I made this as short as I could:-).
We’re back home in Socal now, trying to readjust and wondering if that was really only an 11 day trip. I’m sure the Lord will work in me–and hopefully through me–as the impact of this trip on me and those I taught unfolds. For now, I find my mind flashing through two conflicting themes–how different we are, and how much we’re the same.
The oppressive heat and humidity hit us as soon as we walked out of the airport–at 6:30 a.m.–as well as the ubiquitous scooters of every shape (only small size) and configuration. Maybe the humidity is why they don’t much bother with paper towels or napkins–or toilet paper. Mostly just a hose next to the toilet.
Our attention was drawn to the giant billboards, and the portraits of the King which were EVERYWHERE. Of course, one of us drives on the ride side of the road–and car. Our plugs don’t work there. Dogs were everywhere, but they weren’t pets. This is part of the Buddhist influence, also everywhere apparent with the opulent temples and statues in the midst of poverty. Even in our similarities we’re different. The malls have many store names we recognize, and as we were led through the make-up section–a full floor–I was a bit taken back to see all of the shoppers using the displays to apply their make up–all of them young men. Thai massage parlors are everywhere–full body and foot. There were of course many more differences, but there were also a lot of similarities
Some of these are due to western influence. Most signs were in English, and many of the stores are the same ones we have. The food is quite different–if you eat traditional. However, KFC, Burger King, Sizzler, and McDonald’s are everywhere. EVERYONE has a cell phone, and every student has a laptop. Traditional Thai dress is hard to find. Traffic is reminiscent of any city of millions of people–except that motor scooters are everywhere and they make California lane splitting look seriously tame!
Perhaps the place the similarities showed the most were in the Thai church. Comprising only a few percent of the country’s population, Thai Christians are unusual, especially in Bangkok. The songs are western, and even the little chapel in a seriously rural mountain village had an electric guitar in the corner. The worship services consisted of the same elements, though everyone praying aloud at once was strange to my American ears, and the men and women segregated on different sides of the room was strange.
The problems the church deals with are amazingly similar to ours. The tendency to “believe” but still live however they want–and the fear of leaders that if they practice church discipline they’ll lose popularity. The competition between congregations for members in some churches was disheartening, but not unfamiliar (some churches are “growing” tremendously by wooing members of other churches). Problems with immorality and inconsistency were brought up constantly.
And there was another similarity–some churches are growing, and some are dying. I was a bit taken aback to hear that Dr. Chun and I were among the few guest lecturers who relied on scripture for our teaching. Apparently the influence of the liberal churches through the denominational structures who originally sent missionaries has become extreme, and many of these church leaders reflect this. Others have remained faithful to the Lordship of Jesus and the authority of scripture. Some were gratified at our Biblical foundations, some weren’t sure what to do with it. When I answered their objections to something I said with “but I just quoted scripture” the differences in the group were clear:-).
Despite the differences in our cultures and lifestyles these people are basically the same as we are. They sin, they are lost, and they need the Lord. And when they find the Lord, their faith is the same. Some had faith so strong it moved me. Others have allowed the world to distract them from the Lordship of Christ. Lord willing we helped to point back to Him.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Leave a Reply