“The blacksmith takes a tool and works with it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, he forges it with the might of his arm.
He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint.
The carpenter measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses.
He shapes it in human form in all its glory, that it may dwell in a shrine.
He cuts down cedars, or perhaps took a cypress or oak.
He let it grow among the trees of the forest, or planted a pine, and then rain made it grow.
It is used as fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread.
But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it.
Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill.
He also warms himself and says, ‘Ah! I am warm; see the fire.’
From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships.
He prays to it and says, ‘Save me! You are my god!’”
-Isaiah 44:12-17
“They say to wood, ‘You are my father,’ and to stone, ‘You gave me birth’ …” – Jeremiah 2:27
I read this verse in Jeremiah in my quiet time this morning. I didn’t really realize how relevant it would be for that day.
I’d seen the Thai people praying to the statues.
Leaving their offerings of food to the “Hungry Spirits.”
Display their charms and pendants for good luck.
But the magnitude of the Buddhist religion really hit me at the mountain temple today.
Pastor Ekachai took us on a prayer walk this morning at a giant Buddhist temple. It’s part tourist attraction and part worship center for Buddhists. Upon riding up in his pickup truck I immediately knew I was in a different world.
Statues lined the parking lot. All different kinds of Buddha’s and famous monks. People were praying to these statues. Laying on their faces as if something was going to happen. All the while the hollow-eyed statue staring back.
We then took a short trolley ride to the main temple up the mountain. Pastor Ekachai led us the route around where a host of people were worshipping and collecting talismans and into a museum of sorts. It was full to the brim with Buddhist memorabilia. Statues, weapons, bowls, dead animals, gems. Tons upon tons of stuff.
Then we went upstairs on the main terrace. The view was spectacular. A beautiful view of Chanthaburi and the surrounding mountains. Then he led us into some of the rooms on the terrace.
One was full of incredibly (I would venture to say terrifyingly) life-like statues of dead famous monks. You would almost expect them to get up and slap you or something. Another room with statues and things. Another room with life-like monk statues. Every room with people bowing and leaving change.
We passed a monk (a live one this time) leading some sort of prayer over a microphone. Right in front of him sat many people fervently praying to the man, or about whatever he was saying. I couldn’t really tell.
The architecture of the temple was stunning. No one can argue that. Ornate dragons lined the stairs. Beautiful red, gold, and white buildings were everywhere. Artfully and painstakingly crafted things lined every corner. But that’s just it. They’re things.
I had a hard time enjoying anything about the temple. I couldn’t separate myself from how annoyed, sad, and frustrated the whole experience left me. Watching the people lay on their face to statue of a giant monk. Or a fat Buddha. Or a skinny Buddha. Or a Buddha with both palms closed. Or a Buddha with one palm closed. Or a Buddha with both palms open, if you’re feeling crazy.
It just felt so very hollow. So very sad.
The highlight of the trip for me was when Pastor Ekachai brought us to the back of one of the buildings on the main terrace. It was a secluded stretch of the terrace overlooking the mountains and valleys. It was a beautiful sight. Then he asked us to spread out a bit and pray over the temple. I can’t lie, I felt like a spy in enemy territory.
After we prayed for a bit he asked us to sing some songs. We sang a few hymns. It was powerful to me. Here we were, sneaking around a Buddhist temple like good little American tourists. Putting on our happy faces at all of the sites. All the while really there to pray and sing to the God of the universe.
It was a day off, so Pastor Ekachai was showing us the sites and some of the cool architecture. But I also think he was showing us what we were up against.
In the province of Chanthaburi (where we’re staying this month) there is a population of around 500,000 people. According to Pastor Ekachai, around 200 of those people are Christians. 200. 0.04%. Probably less than the amount of people in Wal-Mart at any given time. It’s a sobering statistic. One that I never thought would be possible. In America you never really consider that to be a true fact.
For me this month is about evangelizing. I feel a pull to share the love of Christ and the truth of the gospel as much as I can. I feel a fire.
Our ministry will consist of going to a women’s prison, teaching English in villages and schools, leading Bible studies and giving sermons. Among many other things. God has already laid several things on my heart, tapped into my observant and discerning nature to show me things I may not have noticed otherwise. It’s already been a crazy month. Full of awesome ministry, and great relationships. But it isn't over yet.
Pray for us in Chanthaburi. Pray for W Squad all over Thailand. We want to love and reach this beautiful country in every way possible for Christ. We want to make an impact. We want to grow ourselves. Pray for opportunities and for God to make a path for us. I’m ready to make a difference.
Ready to go,
Seth
