I thank the Lord that we were able to attend Bro. Worley's funeral. It was a time of celebration and praising the Lord for a life well lived in service to Jesus. Though we are all sad to see him go, we have experienced great peace to know that he was ready and anxious to meet our Lord.
I am reminded once again of the wonderful hope we have as followers of Jesus. During my many years in Thailand, I have attended several Thai / Buddhist funerals. It is common practice for monks to chant and display four banners that say: "Go, never return / Sleep, never wake / No resurrection / No escape."
ไปไม่กลับ / หลับไม่ตื่น / ฟื้นไม่มี / หนีไม่พ้น
This proverb gives a pretty accurate picture of the certainty of death. “No escape.” Indeed. But it breaks my heart to consider the hopelessness of death for my Thai Buddhist friends.
I thank God that followers of Jesus have the blessed hope of the resurrection! We look forward to continuing to share the wonderful gospel of HOPE with the people of Thailand.