Stop #2 on my World Race will be Thailand. Here’s a little info, from the World Race website, about some of the hurt we might encounter in this corner of the world:
“Behind Thailand’s beautiful beaches, its people’s smiling faces, and the tropical jungles lies a terrible secret: modern day slavery. In Buddhist culture, women work to support their families so men can earn spiritual merit as monks. Many parents send their daughters to work in cities where the only option is prostitution. As the country’s natural beauty continues to draw visitors, sexual tourism continues to grow. It’s estimated 60% of tourists visit the Red Light Districts—and 90% of Thai men visit local karaoke bars for the same reason.”
As I pray these next couple of weeks for my time in Thailand, I’m praying for a new reality. A reality where all people are recognized as being image bearers of the creator. A reality where every life is viewed as important and sacred, and where the neglected are neglected no more. And I’m praying that I see this clearly as well. That the parts of me that rebel, even unknowingly against this reality, would come under the lordship of Jesus. I’m praying that the unseen of this society would be seen, and that God’s spirit would prepare my team to walk the streets of Thailand and interact with it’s people.
I’d love it if you’d join me in praying, over the next couple of weeks, for my team’s month in Thailand. While praying for the things listed above, I’ll also be borrowing a prayer from Charles de Foucauld:
“Father, I abandon myself into your hands. Do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I will thank you. I am ready for all; I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, as in all your creatures. And I’ll ask nothing else, my Lord.”
