The Buddhists of Southern Thailand project was my first mission experience, and while there, I focused on friendship evangelism. I liken it to character development in a spiritual desert. We are called to share Christ with others, but in the process, we can sometimes forget about our personal spiritual growth. As we reach out horizontally, let us not forget to reach up vertically.

The Thai are typically very friendly and generous, and I felt safe when alone out on the streets. But they also tend to be easily offended or spooked, without expressing that fact to you. Back in the States, we ask a lot of questions in order to gain a better understanding of each other and our beliefs. However, I discovered that the Thai did not operate quite this way. It was challenging for me, as I am someone who seeks out “What is truth?” in this manner.

The Buddhists of Southern Thailand are trapped in the devil’s snare. They need Jesus Christ, not as just a person or another deity, but as the Creator God who desires to save. Thankfully, He must have a way for people to come to know Him in different cultures, including what I know as the only sure way: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” (“The Ministry of Healing,” p. 143).

While at the project, I spent a good part of my time learning Thai while familiarizing myself with the culture and trying to meet new people. I believe that to be effective in friendship evangelism, a person needs to spend enough time to learn the language and culture, but I also realize that, even with a basic understanding, God can do anything.

In Thailand, our team visited various individuals and groups with whom we worshipped, sang and ate. I attended a Buddhist funeral, which was the opposite of a hopeful message, and spirit houses are placed everywhere for worshipping spirits. Being in Thailand, I realized how privileged my lifestyle was in Canada. The culture in Thailand is less individualistic and private, which helped me learn to be less selfish.

Throughout my time in Thailand, I prayed for the project, the team and those we were trying to reach. I believe that God is working in Thailand and that things are starting to pick up, even when it does not always look clear. So I wonder: What if nobody prayed for them at all? Being there made me realize how shorthanded these newer projects are as compared to a more established one, and how great the need is for prayer.

Although I know that God called me back home, I encourage you to consider serving at the Buddhists of Southern Thailand project. May God bless and lead you.

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