Mercy Center

Archive for the ‘Mercy’ Category

Job Advertising … – 3 Positions

MERCY Center is a registered non-profit organization that operates a number of charitable projects which provide emergency and ongoing care / support for extremely poor and destitute people in Thailand.  Our projects also include operating a licensed home for street and slum ‘children at risk’, in  Pattaya City, Chonburi, Thailand. 

We are currently recruiting three posts to develop our community projects and administration:

1. A Scholarship Student Liaison Officer (part time)
2. A Community Worker (part time)
3. An Administrator (full time)

The part time posts can both be applied for and combined to full time hours.

Scholarship Student Liaison Officer

This is an opportunity for a dedicated individual to provide outreach, coordination and administrative support to the MERCY Scholarship Program. The Scholarship program provides assistance to approx 100 students from poor and needy backgrounds to enable them to attend school and receive an education.

The successful candidate must enjoy working with children of school age, be competent in spoken and written Thai and English, be able to write reports, be organized and be sympathetic to and willing to operate under a Christian philosophy. Much of this post will involve visiting students and their families, some of which will be in the evenings and every Saturday.

Community Worker

The Community Worker role will primarily consist of providing community follow up services to all areas of VFC MERCY Ministries which currently include slums, prisons, and an emergency childcare center. Typical duties will include problem solving, job placement, signposting/ referring to other agencies, making medical and legal appointments and accompanying when required.

The successful candidate must be passionate about helping people in need, have great interpersonal and problem solving skills, be competent in spoken and written Thai and English, be able to write reports, be organized and be sympathetic to and willing to operate under a Christian philosophy.

Administrator

This role will lead the administration of both the MERCY Center and its ministries and Victory Family Church. The Administrator is a vital position for organizing, coordinating and supporting the varied work of these organizations.

The successful candidate must be very organized, be highly competent in spoken and written Thai and English, have good computer and administration skills and be sympathetic to and willing to operate under a Christian philosophy.

• Allowance: Starting allowance in line with the salary structure,
• Review after 1 month in relation to job description and ability to continue
• Review after 3 months with an increase in allowance if all parties are in favor of continuing
• Review after 6 months in relation to fulfillment of job description
• Annual review (after 1 year) with consideration of allowance and conditions of service continuing

To request a job description and application form please use the contact form or phone 038 422-678 or 086-688-5867.

Informal queries about the post can be made to Dianne Doell via the contact form or 0819454307.

To apply please send your completed application form and covering letter by by post to MERCY Center, PO Box 174, Banglamung, Chonburi  20150, Thailand.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 17^th May 2009

Fred & Dianne Doell

International Directors

This article was published in the Pattaya Today Newspaper on the 5-5-2009 

All too often we foreigners in Thailand live ‘the bubble existence’, existing on the periphery, barely scratching the surface. As a result, we often get an extremely distorted view of the reality of life for many in this so-called ‘Fun City’. Although many of us largely yearn for hedonistic delights, there are a significant number, mainly impoverished Thais, whose only experience is pain; not by choice, but through force of circumstance. 

The reality of Pattaya for many is one of disillusionment. Drawn to Pattaya as a means 

The Doells surrounded by their brood of children

of escaping an often dire existence in Esarn, for example, frequently, when these overly optimistic people arrive here, they rapidly learn opportunities are few, work is scarce and they often don’t have adequate ID and the other bureaucratic necessities to fit into the system, meaning they can’t even send their children to school. 

Frequently, they fall foul of the law, perhaps being picked up by the police for vagrancy or begging. Thailand, not being a welfare state as such, relies on the extended family network, or the temples to support its indigents. 

However, if the family is still back home and likewise destitute, or the wats are chronically short of funds and already overburdened, what are these unfortunates and especially their children to do? 

This is where the Mercy Center comes in. Pastors Fred and Dianne Doell, the international directors of the centre, are Canadian Christians who first came to Thailand 12 years ago, saw the grim reality for many of the impoverished Thais and responded from the heart. 

