Before I start, I’d like to reiterate my disdain for blogging. I don’t enjoy or value communication of this form; for some reason it just bothers me. I value and savor the glory of God, however, and I want to use this as a pedestal for His renown and a feeding place for His worshipers. I also have a sincere appreciation for everyone who has supported me financially, and I want to use this as a way to inform you of what your generosity is doing in my life, and in the lives of those around me.
Upon our arrival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, my squad was given a day to rest and to explore our surroundings. I took advantage of the latter option, seeking to share the gospel as I familiarized myself with the area. This venture proved to be more difficult than I imagined, largely due to the language barrier between myself and the locals. If I couldn’t maintain light conversation with the people of Chiang Mai, how was I supposed to declare the lordship of Jesus, who said: “I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades”?
I was incredibly frustrated as I woke up for our Orientation Day, questioning my effectivity in this area. After reviewing cultural norms and meeting some of the hostel staff, my squad and I had the opportunity to visit a local Buddhist temple to take part in Monk Chat, a daily event fostering spiritual conversation between local monks and curious-minded foreigners.
This was presented to us as an opportunity to listen. We might get to share a little bit about Jesus, but we shouldn’t expect it. A few of us sat down at a table with a monk who, from my albeit scarce knowledge of monks and Buddhism in general, seemed pretty normal. He wore the right stuff and he was in the right place. This idea quickly fled my mind when he began to field questions about what he believes.
“Who is Buddha to you?” one foreigner asked.
The monk sat back, gave the question more thought than he probably should have, and responded bluntly, “Buddha was a wicked man.”
The foreigner just kind of laughed, shook it off, and tried to get some clarity, but none would be given. The monk repeated himself, going on to explain his beliefs about reincarnation (or lack thereof), again not in line with common Buddhist beliefs.
We began to realize that we might just be talking to one of the worst monks Chiang Mai had ever seen. My squad mates were intrigued by his answers, and continued to ask him questions about himself. When I had chances to ask questions, I tried to subtly bring Jesus into the conversation, but I was continually getting shutdown by other unrelated follow-up questions.
I prayed in that moment, “Father, help me to share the gospel with this man. I want to glorify you. Help me right now.”
But for the next few minutes, I couldn’t even get a word out. I felt completely removed from the conversation, and incredibly frustrated as I waited for my turn to speak. All I wanted to do was make known the victory of Jesus in these temple courts, but I couldn’t feel God’s presence.
As I wallowed in a spirit of irritation, a man walked up and sat down next to me. I feel ashamed to say this, but I brushed him off, trying to prevent him from standing in the way of this man and my gospel presentation. Once I was able to speak, I contrasted the monk’s beliefs of what happens after death with the hope that I have in Jesus. As I went further into the gospel, the man that sat down next to me was incredibly enthusiastic, nodding emphatically and responding back to me as I spoke. I assumed he was a Christ follower, and continued to speak.
But once I was done, he turned to me and began asking me questions about Jesus. This sparked a gospel conversation with one of the most curious people that I know. I was able to learn about what he’s experienced. I was able to explain how Jesus’ sacrifice ended every animal and monetary sacrifice, and how His blood covers every sin.
Although my vision of why God put me there was limited to what I could see in the moment, He had a greater plan for how I could glorify Him. Even though I was frustrated that I couldn’t communicate with these people, God’s plan included a relationship with Baylo, a Burmese student that’s seeking peace in a broken world. And although we were talking with a monk who wasn’t sure what he believed, my squad was able to turn the tables and answer questions he had about Christianity.
Earlier today, some of my teammates and I visited Baylo at his work to give him a Bible and pray over him before returning to the temple for our second Monk Chat.
Praise: Praise God for His faithfulness in our travels, bringing everyone here in a timely and safe manner. Praise God for placing us in Chiang Mai to be lights of His glory. Praise God for equipping us with words to speak. Praise God for hearing the prayers of His saints.
Prayer: Please pray that God gives me patience to listen to His voice. Please pray for my squad as we start ministry tomorrow. My team specifically will be working with the Zion Hostel to make it a more attractive and professional business that can reach travelers and job seekers. Pray that we can reach the English-speaking travelers. Please pray that God will continue to give us a hunger for Him, with an endurance to conquer the enemy in this place. Pray that God will grant us lasting relationships with the men and women of Chiang Mai. Lastly, please pray for boldness to share the gospel in places where it isn’t welcome.
