Thailand

Living Word Ministries

Charles and Cathy Milbrodt

Charles and Cathy Milbrodt became affiliated with Feed the Hungry through Dr. Lester Sumrall during the refugee exodus from Burma to Thailand in 1995. Dr. Sumrall and Charles had wonderful discussions about what the Lord was doing in their ministries at the time. During this meeting, Dr. Sumrall received a phone call from Kellogg’s in which 2 million pounds of food was offered. Dr. Sumrall asked Charles if he could use 1 million pounds of food for his ministry, and that began the partnership.

During the Tsunami crisis in 2005, the Milbrodt’s partnership with Feed the Hungry allowed them to feed 2,000 families for four months, distribute 170 tons of food, and assist 835 families with getting back into the fishing industry after losing their supplies.

Currently, the Milbrodts ministry care for and feed almost 600 children in Thailand. Through three main campuses, they house orphans and at-risk children, continuing education through high school and many through higher education. They have built 202 churches and continue to work to build churches and train ministers. Within the refugee camps, they operate day care centers, primary schools, and orphanages.

There is a coffee ministry in Thailand, where farmers grow coffee beans which are shipped to the US, roasted, and sold. The profits from these sales go back to the farmers and the community, helping them provide for their families.

Currently, there is a large ministry program working to care for the refugees from Myanmar, formerly Burma, who were pushed from their country due to civil unrest.

One of the most impactful moments in Charles’ ministry was on a mountain in Thailand. He cried out to God begging Him to let them leave as Charles felt that his ministry wasn’t accomplishing much in the first couple years. Charles felt God spoke to him that day and say “If you leave, who will reach them?” That day Charles committed his life to the ministry in Thailand.

One of the most challenging things the ministry faces is Buddhist opposition to the church planting program. The monks have a lot of influence with the government officials and that leads to many problems.

Many other organizations are pulling out of Thailand, leaving many groups with no means to continue their programs. If food and God’s word were plentiful, the ministry would be able to step into these now empty roles and expand their programs.