Having served in a children’s ministry in Thailand for many years, one truth has become unmistakably clear: interacting with children once a week is simply not enough. If we truly want to shape lives, more quality time with them is non-negotiable.
When I first began my ministry in Khon Kaen, Thailand, in 2017, the Lord placed two deep convictions on my heart. The first was this: reaching children without reaching their families is futile. Second, drawing from my years as an educator in Singapore, I knew that children must have their foundational and relational needs met before they can truly thrive. I observed that many young children spent their days glued to screens, scrolling endlessly through videos or playing games with little meaningful engagement. Over time, I witnessed the effects firsthand: developmental delays, diminished focus and stunted social growth.
As we prayed over what burdened us, God led us to start a childcare centre—a place where children could be nurtured holistically, and where genuine relationships with their families could be built. That is how Little Lamb Childcare Centre began, with just three children.
Within two months, that number dropped to one. But we pressed on in faith. Slowly, the enrolment grew to 11 children, only to drop again to one during the Covid-19 pandemic. The roller coaster ride had us questioning time and again whether we should continue. However, the Lord renewed our conviction each time.
Today, the centre runs at full capacity, serving 24 children in a safe environment where they belong, engage and grow.
More importantly, it has become a place of transformation. Here, children not only grow cognitively and emotionally—they encounter the love of God through teachers and volunteers who walk alongside them daily. Beyond the classroom, the engagement with parents through parenting workshops and outreach events help build trust and open doors for deeper impact.
This is the power of education. It shapes not only the child, but the entire family.
Quality education offerings by MMS
Through the Methodist Missions Society (MMS), schools have been established across different fields to provide quality education. Yet their impact goes far beyond academics. These schools create daily opportunities for students and their families to hear the gospel, experience Christian community and grow in faith through intentional programmes, curriculum and relationships.
In Northern Thailand, MMS has already laid a strong foundation. Vineyard Methodist School, established in 2004, now serves approximately 380 students. Little Candles Methodist School, dedicated in 2024, has grown to 334 students.
A new secondary school to fill the gap
However, a critical gap remains. After completing primary education, many of these students have no pathway to continue their journey in a Christ-centred environment. The formative adolescent years—when identity, values and direction are shaped—are left unguarded. The proposed Vineyard Methodist Secondary School (VMSS) seeks to meet this urgent need.
VMSS will provide continuity in Christian education and discipleship during these crucial years. It will offer students a clear and nurturing pathway beyond Grade 6, giving them more time to grow—academically, emotionally and spiritually—within a Christ-centred environment. This extended runway is vital in grounding them in biblical truth before they step into university and the wider world.
VMSS is more than a school. It is an investment in lives—individuals, families and nations. Your support will help us build not just classrooms, but a generation rooted in Christ that is equipped to lead, serve and shine his light in Thailand and beyond.
Methodist Missions Society (MMS) is organising an MMS Banquet in August 2026 to raise funds for this cause. If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact MMS at mms@methodist.org.sg.
Rev Vincent Lim is a Diaconal Minister in The Methodist Church in Singapore and serves as the Regional Director for Laos, Thailand and Timor-Leste at Methodist Missions Society. / Photos courtesy of Methodist Missions Society
