Who we are
Chrestos is a fellowship of Christians of diverse denominations, cultures, ages and skills. We proclaim Christ and share his kindness to those who are in need.
Chrestos Mission is a charitable Christian foundation. We work on the outskirts of Mae Sariang in the Mae Hong Son province of north-western Thailand.
Chrestos, from the Greek χρηστότης, means “kindness”. It is the founding principle and the passion of Chrestos Mission as we serve the Karen people of Thailand.
Introducing the Director of Chrestos Mission,
Thra Davi Poe
After graduating from Bible College, Davi Poe took key responsibilities in Mae Sariang District for Youth Work. For seven further years he held more senior posts with the TKBC (Thai Karen Baptist Convention - alongside which Chrestos Mission works). His passion is to see God’s word living within every student as they train in key church-building roles.
His wife, Naw Th’ Nay Paw also has a heart for youth ministry. She manages hostels for “Compassion”. These hostels are the “second home” for Karen boys and girls attending state school far away from their villages during term time.
Davi Poe has chosen two men from the staff to work alongside him, to share responsibility and learn the roles of Director and Manager.
On his left is Portay, who with Rosebell, completed the four-year MA-level training at Mc Gilvary Bible Institute this year. Portay grew up in Chiang Mai. His Thai language skills are strong. His particular responsibilities will be to relate to Thai government authorities - local and provincial. Rainier, in blue, will accompany Davi Poe in meetings with Karen Baptist leadership. One of the two will always be present on campus to represent Davi Poe when he is absent.
Natthaphong Songkham (Joel), Secretary of Thailand Karen Baptist Convention and Chairman of the Chrestos Board in Thailand.
Natthaphong Songkham (Joel), is from Mae Nyar Ha Day village, Baw Ko Kaeo Karen Baptist Church, Sha Lo Noh Area. Since graduating from the Bangkok Institute of Theology, he has been Secretary of the Christian Service Foundation (under TKBC), Chairman of the Karen Development Service Foundation, and recently he has been one of the Board Committee members of Sahamitwittaya School.
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Peter Maycock - UK Board of Trustees
Chairman of UK Board of Trustees
Peter served in Thailand with BMS World Mission from 2004-2014, working alongside the Thailand Karen Baptist Convention. During this time, he visited Chrestos and became friends with Chrestos founders Geoffrey and Pat Atkinson, enjoying their warm hospitality with his young family. Peter returned to the UK from Thailand in 2014 to study theology at the University of Oxford. He was ordained in 2017, and currently pastors Harborne Baptist Church in Birmingham.
John (and Hazel) Silverstone -
UK Board of Trustees, Treasurer
John and Hazel Silverstone are members of Oakhall Church, Caterham, a supporting church of Chrestos Mission. They met during Osteopathic training and have five adult children. In 2008, their eldest son, Edward, spent three months at Mae Sariang, teaching English in the local Thai secondary school and assisting on Chrestos campus.
John joined the Trustees as Treasurer in 2017. Since then, he and Hazel have visited Mae Sariang on four occasions at their own expense. These visits to the Chrestos campus have significantly improved understanding and working relationships, and have enabled them to observe staff and students flourish under the current Director and the Bible School Manager.
They report: “We are impressed by the love for God amongst our Karen brothers and sisters. Karen Churches testify to the quality of Chrestos graduates in their roles as Pastors and Evangelists, teachers and hostel staff. We count it a privilege to have part in this corner of the Kingdom of God.”
Jacqui Wells - UK Board of Trustees
Jacqui served in Thailand with BMS World Mission from 1988 - 2009.
"My real JOY was that I was able to work among the Karen in NW Thailand for 21 years!"
UK Board of Trustees - other members:
Frank Goveia
Neil Hardy
Anthony Harrop
Rosslyn Hill
Horace Onobrakpe