KAMLOOPS – Dave Wharf, heavy-duty mechanics apprentice instructor, is taking a two-year leave to work in Thailand at the El Shaddai 2 orphanage, located at SiRacha, about two hours SE of Bangkok, along with his wife, Terry.

The Wharf’s long-term commitment stems from a trip Dave and Terry took to Thailand a couple of years ago for a working vacation to help out at an orphanage. After fundraising back home, the couple returned to Thailand last Christmas to help rebuild the orphanage, which had been condemned.

After spending some more time with the children, Dave and Terry knew they had to go back to Thailand. They have been tirelessly fundraising over the last year to raise the required capital needed to finish off the building, including building beds, cupboards, tables and chairs, and re-building the kitchen, including purchasing a new fridge and stove suitable for 30+ children.

At the same time, the Wharfs will also be guiding the “house parents” as much as possible in the normal day-to-day operations of the orphanage, with a plan to increase the number of children to around thirty. Dave and Terry will also be making trips up to the jungle areas to find orphaned children and bring the back to the home. Most of the children have come from the north (Golden Triangle area). Not only will Dave and Terry be teaching the children English but also some practical trade skills to the villagers and the older children.

Dave and Terry, who are paying for all their own expenses such as rent, food, travel, fuel etc, hope to raise enough money to purchase a fridge and stove for the children, and would very much appreciate donations. As they are leaving for Thailand Sept. 1, they hope that people will send donations to A&D World Missions, PO Box 26010, Lethbridge Alberta, T1H 6H4, and label the donation for El Shaddai 2 children’s home. Dave notes that A&D World Missions uses only one per cent of donations for administrative expenses, with the rest going directly to the orphanages. Tax receipts can be issued; please indicate with your contribution if you would like a receipt.