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Buddhism. Hinduism. Islam. These religions dominate the beliefs of the people of Asia. As I have traveled these places, I have visited temples, mosques, and shrines. I have seen rituals and practices that I would have never seen had I stayed in the United States. So much can be learned about the world when you observe where the worldview of the people comes from.
It is said to be Thai is to be Buddhist. The culture in Thailand, as well as in Cambodia, is steeped in this religion. A temple exists on nearly every corner. These beautiful buildings are full of statues and paintings telling stories of reincarnation, karma, and rising to enlightenment. People go there to receive blessings from monks, to burn incense to offer up prayers, and to offer lotus flowers as an offering to good spirits.
Monks passed us on the streets every day. These young men are required to live a life of simplicity. They strive to rid themselves of all worldly desires – clothing (they wear simply orange robes,) hair, and some even shoes. They must live by strict rules never touching women and taking vows of silence. All of this is done in hopes to live a good enough life to achieve a status of Buddha – something that is not guaranteed and could possibly never be obtained.
Spirit houses reside outside of nearly every home or business. These houses are meant for good spirits to reside and to bless those who erected it. We have seen offerings offered to them of food, drink, and flowers, and special care taken to keep the spirits happy.
In Japan, this religion exists, but in a different way. Many people are culturally Buddhist rather than 
devoutly Buddhist. These people believe in good spirits as well – the spirits of their ancestors. They strive to pay honor to these people once they are dead. These spirits are believed to grant good luck and protection. The care and honor stretches to even covering stone replicas of the spirits with clothing in winter to keep them warm. At temples across this country, you can see prayers purchased and hung on walls asking for anything from good health to good grades. Booths exist which sell talismans where one can buy protection from countless numbers of fears.
One day, in particular, I had the opportunity to visit a kindergarten. That day the school was holding a traditional new year’s ritual. The teachers lit a bonfire filled with new year’s decorations and papers with the word “horse” written in kanji (2014 is the year of the horse.) As the fire burned, teachers and students alike waved the smoke towards the sky and themselves in order to ask for good health from the spirits for the year. Though just held in a traditional manner and not necessarily for religious purposes, this ritual 
revealed so much on how these people are steeped in these beliefs.
The nation of Malaysia is one steeped in religious oppression. The native Malay people, who make up about 60% of the population, are required by law to be Muslim. They have no freedom in this, and it is illegal for them to ever switch religions if they want. Women are required to wear head scarves; everyone is required to follow a strict diet. The call to prayer rings out at various times throughout the day. Everywhere you go you see signs of a people living in religious oppression.
Malaysia is a place of many cultures, and another one of these cultures is that of the Hindu Indians. We visited a Hindu religious site/tourist attraction – Batu Caves. Everywhere we would see statues of different gods. Though there were hundreds, there were not even enough to represent all of the gods which Hindus believe in. These people live trying to please hundreds of deities that they cannot have personal relationships with.
As I have traveled, I have witnessed so many searching people –searching for peace, searching for protection, searching for a deeper meaning of life. What so many have yet to know is that a relationship with Jesus Christ is what brings this peace, protection, and meaning. Without him, life 
would be void, but with him, life has purpose. His love cannot be purchased, and his eternal life is assured regardless of what we do.
So this is why I travel – to spur on the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the Earth.
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20
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I am currently working on a blog to answer questions about my World Race. If you have any questions, please comment below, and I will print my answer in my next blog. Thank you.
