Building Community
One of the ways we are able to connect more into the community, schools and government offices was to offer English instruction and services. We are able offer TESOL certified courses in the schools and government offices. We also have been called upon by the Ministry of Justice to speak to probationers and defendants who only speak English. Providing assistance with the cultural and communication barriers that need to be bridged tin their cases. We also assist the Justice office in media presentations for international conferences where English is the base language.
300 FC is our football program in Thailand that came out of our Mission: 300 program. We utilize both life and sport coaching as ways to understand our relationship with God the Father. In Thailand, football is a major past time activity for men and many of our participants in Mission: 300 wanted to form a team and compete around the region. The result was the addition of 300 FC. They play throughout Northern Thailand not living the principles of our Mission: 300 program, but being a light to the surrounding community.
Torch League was established in 2016. As we considered ways to connect with the community, we found a weekly event brought everyone together. The league was also recommended by the Thai Ministry of Justice and Police department as a productive activity for the young men. Over the years Torch League has become the top amateur football leagues in northern Thailand. We have twenty teams from all around the region and a waiting list of teams waiting to enter. This includes sponsored teams from businesses and government offices. Our Mission: 300 program participants greatly benefitted by learning to relate to the community, do business, and understand media and marketing for those who do not play football. For those that play they have learned how to culturally deal with the Thai class system, as well as, relate to those in different sectors of life.
300 FC Academy came at the request of a local school and a community leader to provide sport leadership development for kids under 15. We currently have three coaches on staff so we seized the opportunity and it has been a tremendous tool to connect with the local school systems. Our academy currently operates in San Kamphaeng, San Patong, Ban Zebrae and Fang (All in northern Thailand). The impact of this program was displayed in the life of Tao. He started in our academy and when he was old enough he entered our Mission: 300 program. After seven years in our two programs he discovered God as a Father. Through Tao, we now have a church fellowship that started and meets weekly.