Struggles

In my opinion, there is nothing that I would rather do than be a foreign missionary. The rewards are awesome however there are definitely struggles. One of which is the difficulties people encounter after they have professed Christ.

We were so excited a couple of weeks ago when Joe was saved. Since then however, it has been a real struggle. Joe like most Thai people has a Buddhist background which is a worldview that almost nothing in common with Christianity. Buddhist believe in evolution, Christians creation. Buddhist believe in salvation through works, Christians believe that is by grace through faith. Buddhist believe in reincarnation and karma, Christians don't. Taking the step to follow Christ is a very big decision in many people's lives because it can mean ostrasation from friends and family. The first Sunday after Joe was saved, he was so happy as I posted in another blog but since then, Joe's Buddhist friends and family have not been too happy with his decision to follow Christ and abandon his Buddhist ways. His wife has criticized him and he is scared about what his family might think. Someone gave Joe some kind of Buddhist book since then, a book on Buddhist prayer (I think) and he has been reading that book. We were able to find a Bible in his native language, since he can't read Thai, but he is scared to read it because he doesn't want to upset his father and make him angry.

I guess there are highs and lows in ministry anywhere you are, but I ask you to pray for Joe and his walk with God, that he would understand the truth more clearly and be able to overcome his fears and the things others may say about him, including his wife and parents. And that many other people would come to know Christ.