race squads have had exposure to this incredible couple's ministry. They have actually come under the headship of Michael Hindes and the World Race and are some of the closest contacts to our ministry.

The Wards moved to Thailand nearly 5 years ago (but have been working there for longer) and have been broken for the teenagers of Burma who are living through one of the worst modern-day genocides in our world. They have helped establish one home for these teenagers already within an existing Burmese refugee camp and are currently in development for a second.

The teenagers escaping from Burma have no easy road ahead of them. A series of walkie- talkies have been set up in an "underground railroad" kind of system so that in the event of establishing some kind of safe house is an option, a message can be sent deep into Burma to send 10-20 kids at a time through a brutal 11 day hike through the mountains of Burma.  Assuming they successfully evade the police through the jungle routes, they eventually have to traffic themselves into Thailand hoping to be rescued and live the new life they've dreamed about.

In October 2011, the Thailand Initiative team will be assembled to help develop the next home for the next round of refugee teenagers (many of whom are former child soldiers and victims of trafficking). A plot of land will be purchased and a home built to house and school these children.

As a way to support the ministry, a compound is going to be set up with a variety of eco-tourism elements including orchards, fish ponds, mountain bike trails, campsites, a guest house, a restaurant and anything more we can think of. The Thailand Initiative needs business-minded people who take initiative, are willing to learn language and high skill sets (agriculture, construction, veterinary services, small business management in a cross cultural setting, etc.).

The goal will be to begin strategic developent in October 2011 and launch to Thailand June of 2012.

Still accepting applications for October 2011!

If you're interested e-mail us, we'd love to talk to you!