The Ignatian insight that “love is shown more in deeds than words” took on new meaning for Steve Jorgensen during a recent visit to Northern Thailand. Steve is a Spiritual Director with JISA Faber in Queensland.

Raising up the needy from the earth and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill. Ps 113:7

I have chosen you to bring forth fruit. Jn15:16

The truth that ‘love is shown more in deeds than words’ [SE 230] was made real to me, when confronted with teaching underprivileged tertiary students, at the Jesuit run Xavier Learning Community in Northern Thailand’s Golden Triangle.

But what about those left behind and living in poverty and fear? These are the abandoned, abused, traumatised children and girls from different tribal and ethnic backgrounds. It is into this niche that the Sisters of Providence emerged.

Currently 65 of these disadvantaged Hill Tribes girls and daughters of refugees from Myanmar, many of whom do not have Thai ID papers and are among the poorest people in Northern Thailand, are cared for by these nuns. The orphanage, education programme and compassionate atmosphere of the Providence Foundation, enable these young women to learn skills sufficient to enter the labour market, improve their economic standards and avoid human trafficking.

Phinampa Yaebiang, a nineteen-year-old graduate of the Providence Foundation, shared her story in their Newsletter.

“For the past six years I have been living at the Centre. When I first arrived, I did not know anything. Back in my village, my parents struggled to put food on the table.

At the Centre I had numerous opportunities. I attended school, learned English, violin, guitar and additional life skills – taking care of the house, cleaning, ironing, baking, cooking, and even tending to the garden. We share our joys and face difficulties together, just like any family would.  Having the sisters nearby to offer advice and help us love one another makes all the difference.

As I move forward, I promise to always give my best. As I begin my first year at Mae Fah Luang University, studying to be a nurse, I see it as another chance to grow and give back. I want to be a good person and help others whenever possible.

To everyone who has been part of my journey and who supports my education, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

It is the conviction of these nuns, following the belief of their founder, St Luigi Scrosoppi, ‘in an evangelical spirit of unlimited trust in divine Providence,’ that inspires me to accompany the Sisters of Providence as they seek the Reign of God and its justice.

Sisters of Providence, children and families from underprivileged Hill Tribe