On May 9, 2008, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Eric G. John and his wife Mrs. Sofia John visited the Mercy Centre, which is part of the Human Development Foundation located in the Klong Toey District of Bangkok, Thailand. They met with co-founder Father Joe Maier (known affectionately by all as Father Joe) and several staff members and volunteers. They visited with many of the children and students benefiting from the Centre’s services.