Over many years of implementing the Pha Chang Noi Area Development Programme in Phayao Province, the collaboration between World Vision Foundation of Thailand and Pha Tang Church, under District 15 of the Church of Christ in Thailand, has woven together a story of development that goes beyond meeting basic needs. It places importance on the heart, relationships, and the inherent dignity of children and families in the community.
Although this area development programme has now officially concluded, its outcomes and lessons learned remain clear and continue to pass on value to future generations of development work.
Rev. Wittur Thana‑paeng, Pastor of Pha Tang Church and one of the leaders who consistently walked alongside the programme, reflects on an approach that deeply integrates faith and development.
“We do not work to persuade people to change their religion. Instead, we want them to first see love—through our actions and by standing beside them in times of hardship.”
From Trust to Community Collaboration
Pha Chang Noi is an ethnically diverse community with a large number of vulnerable families who maintain traditional beliefs and ways of life. This context requires development work to be undertaken with genuine understanding. The partnership between World Vision and the church did not begin with large‑scale activities, but with visits, listening, and working together in the field.
Because World Vision staff were already closely engaged with the community, the church was able to participate as a “community partner” rather than as an outsider. From home visits for children and providing support based on specific needs, to offering simple prayers of blessing, these actions became the foundation of trust.
“When we enter the community together with World Vision, people know we are not coming alone—we come in the name of those who truly care for them.”
Children and Families: From Recipients to Growth
One of the core aspects of the development work where change was most clearly evident was engagement with children and families. Children in the area received comprehensive support in multiple dimensions, including education, health, nutrition, and skills‑building activities, while the church complemented these efforts through spiritual care and character development.
Some children began simply as programme participants before growing into responsible young people who help with household tasks, care for younger siblings, and take active roles in community activities. At the same time, parents became increasingly open, less wary, and better able to see that this work was not primarily about religion, but about providing genuine help and support to their lives.
In recent years, the church also organized music classes for children and youth, which not only strengthened skills but enabled many young people to grow into members of the church’s worship teams and volunteer groups—roles they continue to serve in today.
Work with children has been a joint effort between the church and World Vision Foundation of Thailand, using the church as the primary activity base. This helped children and families feel familiar with the space, confident to participate, and view the church as a safe and welcoming environment.
“We found that when children changed and their behaviour improved, family relationships improved as well. This is development that can be truly felt.”
Livelihood Development: Building a Strong Foundation for Families
Beyond children and youth, World Vision has also prioritized livelihood development to strengthen family resilience in sustainable ways—especially through organic agriculture initiatives, which link health, income, and community cooperation.
The initiative began with a small group of around ten church families, before expanding to include families of programme children and surrounding communities—growing to more than 30 families—and later extending to several additional sub‑districts. Training did not end with knowledge transfer alone; it included follow‑up support, the establishment of community committees, soil assessment, on‑site farm visits, and additional assistance with marketing and value‑added processing. A learning space was also created within the church.
These efforts helped communities feel that they were “not left halfway”, while also strengthening relationships between the church and the wider community. Many people who had never entered the church before felt comfortable stepping inside and engaging more actively.
“Development is not about completing an activity and moving on. It is about walking alongside people, identifying where they struggle, and thinking through solutions together.”
When Love Leads Change
Many experiences in the area reflect the power of working through love. One clear example was the support provided to a child’s family living in an unsafe home. The church, World Vision, and community members joined together to raise funds and repair the house, which later received additional support from the local authorities.
This effort not only transformed the house into a safer space for children, but also transformed relationships within the community. Local leaders became more open, joined development networks, and continued to participate in activities alongside the church and World Vision.
“Sometimes, if we do not take the first step, the community will not either. But when we begin with love, others are ready to follow.”
The Programme Ends, but the Lessons Continue
Although the Pha Chang Noi Area Development Programme has come to an end, what remains is the strength of the people, strong community collaboration, and seeds of hope planted in the lives of children and families.
For Rev. Wittur, the key lesson is that development work cannot be done alone, and that physical assistance should never be separated from healing the heart.
“If we love God and love our neighbours as ourselves, faith and development can always walk together.”
All of this reflects a journey of walking together with children and families—addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well‑being—through the collaboration of churches, World Vision Foundation of Thailand, and community leaders. Together, they work to ensure children and families experience improved quality of life and move forward with hope for the future.
