From the field

So...I'm going to cheat with this post. This is definitely not mine, but I've been wanting to share it for a little while. Here is a snapshot of Thai religion and spirituality and the need for the Gospel in Thailand:

Recently had an opportunity to go to a Buddhist funeral for someone who had died from Mahatthai 3. One part of the ceremony on the last day prior to cremation is a process called “Ban Sakun”. Ban Sakun is when members of the family and loved ones walk up to the coffin and through a ceremony have their merit from their good deeds transferred to the spirit of the one who has died. It is the final step before the cremation of the body and it sets the stage for a lifetime of trying to do good and transfer merit to the spirit of those that have died. As I was sitting at the ceremony talking to some of my Thai team members we reflected on the ultimate transfer of merit. Hebrews 9:26-28 says “He (Jesus) has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that come to judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him”. Please continue to pray for this needy nation. It is a joy to see and hear the testimonies of those who have ceased trusting on the merit making of others for them and their own merit making and have trusted in the merit of Christ alone for their salvation. Pray that we would relentlessly preach, teach, and show the beauty and sufficiency of Christ’s meritorious life, death, resurrection, and reign and that God would continue to draw many to Himself here.

Dave Veldhorst, the MTW Thailand director, wrote that in his last email update. For more, you can go to www.mtwthailand.org and request to stay in touch with the team. Pray with us for this great nation!