“Every heathen nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away from the Father’s face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing. The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and by redemption. And these false teachers rob man as well. Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul” (Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 478).
Recently, while studying Thai with one of my language tutors, I was learning how to talk about feelings. We were doing an activity where we would ask each other, “When do you feel happy?” or, “When do you feel sad?” It was really fun, and we were having a good time and getting to know each other better. One of the sentences I practiced with my teacher was, “When do you feel afraid?”
The other day, I asked one of my friends this question. She said she feels scared when she is alone at night and she has a nightmare and sees a ghost. My friend is a Thai Buddhist. Spirits and ghosts are a real part of her life. Then she asked me the same question. I told her I feel afraid sometimes when my kids try to run into the street. Then I added, “But that feeling goes away quickly. I never really feel truly scared or alone because Jesus is always with me.”
As my friend listened, I could see the emotion in her eyes, and I knew she was trying to process the full meaning of my words. I’m very thankful that I was able to use some of the Thai language that I’ve learned to shine a light on a spiritual reality that was meaningful for my friend. I’m also thankful that I am here in Thailand to have these kinds of opportunities.
Your support makes it possible for us to be here and have these moments to share our faith with our Thai friends. Join with us and be a part of something that is truly life-changing.
