Recently at our prayer booth in the local market, I gave a gospel tract to a Muslim man. He said, “Do you realize that I am a Muslim? We don't believe that Jesus is God.” “But you do believe He was a great prophet, is that right?” I asked. “Of course” he said, “we Muslims hold Jesus in great esteem.” He seemed very open to talk so I continued, “And isn't it true that you believe Jesus will be returning again?” At this point he leaned very close to me as if to confide something in secret. He said, “Yes, we are ALL waiting for Jesus, aren't we?” Indeed we are.
Here in Thailand, most people are not waiting for Jesus' return but still waiting to hear of Him for the very first time! I have shared with you in the past that less than one half of 1% of Thailand's population claims to be Christian. 75% of all sub-districts in Thailand have no churches. (No churches of ANY kind!) 62% of the people in Thailand live in an area where there is no church. How are these millions going to be reached without someone to preach the gospel?
New Outreach
God has recently opened a brand new outreach opportunity. Twice a week, Joy and I are now teaching at the Phuket Juvenile Detention Center. Our students range in age from 14 to 17 years old. One of the Detention Center workers told us that maybe 2 or 3 out of 100 will actually be “rehabilitated”. Please be praying that we can have a positive influence for Christ in the lives of these boys.
In addition to the Juvenile Detention Center, we have also started teaching some of the staff at the adult prison. I have found that it is very difficult to gain access to the prisoners. I am praying that my contact with the prison staff will soon lead to an opportunity to share the gospel with many of the inmates.
Muslim or Buddhist, in prison or not, the people of Thailand desperately need to hear the good news of Jesus for the first time. Thank you for continuing to partner together with us in Thailand's field of souls.
Yours for Thailand
David