David Thomas | Whole Life Discipleship
Deep in the hills of northern Thailand, in the small Red Lahu village of JaSoPa, transformation is quietly unfolding. Located 1.5 hours from Chiang Rai, this isolated village of 16 families is experiencing the profound impact of discipleship, faith, and sustainable development.
This journey began when Yosapa, working with The Way Foundation (TWF), connected with MoPa, a passionate church planter. MoPa completed Bible training through TWF’s Pastor Evangelist Training and felt called to bring the gospel to JaSoPa. He and his wife, Eme, traveled by scooter to the village, building relationships and leading Bible studies. Over time, families began responding to the message of Christ. What started with the wives eventually led to husbands coming to faith and making public testimonies of baptism. With the village headman’s approval, a church was built.
For eight years, the Discipling for Development (D4D) team, including Scott Purser and David Thomas, has partnered with TWF to equip them to guide a community through sustainable, holistic transformation. They are currently coaching Yosapa and Mana TWF’s D4D team as they disciple couples in JaSoPa. The process is intentional and relational, proceeding at the pace of those being mentored. Over the last year, they have led discussions on biblical marriage and will soon move into lessons on financial stewardship, income generation, and addiction—issues deeply relevant to JaSoPa’s reality.
JaSoPa’s history is complex. The village was originally founded as an outpost from Myanmar into Thailand. Young men in the village supported their families by making just two trips a year across the border. Discipleship in JaSoPa is not just about faith—it’s about breaking cycles of poverty and addiction.
Lebo and Abo were among the first to embrace Christianity. Initially, Abo’s understanding of faith was superficial—he became a Christian because foreigners had provided resources. Both men struggled with addiction and often engaged in violence. Abo, known for his temper, has started to be calm and learn things like treasuring his wife. His wife, in turn, has grown in self-control and learned to use kind words. Villagers are noticing these changes, watching as transformation takes root.
Lebo was raised in a Buddhist temple. Even after accepting Christ, his addictions continued. When confronted by neighbors, he realized that his witness was compromised, and he finally committed to sobriety. Now, he and his wife are building a future. They have expanded their home, started farming dry hill rice and corn, and are growing 500 coffee plants as a long-term investment.
These changes are not just personal; they are communal. The villagers are beginning to see a new way of life—one where faith is not just a label but a transformation of the heart and home. As our D4D leaders continue to walk alongside these families, it is hoped that JaSoPa will become a model for other Lahu communities across northern Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and beyond.
Join us in praying, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done in JaSoPa, as it is in heaven.”
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