Laura Parker

Destined Traveler is a ministry we have been excited to begin as a result of our family’s move to Thailand in 2010.  Destined Traveler will work with the Christian Nonprofit Joy to the World Outreach, Thailand, and will primarily be involved in the two following areas:

1.  Development of Breanna’s House of Joy Orphanage.   We will be maintaining the grounds of the orphanage and developing secondary income streams to support the costs of caring for the 50 girls who are housed there.  We will also be studying the culture to develop a trade skill program for the girls, so that they will have a marketable source of income when they graduate the orphanage.  A transitional house will also be created, where students could have the option of living with some assistance before integration back in society as healthy adult women.  Our hope is that these precious young people would escape the cycle of poverty and abuse that is so rampant in their society, and that they would grow to be women who love God and impact their own culture and homes.     

2.  Mentoring Western College-Aged Students.  Several times a year, we will be organizing and hosting small teams of college-aged students who desire an overseas experience and a deeper faith-walk.  The students will be working at the orphanage and will experience a host of other service opportunities around the city.  They will also be challenged with Biblical teaching and one-on-one mentorship.  Our desire is that students grow more confident in the unique people God designed them to be, own their own faith,  taste God’s heart for the globe, practice Jesus-following in a cross-cultural setting, and walk away radically changed.  

If you would like to give financially or if you know of a young adult (ages 18-24) who may be interested in several months in the Thai jungle, check out our website, Destined Traveler.