I walked through the Red Light District tonight and I didn't even know it. Men of all nationalities with Thai women loitered in cafes, bars, and street corners, but I kept telling myself not to jump to conclusions, not to judge. It wasn't until the end of the night that Betty told me we had been through the Red Light District on our walk to and from watching foreigners, 'farangs', and Thai people celebrate the King's birthday by the city gate.
I didn't even know I was in my place of ministry. I feel kind of stupid.
There were just so many tourists, so many farangs, that I thought I was on another tourist-laden street of Chiang Mai. I even saw some shops selling clothes that made me make a mental note to return to shop.
I'm in an culture of acceptance here. Come one, come all. One of the Buddhist temples my group visited yesterday even had a smaller side temple with paintings of Jesus and Scripture intermixed with Buddha, Confucius, and other gods I didn't recognize.
If it's good, it's good for all, it's acceptable to all.
I've been feeling crunchy here. Like my outsides are tingling because I keep hearing soothing words to fade away the offense. Just get a massage for 150 Baht ($5) and it will all melt away. Eat pad thai for a dollar and it will all be okay. Buy a woman's body, a man's body, a ladyboy's body for a few hundred Baht and you'll feel better.
Don't take a stand, don't notice injustice, don't speak for fear of making waves.
What is a life of permissible pleasures worth? Isn't it easier to sink into the white noise, the steady buzz of distraction?
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"
Matthew 16:26
Thailand is full of sounds, smells and sights. Rushing tuk-tuks and motos careen down every street while vendors shout about their sizzling meat kabobs and clashing Thai and American pop music pour out of tiny cafes. How much can the human eye take in? How much longer until lunch time?
Ministry officially begins tomorrow.
Sawadee ka, Thailand. The Father loves you.
"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. "
1 John 4:10
I need to be fully funded by January 1st to stay on the Race! The outstanding need is $3,446. Please consider donating by clicking here or on the 'Support Me' button on your right hand sidebar. A one-time gift of $360 will cover my food and lodging for a month ($12/day)!
