Bill's been helping to heal lives of the Tsunami ravaged people of Thailand.  One day he was helping deliver supplies and needed food to some 250 families on Ko Lanta, Thailand.   The villagers are "4th world" Sea Gypsies who often fall outside the umbrella of government aid.  While he was there Bill discovered that most of the fishing boats the villagers need to support their families were damaged or destroyed.  Then he looked more closely and asked Cin to check out the situation on the island.  She and a group of her friends went all over the island interviewing fishermen.  Cin created a detailed report, with names, addresses, boat type and damage, and when possible, estimates of repairs.  Early on they counted 92 boats that could be repaired.

This boat is horribly damaged, but not beyond repair.

Bill wants to help. He's been joined by Cin, Pui, Noot, Butch and others too. We hope you'll help too.  You can help the Thai fishermen repair their boats and reclaim their livelihood. With  their boats repaired, these proud fishermen will become self-sufficient again quickly.  Bill's come up with a way you can send your help directly to individuals who really need it.  Here's the way you can donate directly to victims.  Your money will go directly to helping them help themselves.

Bill or Cin or another member of the volunteer team personally meets with each fisherman, documents the damage to his boat, and arranges for purchase of the materials needed to repair the boats.  The fishermen will do most of the repair work themselves.

Click here to find out how to send a donation to help Bill and his friends help the fishermen.

Update:  The project is well under way.  Quite a few boats are back in the water.  As soon as we can add motors, netting and crates, they'll be harvesting fish to feed and support the fishermen and their families and neighbors.  If the donations keep coming we'll be buying those items soon.  Update:  Some boats are actually fishing now

Bill just sent some new Pictures

A Blessing and Prayer Story

Bill previously reported that we'd be able to repair more than 40 boats if you'll donate enough funds.  That number continues to grow, as Cin came across another island, near Ko Lanta, with over 30 more boats in need of repair.  We're well on the way to healing a lot of shattered lives, so keep up the good work!

The latest progress report from Ko Lanta

Learn more about Bill's personal mission in the Far East

This mission is definitely a team effort.  Learn about the team

Click here to see the archives and learn the complete history of our mission