God’s Good Plans for Joseph’s Life

The children of migrant families in Thailand often feel forgotten.

They go without food and shelter, lacking safety and hope for the future.

When Joseph was 8 years old, his family became migrants, moving from Cambodia to Thailand to work in construction. Their home was a tiny, tin room on the construction site where Joseph frequently went without food.

Then, in 2016, our team came to visit Joseph’s home and brought him a Christmas gift. He was touched by their care and, soon after, started coming to classes at the Lifesong learning center.

In this new environment, Joseph quickly became a leader among the younger children.

After eight months of hearing about Jesus and experiencing His love through the care of our team, he professed his faith and was baptized.

But as Joseph became a young adult, he stopped coming to our ministry site. He shares—“I wanted some time to myself to consider what I wanted to do and who I wanted to become.”

During this time, our team patiently and gently reached out to him, affirming their love, care, and commitment.

At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The fourth part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing orphaned young adults with continued love and support as they transition into adult living.

“Our Children” Will:

Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ

Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter

Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future

Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living

“Our Children” Will:

Be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ

Not want for food, clothing, medical care, or shelter

Receive a quality education to provide a foundation for their future

Experience continued love and support while transitioning into adult living

Joseph eventually came back and started attending worship services. He would even arrive early to play games with the children on site. When Joseph expressed interest in joining a GED program at the age of 19, our team supported him.

Above: Joseph helps coach a group of children in rugby.
Top: Joseph takes care of children of all ages on campus.

Then, at 22 years old, Joseph joined our team as the assistant activities director.

In the words of a ministry leader in Thailand—

“Joseph does a spectacular job overseeing physical education for our students, leading soccer practices, and helping our kids integrate into a Christian rugby program that not only teaches kids how to play rugby but also provides them with leadership training and opportunities to learn about various careers.”

Though Joseph enjoys sports and playing with the kids, his favorite part of his new job is teaching Khmer to Cambodian children. With his fluency in both Khmer and Thai, his skills are essential for helping our Thai and Cambodian teams collaborate.

Joseph prays for his class of students who are learning the Khmer language.

God is not done with Joseph’s story.

One of the things he loves to do is visit the construction communities where he first met our team. As he shares the Gospel in this setting, Joseph ministers to kids who were once like him. Smiling gently, he tells them something he knows to be true—God’s plans really are good.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”—Jeremiah 29:11

Pray for Cambodia & Thailand

  • Praise God that Joseph’s future is bright because of the support he has received.
  • Pray for children who are waiting to receive their legal documents in order to attend school.
  • Pray for protection and direction for children whose relatives cause them challenges.
  • Praise God that the counselor who is part of our team in Thailand continues to make a difference in the lives of children healing from trauma.
  • Praise God for a path for children in Thailand to be accepted into an international ministry school.

Join our prayer team to receive monthly prayer requests & praises from across our ministry.


Will you help orphans in Cambodia & Thailand experience the hope of the Gospel?

When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.