Ladies rise before the rising of the sun to cook food for the hungry monks who will soon be passing by their house. They come softly in their bright orange robes, carrying large silver bowls, single file line. The young and old monks collect the food and in return give a blessing. This is their way of life.

We came to Thailand with the desire to share the good news with the people. How we got free from eternal suffering. How we are no longer afraid of the evil spirits. Little did we know that there would be several step mountains to climb before we could effectively share the news. Our western way of thinking, understanding and seeing the world was completely opposite that of the Asian people.

So how do we speak to the Buddhist?

This month we had an opportunity to learn about the behaviors, beliefs, values and worldview of the Thai people. The lessons learned opened our eyes and gave us understanding of how to effectively present the good news  using terms and methods that are familiar to them. We learned that it is not enough to know about a people and their culture; we have to live it. Being effective  is about laying down the comforts of your own culture and putting on a new way of speaking, seeing and understanding the world, that does not contradict the Truth.

 Apostle Paul says,”To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all  things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel…” 1 1 Corinthians 9:22

 The greatest task that lies ahead of us now is to take on this new culture, change our way of evangelizing and teach our students to present the message effectively. Here starts the fun ride!