A bright flash momentarily dissipates the darkness of the night. For a second, time stops. Then, a deafening boom thunders through the mountains. Children’s screams fill the small house in response to the explosion. The impact is felt in every chest for miles around. In the unnerving silence that follows sits a mother and father, surrounded by young faces looking up to them for protection and love—children whose lives had been forever changed by explosions like these.

This is not what they had planned. Thailand was only supposed to be for a year, and then life was supposed to go back to “normal.” In reality, it wasn’t even supposed to be Thailand. This wasn’t the country they had planned to serve in. But God had other plans.

The year was 2008. Paul and Lena Adams had packed up their family and set off to the beautiful country of Thailand for a year to serve as missionaries. What they found, however, was not the peaceful country they expected, but one sitting on the outskirts of rebellion. Thailand had become a place of refuge for many families in need of safety and security. For over half a century, the Karen and Burmese people had suffered the consequences of internal conflict. Thailand stood as a glimmer of hope—for those who dared to ford the Moei River and cross the patrolled border.

Upon arriving in Thailand, the Adams family wasn’t exactly sure what God was calling them to do. But God knew. And He placed it right in their laps. Children. Yes, tiny, squirming children who needed a home—food, beds, and love. They had suffered so much at such a tender age. Many had lost family, friends, and homes to war. The Adams welcomed them with open arms and the children came.

Over 120 students and teachers came to their small house as the advancing Burmese army moved to attack their mountain school. Within a few short days of their arrival, the teachers had classes up and running again.

Today this school is known as Sunshine Orchard Learning Center. With over 800 students in grades K–12, they provide light, love, and quality Christian education to the people of Thailand and Myanmar.

Throughout every challenge they faced, the Adams family pressed forward. As each new need arose, they met it with the assurance that behind every closed door there would be light. God never let them down. Somehow, He always provides for the needs at hand.