Dear Norm

 

A major reason why the gospel has not spread much in Thailand is that the predominant message brought here from the west can be summarized as "Believe in Jesus, have your sins forgiven, and go to heaven."

 

This message doesn't resonate with the Thai worldview. Most Thais have never heard of Jesus, and when they do encounter the gospel through traditional evangelism methods, they question why they should believe in someone who suffered a painful death. According to their worldview, they will think Jesus must have had bad karma and is unworthy of belief. Additionally, they struggle to see the relevance of Jesus to their understanding of sin. In Thai culture, "sin" is viewed as actions affecting personal karma rather than offenses against a Creator God.

 

Finally, while heaven is seen as a desirable realm, it's not considered a permanent destination; instead, Nirvana, beyond fleeting heavenly pleasures, is their ultimate goal. This profound cultural difference necessitates the need for a different approach to evangelism that aligns with the Thai worldview.

This academic article, "Transforming Thailand: The Vision, Mission, and Impact of The Association of Free Churches in Thailand," published in the July 2024 issue of the Global Missiology (online) magazine, explores the historically limited spread of the gospel in Thailand and the efforts being made to address this challenge.

 

This article, which can be read online, draws on decades of practical evangelism, discipleship and church planting experience, as well as meticulous research, offering insights that are familiar and surprising. We believe you will find this article both encouraging and enlightening.

 

Blessings,
Dwight & Mary Kay Martin

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dmartin@estar.ws

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