The last few days here in Thailand have been rough to say the least. Obeying God to come here has been hard; I still don’t know why I’m here. I’ve been homesick for Uganda and Indiana. I’ve also been comparing myself to my teammates which is bad because it makes me down inside.Any who, yesterday afternoon I realized how much I allow ministry define me. I strive and chase after Jesus mostly through serving. Whether it’s holding babies, preaching/leading Bible study, doing something silly for kids or even just prayer walking I feel an accomplishment and a greater need for my Savior.
This past 4 days my team and I have been in training here at SHE to be ready and fully equipped for ministry on Bangla Road. It’s been a good time learning and preparing but I’m ready for ministry or at least an opportunity to leave home…
Yesterday was that day! Yay! We went on a prayer walk to a nearby Buddhist temple. I expected to feel surrounded by darkness and be overwhelmed by the heaviness as I did in the Catholic Cathedral I visited in Ecuador two years ago, but didn’t. Instead I was filled with joy and a Spirit of worship like the temple of another god was built for me to worship the One True God.
I was walking through the biggest temple of 7, when I saw a man lying near the wall. As I prayed, I felt that he was seeking peace, serenity and rest, so I prayed against those. I asked God to give him uneasiness in searching to Buddha, to give him a stronger longing for Jesus, and to give him restlessness in his meditation time. As I prayed for this man I never saw him move until about 10 minutes into my prayer… He didn’t move much ‘cause the point was to stay still, but he shifted his legs 3 times, readjusted his head, and crossed his arms, uncrossed his arms and re-crossed them in just a few minutes!
Later, on the third level balcony looking out over the temple area my heart became heavy for the people. I asked God to send someone to tell them of Jesus, “Wait! God, I’m right here! Let me tell them!” So I asked for someone to talk to about Jesus.
“Jalin Irene, you don’t have to have one person to talk to…” He said, so I began to speak over the railing about Jesus.
Fast forward 7 minutes later, I’m on the second floor praying for those who were bowing to the dozens of Buddha statues when I felt I needed to read my Bible. Whispering, I read Isaiah 40:12-31 and Isaiah 41:21-20. There were 2-3 dozen people in the room either praying to Buddha or to each other, but my whispered voice echoed off the walls and statues and became the loudest.
God moves when His people pray. How much have you prayed today?
