25 Years of Witnessing to the Word in Thailand 239 Fr Truong cares for the parishes of Immaculate Conception Church and Jesus of Nazareth Church in Beungkan Province, near the Mekong River, bordering Laos. It is the newest province in Thailand and one of the pooreSt “With the COVID situation, I had planned to do something to assist families in need,” Fr Truong says. “In these villages, the people depend on the annual rice crop for stable food for the family throughout the year. Very little can be sold for profit. “Until recently, the villagers could supplement their income with rubber trees, bringing in about $160 AUD per month. Those without rubber trees depend on daily wages with whatever work is available, which is about $15 AUD per day. “In all, the villagers welcome assistance and support.” Fr Truong says the students are currently getting ready for the new school year and their families are confronted with trying to obtain all the necessary supplies. “Each year, uniforms and supplies are significant expenses for these families,” he says. “Kids do grow out of their clothes quickly. Low-income families can’t afford to buy new uniforms each year. From what I saw last year, the students wore out their uniforms significantly. “So, this year, I was able to assist 50 plus students, both Buddhist and Catholics, with full quality uniforms and supplies.”
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