When you think of Thailand, is your first thought Chinese bibles? Well I know for sure that was not mine at all but God is much more vast than I can imagine. Since being in Pattaya, Thailand we have been able to partner with many different ministries; G.R.A.C.E., Shear Love, and Lighthouse are just a few to name. Through these we are helping children learn English, math, and about the love of Jesus. As well as men and women who were once involved in prostitution or worked in the bars learn new life skills and how to do hair. I really love both these ministries but my personal favorite thing that we have gotten the opportunity to do is pass out Chinese bibles on the pier. This pier brings thousands upon thousands of tourists, mainly Chinese and Russian, daily.
At first I was terrified when I thought about having to pass out Chinese bibles when we are in the land of Thai. Our wonderful host taught us how to say free and bible in Chinese and relied on God to do the rest. There are four signs that we hold which three of them read, “Free Christian Bibles” in Chinese and one reads, “Jesus loves you” in Thai, Chinese, Russian, and English. We do have a few Thai, Russian, and English bibles but our main focus is the Chinese. Now I know that I am definitely pronouncing my words wrong and adding a little country twang to it but it is cool to see how gracious they are. Being out there is both disheartening and encouraging. Many people mock us, hit our signs, question Jesus’ love for us, or just walk by us completely unfazed. It is sad to say, and maybe a little harsh, but I get a mental picture of people turning down God and walking straight into the gates of Hell every time people flood past us. The first night we were out there I got a bit discouraged and uncomfortable when people started laughing at what we were doing. But of course God provides and prevails every time. In the bible, Jesus clearly says we will be mocked and we will not fit into the customs of this world. If we are truly going to pick up the cross and follow Jesus we are going to stand out. When those lies popped into my head God quickly reminded me that this is for His kingdom and His glory and that He put people on the pier for a reason. He also provides us with encouragement when people come by so appreciative, hungry, and excited to have a bible. One woman even took three for her friends back at home. Another incredible moment I got to see was when a Russian man stepped out in His faith and asked for a Russian bible even though his friends were mocking him and felt extremely uncomfortable once they realized he was being serious. That’s not even the incredible part! After they started to walk away, one of his friends came back and asked for one as well and said he sometimes feels ashamed for his faith and knows he needs to work on it and thanked us for what we were doing. Man oh Dan it is wonderful to see how God can move in people.
Isn’t it so cool that God brings people who are from America and New Zealand to Thailand to provide The Word to Chinese tourists who are on vacation in Thailand to take back home where it is difficult for them to have bibles? Wow God knows what He is doing! Over the three nights that we have gone to the pier we have passed out a total of 1,974 bibles. That is 1,974 seeds being planted and spread all around the world and I believe the Lord is going to root them deeply in Him. Please pray with me that these seeds will grow an abundant amount of fruit. That these bibles would be opened daily and passed around for friends and family members to know the love of the Lord. I also want to challenge you in using your bible that is so easily accessible everyday. As Americans we are so privileged to be able to praise God and dive into His word at anytime we would like to. It is a wonderful thing and can be easily forgotten. So lets take advantage of it and know Him deeper!
