The stage was set, the banners were hung and the musicians were ready to roll. I gathered a handful of fliers, headed toward the sidewalk and prepared to meet the masses. People from all over the city crowded the beach, ready to celebrate Loi Krathong, one of the biggest Thai holidays of the year, and our team was determined to make an impact through music.
Throughout the year, there are many Thai holidays, and Thai people love to celebrate them. Loud music, alcohol, lots of food and traditional Thai dancing characterize many of the celebration parties, and Loi Krathong is no exception. During the Loi Krathong festival, people make little “krathongs” (tiny baskets) out of the trunk and leaves of a banana tree. They then decorate it with flowers and float it in water. Although there is deep spiritual significance to the Loi Krathong holiday, to many people it is just a time to get together and have fun.
Working in an urban context, our team has recognized that in order to spread our net as widely as possible, we must take advantage of large gatherings. In an effort to do this, and at the same time promote our budding music school, Peace Music Academy, we rented a stage and speakers and allowed our teachers and students to perform live at the Loi Krathong festival. What better way to advertise than a free public concert?
Just before sunset, our students took to the stage and began to play. Although they faced competition from another live music stage roughly 100 yards away, they didn’t seem fazed. Many people stopped to listen. I distributed fliers to advertise our school and was pleased that many people happily accepted the ad and eagerly read the information. Several took the time to ask me questions about what we were doing.
Whenever a familiar song was played, or when a young child would perform, the crowd swelled. What a great opportunity! I thought to myself as I continued to work. Lord, please touch the hearts of these people. Toward the end of the night, our team played a sacred piece, “Praise to the Lord.” As the sweet sound filled the air, I couldn’t help but marvel at the scene. Here were thousands of people gathered together in celebration of a Buddhist holiday with no thought or knowledge of the true God of heaven. Yet here He was, speaking to them through music.
What were they thinking as they listened? Were their hearts drawn heavenward? Was a holy desire awakened within them? I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to see this great mass of people gathered together someday, not to have an amusing holiday, but to worship the King of the Universe! I pray that God’s music will continue to penetrate this dark country, until one day this dream becomes a reality.
