25 Years of Witnessing to the Word in Thailand 13 Our presence in Thailand began with a unique novum - two Brothers, Bro. Damien Lunders and Jim Wilkins ventured forth to start a mission in their “advanced youthfulness,” as Fr Henry Barlage, the then Superior General, wrote to them in June 1999. Their bold step set the stage for a vibrant community of SVD members, numbering 14 confreres today, including two Brothers. Their pioneering spirit reminds us that every member of our Congregation, regardless of their role or background, is vital to our shared mission. The mission in Thailand has been one of witness through service, mainly focused on caring for those who have HIV/AIDS. The Mother of Perpetual Help Center has evolved into a hospice, children’s center, and teenage center (Ban Mae Marie). The staff also visits the schools for the AIDS Education and Awareness Program. Besides, our confreres also work as teachers at government schools and lecturer at the national major seminary, pastoring the migrants and attending to the small Catholic communities in ten parishes in the diocese of Udon Thani. In all these ministries, compassion and service should remain our motivation, and inspire us to be signs of hope in a world marked by suffering and injustice. Equally significant is our presence among Thailand’s Buddhist majority. Though the dialogue with Buddhism was not the primary objective, our interactions with the Thai people have led us to embrace this opportunity for mutual understanding and respect. Through dialogue and collaboration, we strive to build friendship and solidarity bridges, enriching our faith and the wider community. We are grateful that later a confrere specialized on Buddhist environmental spirituality to help our new missionaries understand the people we are dealing with and promote dialogue with them.
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