Jay walked into a church one Sunday. She smiled politely even though she was a little bit scared. After all, she was a Buddhist, not a Christian. She also did not know anyone at this church, and strangers were generally scary. An older Thai lady welcomed her with a smile, a wai (Thai hand greeting), and a word of welcome. This older sister made her feel comfortable, introduced her to some others, and stayed alongside her as the singing began. Jay, of course, did not know any of the songs or even understand them, but she sensed the enthusiasm and joy.
After a lot of singing, a man stood at the front and spoke. Jay found it odd that a man in regular clothes would teach from a holy book. The older sister showed her this holy book and pointed out the words that the man was talking about.
He was talking about a widow, which caught Jay’s interest. This widow had a son like she did. A man of God came to live with this widow during a famine. The widow’s food did not run out, despite the fact that there was no way for her to get food. Then her son got sick. She thought this might have happened because the man of God caused God to see her sins. But the man of God prayed, and God healed the boy.
The man up front talked more, explaining that Jesus is concerned for widows, for those rejected by society, and thus sent his messenger to this widow and her son. He talked about sin and how the Lord Jesus forgives sin to bring us into relationship with himself. After that, there were prayers and more songs.
Jay’s husband had died in a motorcycle accident when their son was still very small, but Jay had not found many people concerned for her. She mostly found people looking to use her or take advantage of her. She had no education or skills, but she had to provide for her son and her mother, who took care of her son out in the country.
She worked in all the ways young women worked who had no education or skills. Most of the time she could rationalize the things she did as for the good – to take care of her son and mother. But she was not sure. It was often easier to cope with if she got drunk, but then in the hangover, she would recall that intoxication is a sin for a Buddhist.
Jay went to church because as a little girl, she had been to a Christmas party in a foreigner’s home. It had been a happy occasion with games, gifts, stories, and fun. She had recently seen some Christmas decorations in a department store. So, she decided to be brave and go into a Christian church.
The elder sister guided her to a table for the meal that was provided. The others at the table smiled and welcomed her and made sure she had food. The elder sister asked a couple of the people to share how they had become Christians, and why. This drew Jay in as she heard more about God’s love and his interest in ordinary people, even sinful people.
Jay began to have hope that her life was not going to be just a downward spiral. Jay turned to the Lord Jesus, and through the help of this church, got a job in a factory. She was able to do night school to complete her education and eventually brought her son to live with her so he could learn more about Christ. Now when Jay smiles at others, her “polite smile” carries with it the joy of Christ.
Pray for Christians to welcome non-Christians into their life together.
Pray for all those in Thailand who have heard some part of the gospel when they were children, to seek the Lord as they become adults.
Pray for widows, orphans, and others in hard life situations to turn to God for help.
Pray for many young, uneducated girls (and boys) to turn away from the easy money in the sex trade of Thailand.
Pray for the informal parts of church life to move past the surface to the real needs in the lives of others. Churches in Thailand normally have a meal together after their service.