70. A Light in the Slaughterhouse - The Father Joe Maier Story Through a Lingwood Lens

As a boy, I used to love stories of Mother Teresa and the depth of her compassion she gave to 'the poor'. I struggled to believe that such a Saint could even exist. Today, A Journey With Bernie & Chip with superb film maker and producer, James Lingwood, will offer you a male equivalent. In this episode, you will meet Father Joe Maier, an Irish-American Priest of the People, who for more than 50 years, has lived with and served the Klong Toey slums of Bangkok providing vulnerable children alternatives to and havens from violence, sex abuse, child trafficking, and prostitution. In the process, Father Joe has empowered Bangkok’s poorest families and communities to believe in their value. He has unified the Catholic, Buddhist and Muslim 'poor of the slum' to see their strength as one community. In return, they love him. That's not quite right, they adore him. He is their Jesus. Sometimes he is a very tough Jesus. These articles will validate the status of this great man.

Joe Maier - Wikipedia
Father Joe, Bangkok’s Priest to the Poor, Thrives Among Fellow Outcasts - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

You will read how Father Joe, together with the equally extraordinary Sister Maria and Sister Joan, have administered the ongoing refuge of The Mercy Centre, which has become a hub of grace, love and strength for all slum residents. Thirty-three schools inspired by Father Joe and his team now serve the needs of the slum children. These achievements are but a few.  His lifetime achievement award presented by Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand says it all. His story must be told.

There are stories in this episode that will strangle your emotions. There are stories in which I lost it. You too will struggle to remain composed. There are stories that will delight you. There are stories here that the whole world must know about, which is why James Lingwood is passionate about bringing a feature film of Father Joe's life into the hearts and lounge rooms of television viewers worldwide. 

Please watch the short 15-minute documentary Through The Eyes Of Children. It will give you a feel for the power and value of James Lingwood's film to come.

If you don't need any more validation than this film and this episode to want to financially contribute, then it is as simple as visiting this tax-deductible website:

A Light in the Slaughterhouse | Documentary Australia

All proceeds will ensure that this story is told to millions worldwide and so it should. It is one of the best ever told on A Journey With Bernie & Chip.