Thailand - AFM: Peace Music Academy

Mission
Reach the spiritually hungry country of Thailand through mentorship in the Peace Music Academy, language lessons, and medical ministry.

Description
Thailand is a deeply Buddhist nation with over 92 percent of its population espousing the Buddhist faith. Missionaries have had very little success at penetrating this massive “spiritual wall.” Only about 1.6 percent of the Thai population is Christian. There are 37 Seventh-day Adventist churches in Thailand, most of which are in northern Thailand. Khon Kaen—the focus of the Central Thai Project—has no Seventh-day Adventist presence. The primary goal of the AFM missionaries on the Central Thai Project is to establish an indigenous church-planting movement among Thai Buddhists in Central Thailand. To reach this goal, they live closely among the people, learn the Thai language, study local culture and religion, and build deep friendships. Using what they learn, they will craft evangelistic materials for the Thai Buddhist context.

More Info

• Average Fundraising Goal: Prices may vary. ~$5,000. See Student Missions Office for details.
• Timeline: A full school year (~9 months) is required to serve with AFM.
• Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand is considered central Thailand and is situated on a plateau with rice fields surrounding the city and nearby mountains. The Peace Music Academy is located in a gated community in a safe neighborhood. SMs will live in a nearby rental house. There are three main seasons: dry and cool (Nov.-Feb.), hot and dry (Mar.-Apr.), and rainy (May-Oct.).  Average temperatures range from 74 to 85 F (night time temps can get as low as 60F in December and January).  Hot/Dry season can reach as high as 100F.   Check out the location on Google Maps!
• Living Accommodations: A rental house near the music academy will be shared by SMs of the same gender. There is running water and electricity. 
• Language: Thai. A basic knowledge of the Thai language, particularly the alphabet and letter sounds, is very helpful. SMs are asked to study the language during their service.
• Food: Student Missionaries will be in charge of their own meals. A stipend will be provided for groceries and other necessities.
• Internet Access: The music academy has internet, and cell phones are available and affordable to use.
• Requirements: Background in music, at least one year of undergraduate studies completed.

Position Info

• Peace Music Academy Teacher
  • Piano - Give piano lessons and work with the missionary team to connect with the community and share Jesus through music education. Ability to teach flute would also be helpful.
  • Cello - Give cello lessons and work with the missionary team to connect with the community and share Jesus through music education. 
  • Violin/Viola - Give violin/viola lessons and work with the missionary team to connect with the community and share Jesus through music education. 
  • Voice, Choir, Hand-bells - Give voice lessons, organize a choir for Khon Kaen International School students, and organize a voice and bell choir for Kohn Kaen SDA church. Work with the missionary team to connect with the community and share Jesus through music education. 
• Ministry Assistant/Medical Missionary - Assist and/or lead out in various outreach activities such as: building relationships, helping in ministry, being involved in health ministry, giving English lessons (as needed) using the Bible. Previous soul-winning training/experience helpful. Some medical missionary training desired. Time will be spent in the community, school, and church in Khon Kaen’s urban setting.
• Media Assistant/ESL Teacher - Assist and/or lead out in various outreach activities such as: building relationships, helping in ministry, being involved in health ministry, giving English lessons (as needed) using the Bible. Previous soul-winning training/experience helpful. Experience with websites/social media/marketing desired. Time will be spent in the community, school, and church in Khon Kaen’s urban setting.

AFM's Website - Thailand