We can’t deny the fact that God has called us to serve in Thailand. He’s moved too many mountains and continued to open doors in that direction for the past 3 years for it not to be the case. With that said, we know opposition to us and the message we will be bringing will find us. We may not know exactly when or how, but do understand that it will be there.
I’ve recently been re-reading a book by an OMF missionary who served in Thailand called “HELP! My Halo’s Slipping”. In one of Larry Dinkins’ chapters he comments on the stronghold that Buddhism has in Thailand. Check out the passage from chapter 7 below:
Take [Thai Buddhist's] understanding of John 3:16, for instance. This famous verse, run through the Buddhist grid, presents a very confused picture of Christianity:
“For God (Buddhism has no concept of a creator God) … so loved (a desire to be quenched) … the world (an illusion) … that He gave (giving is done in order to get, repayment is expected) … His only begotten Son (this God has a wife?) … that whoever believes in Him (Buddha said, ‘Be a lamp unto yourself,’ and ‘work out your own salvation with diligence.’) … should not perish (hell is not eternal separation but temporary) … but have eternal life (the goal of Buddhism is nirvana–the extinction of suffering and the end of conscious existence).”
In fact, the whole of John 3 presents problems for the Thai. Take being born again. The last thing a Thai wants to do is be reborn. As a believer in reincarnation, his goal is to stop the never-ending cycle of birth/ old age/ sickness/ death. The Thai equate rebirth not with spiritual renewal but suffering.
This just caught my eye and mind in a new way as I read it on the flight here to Thailand. It reminds me of the fact that, once again, it is Christ alone who is able to bring about true life change and work through these cultural mis-/understandings.
Pray that the Thai people might first have the opportunity to hear about the gospel and then secondly pray for their response to that gospel message. Pray also for the missionaries who have, undoubtedly, all struggled to bridge the gap between Thai understanding and the Truth of the message.
Hi guys, we miss you at OB already! i’m so glad you found some friends with a hoosier accent. Don’t want to loose that! I’m going to be praying for you as you begin language school tomorrow. Back to the studing…that won’t be easy! love ya
Hi guys! I see you made it OK. What a great adventure you’re on. We envy you. We’re getting ready to move over the next few weeks. Have fun and be safe.
Hello from Indiana! I miss you guys and am praying that you’re both doing well. I am looking forward to another update (I’m sure you have a lot going on so I’ll be patient). : ) I’m not sure when yet, but I can’t wait to visit and meet your new friends and spend time with you! Love you both tons…and I hope to hear from you soon!!!
Brook,
Our daughter-in-law is from Thailand as you may remember I have told you in the past. I was overwhelmed by your statement What we’re up against. Yui, our daughter-in-law, has asked questions but she doesnt’ seem to understand my response and now I understand why. I’ll be eager to read other things that you may write about Thailand. She is from the SiSaKet region of Thailand and has just returned from a three month visit. Before the visit she attended church with us and was eager to learn more. Since her return to US she seems less eager and I’m sure it’s because of the influence from her family while there. We’ll keep you in our prayers, please keep her in yours.
In Christ,
Sue