As I left the house for a late afternoon Sabbath walk, I had the thought that I should pray that the Lord would help me to be open to meet the people that He may want me to meet.  I quickly said a silent prayer for a willing heart to be used by Him as I started my walk.  I had no intention of engaging in long conversations with anyone, I simply wanted to get some fresh air and light exercise before it got dark.  I cheerfully smiled at and “wai-ed” the people that I passed.  As I approached a “wat” (Buddhist temple) I saw a young monk raking brush just outside of the temple.  I prepared to “wai” him and keep on walking, but as we made eye contact he greeted me in English and I instantly got the feeling that he wanted to talk.  Remembering the quick prayer I had said earlier, I slowed down and walked closer to him.

Wat Chedilium where Kyle met the monk.

After exchanging a few words, some in Thai, and some in English, he asked if I would like to come inside the temple, to which I readily agreed.  Against a back-drop of Buddhist paintings and a golden Buddha image, we continued our conversation.  The monk, Sanga, began asking me questions about America; this began an hour long discussion about a wide variety of different topics ranging from American history and politics, Thai politics, Buddhism, and Christianity.  He told me that he holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy and enjoys learning about other Religions.  While we talked about Christianity he even asked me why some churches go to church on Sunday and some on Saturday, I was then able to talk about the history of the change of the Sabbath. 

Wat Chedilium where Kyle met the monk.

As we approached 6 pm, I knew that Cindi was probably at home wondering what had happened to me so I knew that I needed to wrap the conversation up.  Not wanting to just end it abruptly and possibly never see him again, I prayed about what I should do. 

“Sanga, do you feel like you understand Christianity?”  I asked. 

“Sort of, but not at a deep level,” he replied.

“Would you like to learn more?” I asked.

“Yes I would,” was his reply.

“So you want to learn more about Christianity, and you like to practice your English.  What would you think if I were to come back later in the week and I could teach you more about Christianity and you could teach me more about Buddhism, and all the while you could be practicing your English?”  I asked.

“That sounds great!”  He said.  We then made an appointment to meet the following Thursday.

Wat Chedilium where Kyle met the monk.

I praise God for how He orchestrated this meeting with Sanga, it was truly a divine appointment.  Since our initial conversation, I have met with Sanga twice, and after asking many Bible questions he asked if it would be okay if he came with me to church if he ever has the time.  At this point I don’t know how serious he is, but nonetheless, I ask that you would please pray that the Lord would give me wisdom as I continue to meet with Sanga each week.  He understands a fair amount of English, but with my limited Thai, and his limited English it is difficult for me to communicate complex Biblical concepts to him.  It is my desire to be able to give Him a fuller and more complete picture of Jesus and His beautiful truth.  Thank you once again, may the Lord bless each one of you, and please let us know how we can pray for you.

• Twitter