May 2009 Bulletin Inspert Format [PDF]
Mayo 2009 en español 

"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses, entrust to the faithful who will be able to teach others also."  (2 Timothy 2: 1, 2)

The fourth and fifth grade boys of Donkoi Primary School in Laos were excited. They were at Mr. Khamvanh's house in the village, using one big hammer and some long nails to repair the school's tables and benches.  How wonderful this farmer-carpenter villager is! He took the initiative for this project without anyone asking him.  I thought, wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a carpenters' group in the school? The children were asked, "Would you like more hammers?" They all said "Yes", so that was it!  The Young Carpenters' Club was born. 

Mr. Khamvanh was asked if he would bring some older youths to help him finish repairing the tables and benches while the younger boys played with the hammers, nails, and wood.  Mr. Khamvanh bought a 'tuktuk' full of scrap wood (a 'tuktuk is a small vehicle that carries passengers short distances) and that summer the children of Donkoi Primary School had a wonderful time creating anything they wanted. No more repairs to tables and benches were needed.

That was how Donkoi School's After-School Program began: with five little hammers, lots of nails, and a skilled carpenter with a very good heart.

Xuyen Dangers is a social worker in Laos/Vietnam serving as a Social Work supervisor of Donkoi Child Center and five other center; and as social work advisor on the faculty of Social Sciences, the National University of Laos; and with Church World Service and Witness (NCCC).