Introducing The Brellenthin Family, Thailand

Olaf and Manuela are from Germany, and in April 1991 they moved to the UK with their six-month-old daughter Stephanie. They studied English in Worthing and became members of a church there, Lyndhurst Christian Fellowship. John and Miriam were born in the UK. In 2000 they were sent as missionaries from the church and Homeless Children International Inc. to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to establish children’s homes and look into possibilities for opening homes in surrounding countries. They live within a Thai community, next to the Children’s Homes that they run. Their eldest daughter Stephanie now studies in South Carolina, and their son John is currently applying to universities in the USA. Miriam is continuing her studies at Grace International School in Chiang Mai.

In the past eight years they have built homes for underprivileged children, that currently have 34 children, and they opened a home in a neighbouring country, which currently has 70 children. Apart from looking after the daily needs of the children in the homes and providing a holistic ministry, emphasis is laid on believing and following the Lord Jesus Christ as His disciples. Regular devotion times in the homes, being part of a local Christian church, and participating in services and outreach are some of the aspects of their practical Christian life.

Besides the children’s work, opportunities have arisen in the Thai Church and in neighbouring countries to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus. They distribute Bibles and share the gospel in hill tribe villages. Humanitarian aid became necessary after a recent natural disaster.

In the near future they hope to build a boys’ home near their premises in Chiang Mai for the boys they are already looking after as the current house is rented accommodation. They also envisage opening a Drop-In-Centre for street children in a border town.