As we waited for the ferry to return to the mainland, I listened to the Sabbath morning sermon by our new General Conference president and my heart was stirred to be bold for Jesus.
We were just returning from a week’s holiday on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, Thailand, where we had interacted with a number of wonderful, friendly folk. I reflected on how my prayers to make this time relaxing and refreshing while interacting and building friendships had been answered in so many ways.
The sermon was fitting with the conviction already in my heart that I needed to pray more earnestly for divine appointments. I have done this frequently during my morning devotional time and been surprised at the doors God has opened—in person, on the phone and in texts and emails.
Boarding the crowded ferry, my husband and I hunted for two seats together. I found the spot over in a corner. The young Thai lady beside me spoke very good English, and we chatted for a while—small talk, just to get acquainted. She then took out a book she was reading, so I proceeded to answer texts on my iPad.
Soon she got up, but put her sweater and book there to save her seat. It was a Thai book, and the title written in large Thai letters did not mean much to me. Then my eyes fell on the subtitle in English: “A Guide to Fighting the Demons in my Heart.” This was my kind of book. I immediately started to pray for her. She was a single professional woman going on holiday to her hometown. “Please, Lord, bring her back to her seat soon and give me the words to say and an opportunity to share with her more.”
I waited and prayed, watching the time tick away. We would not have many more moments before they would begin announcing our need to return to our vehicles.
Sadly, she did not return to her seat before we had to leave, but I did see her and we briefly interacted as we made our way through the crowded hallway.
I had spent the majority of our trip reflecting on the book and my limited understanding of the Thai culture. This was not your average person, but a hurting child of God who wanted something more—more understanding of herself and her personal struggles.
I cannot help but feel that younger professionals in Asia today are becoming more open to psychological conversations and talking about their feelings, whereas, in my experience, the traditional Asian way is to keep everything inside, share very few inner thoughts or feelings, and be very guarded.
My prayer for this young woman is that she will continue her search for answers and that the Holy Spirit will guide her to truth and Himself in the process.
