“Each Friday night we’ve been telling you stories, then asking you questions that help you understand the story,” Francisco began. “But tonight we’re going to change it up a little. We’re going to start by asking a question. Is that okay with you?” The students smiled in shy uncertainty. “So here is the question: Of all the stories we have told you, what has been your favorite?”

I held my breath. Sometimes during these weekly events, I wondered if the students were listening during story time. They love the singing that begins each Friday-evening gathering. They love the activities designed by the student missionaries to teach a lesson from each evening’s story. They love the chance to practice English conversation and eat healthful snacks. But were they really listening? Did these Buddhists steeped in local tradition and fear of the spirits have room in their hearts for these strange new stories?

I need not have worried. “My favorite story was about the axe head that floated!”

“My favorite was about the big fish that swallowed the man and then spat him out.”

“Do I have to choose only one story? I liked the one about the man hurt by robbers and the kind man who helped him. And I liked the one about the boy with the beautiful coat. His brothers didn’t like him but they bowed down to him later, just like in his dream.”

And so it went all around the circle. It was beautiful to hear.

The purpose of these Friday-night gatherings is to build friendships. Community is very important to the Tai-Kadai. Singing, doing activities, sharing stories, eating food together, and simply talking—each is foundational to meaningful relationships. As a team, it is our goal to live God’s love so authentically, so effectively, that hunger is awakened in Tai-Kadai hearts to know the Source of our happiness. This is why we tell the stories.

I silently praised God for the wonderful student missionaries who have let God work through them this year to be the only Bible many of these students have ever seen. Thank you God for the stories told and the stories remembered.

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