Pastors Dianne and Fred Doell with one of the Mercy Center’s happy children

They came first as missionaries, setting up a children’s home in Sri Racha, later moving to Pattaya in 2000 to establish the Victory Church, and the Mercy Center in 2003. Their mission is to help the needy, primarily through: 

- providing a refuge for neglected children, or those at risk, (currently 24); 
- visiting the ‘chumchon’ or slum areas to distribute food, clothing and other essentials;  - arranging frequent visits to prisons to provide fruit, water and medication;  - assisting underprivileged children via their scholarship programme, providing books, uniforms, transportation costs and lunches for those who would otherwise be deprived of an education; 
- a network of early learning and day-care centres in the impoverished areas; 
- single-parent support. 

The items mentioned above are merely the tip of the iceberg, considering all the ways the Mercy Center provides outreach assistance to the underprivileged, impoverished and dispossessed. The above are the micro-concerns, the macro-concerns that the Mercy Center has also made significant contributions to include the victims of the Burmese cyclone, the Tsunami and Chinese earthquakes, as well as the Burmese/Hill Tribe refugees. 

Of crucial importance, however, is that these humanitarian works are essentially 

Pastor Dianne got a helping hand from Ms Elizabeth Sheperd

conducted by a relatively small group of dedicated volunteers and the centre is entirely dependent on donations and the goodwill and generosity of those aware of the plight of many in the community and who are willing to donate money, time and effort. Although help is extended to the Mercy Center by organisations like the Jesters, the Rotary Club of Pattaya, World Vision, the PILC, Pattaya Expats Club and the Yacht Club, considerably more help in terms of donations and voluntary assistance is urgently needed. This article is essentially a cry from the heart, to broadcast and publicise the sterling work being done by the centre and to call for help in whatever way possible from the international community in Pattaya, so as to make a positive contribution to the welfare of the truly needy in this city.

Contact 086-688 5867

On Sunday 1^st February, La Dolce Vita opened its doors for the first time ever charity opera night.  The restaurant has been open less than month but its reputation for great food and opera is quickly spreading.  Opera lovers put their best dresses and headed to Soi 18 Naklua to enjoy staged scenes of ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ by W.A.Mozart performed by Nuni Productions from Bangkok who have already made a few appearances at La Dolce Vita.  The scenes were performed in between courses, of a delicious three course dinner allowing guests to enjoy both opera and food without any disturbance.  Chef Paolo Nota was the inspiration behind the evening and donated a door prize voucher allowing one lucky guest to come back and dine at the restaurant once again.  There were many raffle prizes to be won with Angela Poustie winning the major prize of a Burmese Jade ring with a sapphire.  All proceeds from the evening will be used for the various projects undertaken by the Mercy Center.  The evening was truly filled with all the flavours of Italy.

NAMPHON (Piyapatch Malarat)

August 10, 1993 – March 27th 2008

Namphon suffered from leukemia for the past 10 years, having some times of remission, but also four relapses. Ongoing treatment, plus chemotherapy and radiation were not able to bring healing, and she finally left this earth for her heavenly home on Thursday March 27th at approximately 11:40 am. In answer to Namphon’s prayer, her mother was with her for the past week in her hospital room at Chonburi, then Banglamung. Her father also stayed with them both for the last 2 days … family at last.

Namphon is loved by more people than we can count, but by no one more than God Himself, and so with gratitude to Him for her life among us, we commit her to His loving care for eternity.

We want to thank all those who through their kindness and generosity have helped Namphon and so many others like her have a better life. It continues to be our greatest joy to be part of a community that is so caring and works in so many ways to help bring hope to those in need, particularly the children.

With love & thanks … Fred & Dianne Doell (for MERCY Center)

SPECIAL MEMORIAL PROJECTS:

At her doctor’s request, Namphon had written a very special letter just 3 weeks before her passing. With love, humility and wisdom, she wrote about her life, especially her desire to be with her ‘family’, who separated when she was small. (See excerpts below) We thank God that her Mom + Dad were able to be with her in her final days.

