We had our fourth day at the schools today! It was fun to see the kids, their continued interest in our workshops, and to know we will see them tomorrow for round 2! We enjoy going to the same school more than once because it gives us more time to find a deeper connection between the students and teachers from Lutheran Hour Ministries-Thailand.
After eating lunch at the school, our Thai friends took us to see Saraburi's main temple. Not being the first temple we've seen, we knew what to expect, and therefore became more aware of practices of the Thai people on temple grounds. Watching these practices stirred many questions...
During the van ride back to our hotel, we were able to get some answers. Van rides have been a great opportunity to mix with the Thai missionaries and learn about the culture (which plays a huge part in the obstacles they face while trying to serve in Thailand). Knowing more about their culture helps us understand more about the dire need for Jesus.
While we were at temples, we saw people burning incense and buying gold leaf to put on a Buddha and pray, people ringing bells, and people dropping money into what they believe to be a footprint of Buddha. We assumed it was all for worship and prayer for Buddhists, when really, it's in order to increase positive karma. We learned that Buddhists believe- or really that Buddha taught- that in order to reach Nirvana, they have to let go of all desires. These offerings were not a part of original teachings, but rather an addition made by people as a way to raise money for the temple. Our confussion was realizing that their offerings are not going up to anyone and their prayers are not being heard because they have no god.
This brought another question about the "spirit houses" we have seen outside of most homes and businesses. We thought they were for Buddhists as well, but learned that they have been adopted into Buddhist practices as a way to appease the spirit. So, knowing they adopt different parts of different religions makes the ministry here more difficult. It's not difficult to introduce them to Jesus, but it is difficult to get them to believe in one true God.
Please pray that the Spirit would work through the missionaries at the Lutheran Hour Ministries- Thailand. Pray that hearts would be open to the absolute truth of one path to eternal life. Our time in these schools opens the doors for the missionaries and local churches to continue ministry in the neighborhoods where we worked.
-Katie Cizel
-Nicole Whittow
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