Hugo and Elsa came to ECHO Thailand from Sweden to spend a two-month internship learning about faith, work, and community development.

As young Bible School students, they hoped to see faith in action and were excited to see a practical application of the principles they had learned. Neither had any idea of what to expect. “I thought we would be digging holes all day when I heard we would be working on a farm,” Hugo shares. “It was a nice surprise to discover that ECHO prioritized our learning (not just our labor!) and the staff really invested in one-on-one encounters to support our personal growth.”

Through connecting with ECHO partners and staff, Hugo and Elsa gained a deeper understanding of how agriculture can improve a family’s livelihood. “One of my favorite parts of the internship was being welcomed into workshops and hearing from the participants about how they are going to use the information they now have because of ECHO,” shares Elsa. “I learned that the most modern and complex methods aren’t necessarily the best and that we can learn from how nature itself works,” said Hugo, “And I have been inspired to research university degree options in agriculture to see if God might be leading me into agricultural community development ministry!”

Elsa continues. “It was inspiring to see how much time and energy the staff invest in everything. I loved seeing how ECHO is so much more than a place of work; it is where they can serve God and help people.” And so, the ECHO effect continues…through students in Sweden, through staff in Thailand, and through your faithful gifts!