Namphon wrote that when she ‘grew up’, she wanted to be a doctor to care for other children with leukemia. In her wisdom, she also wrote that if she was not able to … then she wanted her young brother Beer to have the opportunity. Those who’d like to be a part of helping Namphon’s dream for her brother’s future come true, are invited to make a special offering through MERCY Center to be kept in trust for Beer’s future education, whatever is most suitable for him at that time. (Namphon with Beer Jan.2008)

Those who visited Namphon in Chonburi hospital feel that for those children especially who spend considerable time here as Namphon did; it could use some ‘cheering up’ in terms of new and colorful bedding, curtains, pictures, etc. When we visited the hospital to thank them for their care of Namphon and discuss our desire to help, they showed us a wonderful new children’s wing of the Chonburi Hospital.

The building was completed with funds raised through a local Thai foundation, but the equipping and furnishing was not complete, and they had no idea where the necessary equipment & furnishing would come from. We have asked them to furnish us with a list of things needed for MERCY to use to help raise support for a special memorial project., as well as a list of those organizations already committed to help them, so we are not duplicating efforts.

Those who would like to contribute toward either memorial project may make a special designation may do so by contacting or visting through MERCY Center in person, or use on-line giving at our MERCY web site at: www.mercypattaya.com.

Those wanting more information may email: mercypattaya@gmail.com or by mobile phone as follows:

Liz Shepherd: 086- 562-4080
Fred Doell: 086-688-5867
Dianne Doell: 081-945-4307

MERCY Center is an authorized charity project registered with Goodwill Foundation – Thailand Registration ?? 24 / 2548

NAMPHON’S LETTERS

My name’s Piyapat Malarat. Nick name Namfon, age 14 years. I got leukemia since I was 3 years old and since I stayed with my mother. My mother & father fought with each other since I was little girl. I got to stay with two mothers in Pattaya. I sold groceries with two mothers. There’s one aunty took me to Soi Koh-Pai to live with my aunt. My mother goes out to work at night. One day my Mom met my foster father and I got one little brother name Beer. My Mom rent a house to live together with my brother, my Mom, foster Dad and me.

One day my Mom got pregnant but my foster father doesn’t care. He only cares about drinking alcohol. When he got drunk he hit my Mom. At that time my Mom was pregnant no one took her to hospital, even my foster Dad. He doesn’t pay any attention to my Mom. The neighbor took my Mom to Banglamung Hospital.

My Mom came home with my brother. Still my foster Dad doesn’t stop drinking. When he got drunk he hit my Mom and took my little brother away. My Mom took my brother back from him and said she will take my brother to aunt Kuen and let him stay with her. Anuty Kuen said she can not look after my brother. My aunt said took him to MERCY. I end up stay there as well. There are many others children in the orphanage. My dream and my brother is that I want to stay with my Mom. I miss my Mom. That the end … That’s my feeling.

Now I am very happy to stay at the children’s home. There are many other children. I would like to be with those children because they smile when I play with them. I feel like many people concern about me and love me. I am happy to know that many people love me. I think if not these people in the house they will not concern for me because I am not their daughter. Some time I think about my Mom and my Dad.

We used to be all together and it wonderful. I am very happy at that time because living together mother, father and daughter are my dream. I wanted to as a family. I wanted to feel the warm the father and mother give to me and my brother. Even though I didn’t get to be with my Mom and Dad, I still happy with many people love me. … It’s my dream

I know that I got leukemia but many people concern about me. I am very happy reaching today with many other people support. I don’t care about leukemia I will fight with it. I will look after my brother well. My Mom told me to love my brother, don’t leave him be strong to look after him. I wanted to meet my mother very much. I will be very happy if I go to meet her. I haven’t seen my mother for so long. I love and miss her a lot. From Namfon … Bye, Bye

MY DREAM

I have never travel farther than Pattaya and most of the place that I visit is the sea. I am very happy when JoJo took me to Bangkok. I have a chance to see many nice things but stuff at Bangkok is too expensive. Mr. JoJo bought me an earring it’s 500 Baht a pair. I have never bought stuff that this expensive before. At the other place I know the pair of earring is not expensive like in Bangkok. If I don’t know Mr. JoJo I would not have been in Bangkok.

