Kul

The 7th child out of 10 children, Kul first became acquainted with the Abundant Life Center through one of our co-workers. They had both worked in an electronics factory together and through the years, Kul came to our retreats or parties as her as her schedule permitted. In 2002 Kul asked to stay at ALC after quitting her job as she needed a place to stay while looking for new work. Her initial reaction to Christianity was one of wariness. She was very sporadic about coming to worship but did a lot of watching of what took place at the center. It was through the gospel lived out among people at ALC that she grew in her knowledge of Christ. She had already experienced life out in the world and saw that there was a difference at ALC. Today, Jesus is her Lord and she has replaced her initial antagonism with a desire to seek Him. She has been managing the sewing department for the last 19 years.

When asked about the difference between being a leader at ALC Crafts and at her former job, she says that the world uses strict policies to keep people in line. If error is made, pay is cut or people are laid off. It is very different to be a Christian manager because people are given more chances to correct mistakes in their sewing. The goal in the factory is the product. The goal at ALC is the person first, the product second. When women come to ALC Crafts, they don’t even need to know how to sew to get a job. We teach each step until they can produce a fine bag.

Kul has faced many problems in her position as manager, but she feels they help her grow. Other than keeping the department running smoothly, she contends with relational issues, such as gossip and criticism. She is an ear to the women’s problems when they need to share. Being a Christian business poses problems as well, as people’s concepts of keeping the quality of our product and caring for their personal needs is a tension, at times. The weekly Bible Studies offer an opportunity for the women understand each other’s hearts as they pray for each other. As a leader, Kul must watch what she says as she carries a lot of weight and responsibility for the department.

Kul feels happy to serve God at the Abundant Life Center. As difficult as it sometimes gets, she is thankful to be doing what she does!

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During the Covid shutdown of ALC Crafts in September 2020, Kul went back to her village to care for her mom and to be with her family. She was there when her mom passed away and is now helping tutor her niece and helping her nephew get vocational training until she can return safely to Bangkok.