“I never stopped talking to God. I always knew that the Christian path was what I wanted for my life,” Mook, who was baptized the first year we arrived in Thailand, told me with a contented smile.

Before meeting Jesus, Mook had struggled with depression and suicidal ideation and saw little reason to keep fighting her negative and despairing thoughts. She came from a broken Buddhist home where her only two brothers had both died tragically not long before. Now, she was in high school and felt social pressure to care for her struggling parents. But one lonely night, Mook cried out to a God she had only heard about. “God, if you are real, please show me who you are.”

Within days of that desperate prayer, her classmate, Andrew, invited her to a Christian church. Andrew happened to be the son of the local SDA pastor and had felt impressed to invite her to come to Peace Music Academy (PMA) to study music and join in Sabbath church meetings.

She accepted his invitation and liked the friendly atmosphere and the many foreign English-speaking teachers and families that welcomed her. English had been a particular interest of hers for several years, and now she could practice every week in music classes and other activities.

After several months of Bible study with the pastor and her growing determination to know this God of love and hope, she joined several others in baptism. During the months that followed, the AFM team, PMA music teachers, and the local Thai pastoral family offered support and housing as she was nurtured into her new lifestyle. After high school graduation, a generous American donor provided the financial means for Mook to attend Asia-Pacific International University (AIU), our Adventist university in Thailand, where she studied for one year.

With spiritual struggles and family challenges, Mook felt overwhelmed and dropped her educational plans at AIU. She entered the working world for the next three years, hoping to make money and faithfully help her struggling parents. She found that her minimum wage jobs resulted in long hours of hard work, barely enough income to live on, and very little time or money to help either of her parents.

In my heart, the Holy Spirit planted a special seed and never let me quit praying for this promising young woman. I frequently solicited others to pray with me, even though Mook rarely responded to my frequent texts or phone messages.

Early last summer, things changed. We met for lunch at a restaurant, and Mook told us that a Sunday-observing American couple was studying the Bible with her. She was confused by what she was being taught about the Godhead and Jesus’ life on earth. “I don’t think it is right,” she told us.

We listened thoughtfully, and I said, “Mook, I would be delighted to study the Bible with you. When would you be free?” Her present job was more flexible, and we scheduled a time the following week.

Meanwhile, Priscilla, a new short-term missionary, arrived to teach music at PMA. Priscilla, a young Chinese student from Canada, was the only Adventist in her family. She had accepted the Lord and joined the SDA church during high school after studying Bible truths for herself. She knew why she was an Adventist. Priscilla was staying at our house temporarily and was there when Mook arrived. The two young people hit it off and became good friends, studying the Bible and hanging out.

Initially, Mook was afraid to return to church. It had been three years. She was embarrassed and felt guilty for dropping the scholarship to attend AIU. She also wasn’t able to help her dad as she had hoped. The first Sabbath that she returned to church, she knew the Holy Spirit was present, drawing her back into fellowship. The new pastor welcomed her, and when she opened the door to the youth Sabbath School class, she heard a familiar Thai song — “Come Back.” Overcome with emotions, she hurried to the restroom, where the tears flowed freely.

Mook now reads her Bible daily, making notes and asking questions. Recently, she was asked to teach the Sabbath School lesson and diligently prepared. We find joy in cooking or baking together and regularly study scripture.

Mook’s future is undetermined. She would love to return to the university. Right now, the most important thing for her is to deepen her connection with Jesus. She desires to be further involved with the church family and activities that will help her live for Jesus now and one day soon on the earth made new.

“And we urge you . . . encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone . . . . Rejoice always, pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-17 NIV).

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