I very want to thank you to Mr. JoJo that took me to Bangkok. I wanted to visit the place that I have never been. Is there anybody would like to take me there. I want to visit faraway place. I live in the shelter and in the morning I went to school and in the evening I came home and help look after the little children and sometime I help cook for children. Sometime on Saturday we went to Nang-Rum beach and enjoy food at the restaurant.

On Sunday we went to Church and sing Jesus song. I have love for everyone and gain love from everyone as well even though I didn’t stay with my mother. Lot’s of people concern about me, look after me. I know that there are many other children who had face bad situation than me and poorer than me. I am happy to be at the shelter. I miss my Mom, so many years now that I haven’t met her. I will be good child to you. Sometime I wanted to meet my father too but when I was a little girl you didn’t even visit me. It would be good If I got heal from leukemia. My Mom and Dad might be very happy. If I got better I would like to be a doctor or have my own shop so we could stay together as a family. I wanted to be happy.

When I grow up I want to be a doctor like Doctor East so I could heal my self and heal my mother, my brother and other people when they are sick. I wanted to be good doctor like Dortor East and Doctor Jeadsadha who look after me many times they are both very good. I wanted to be good doctor so I can heal my leukemia. If I got better I wanted to stay with my mother and brother. I wanted my brother to be smart at school so that when he graduated he can get a job like my dream that I wanted to be a doctor. I don’t know what Beer wanted to study or to be or what he dream.

I want him to get a good job so my Mom can be proud of him. I wanted my Mom to be happy and be healthy. I wanted my Mom to met Beer when he grown up. I wanted to see my Mom smile. I think My Mom will be proud if she saw Beer when he grown up. I and Beer miss Mom a lot just like you miss me and Beer. I and Beer are doing find. I would like to take my brother and my mother to visit the place that I have never been. Place that beautiful. I wanted to live with my Mom and my brother. I wanted who every got cancer got healed or any other disease get heal soon.

Good bye to Doctor East and Doctor Jeadsadha. … from Namphon

Special notes:

” The ‘orphanage’ referred to is MERCY Center – Children’s Home in Pattaya

” JoJo is Georgio, from Take Care Kids Foundation (Italy), who has been helping poor children in Pattaya for 14 yrs., and who was introduced to MERCY + Namphon through Khun Jubjaeng at Pattaya City Welfare Department.

” The trip to Bangkok was appointment with pediatric hematologist for referral to International Red Cross to begin procedure for bone marrow transplant donor search, with all costs paid for by Take Care Kids.

Although donors were found, the procedure became impossible because of Namphon’s last relapse which reduced success and even possible survival to less than 10%.

Thank you for being interested in being a part of what we’re doing here at Mercy Center. We currently have 21 children in our Mercy home, though, as we are an “at-risk”children’s shelter, that number is often changing. Living in a home of 20+ children, individual attention is less abundant as many of us are accustomed to.

Our vision is this: that each of our children would
1) know their birthday
2) feel loved and celebrated
3) get to share that with their friends.

In order to give our kids an adequate individual birthday celebration, we have to find sponsors. 1500 baht (40 dollars, 20 pounds) would provide ample resources to buy a cake for 30 people, a small present for the child, soda, and sweets. Any money left over will be deposited into that child’s savings account.

We really appreciate your willingness and your desire to help us love these kids better!

Deposits can be made into the “birthday fund” via PayPal. Designate that you do indeed intend that money to go towards birthdays. We would also love to have your email address so that we can send you a thank you as well as pictures from the birthday celebration that you made possible.

Thank you so much.

Pay by Paypal or use your Credit Card

We have been raising funds for almost 2 years now in order to buy the Mercy Center to ensure a secure home for the children in our care anda base for our other projects.  We want to thank everyone who has helped us so far but time is running out…we need to have a further 10m baht by the end of January in order to buy the property at a pre-agreed price. 

If you can help in any way please contact us at mercypattya@gmail.com or make a donation through this website.

Mercy Management Group assists the International Directors of The Mercy Center in managing the projects.  Recently we have written a Development Plan for The Mercy Center outlining the future ideas and resources needed.

If you would like to look at the Development Plan please contact us through the contact page and we would be happy to share our plans with you.

mercypattaya@gmail.com