A SIMPLE U-TURN: PART 3
I’ve really been encouraging Mae Da to make a commitment to read the Bible and pray everyday. In my last update, I mentioned that I had helped Mae Da download the Bible app on her phone, but since then I had the opportunity to give her an actual Bible. Each week, we have been reading and discussing a short passage and praying together. Mae Da also often shares with me some of her daily challenges and burdens and asks for my advice. I’ve really enjoyed the way I get to encourage her and strengthen her in her faith.
As for Paw Ai, I’ve really seen God working in His heart. One of the highlights was a day when we listened to and talked about a passage from the book of Mark. After hearing the story of when Jesus casts the demon out of the man in the synagogue, Paw Ai told me a story about a time a ghost (which is sometimes the same word used in the Thai Bible for an evil spirit) came into their house. Paw Ai was really scared, so he went to get this Buddhist symbol. After putting it up on the wall, he said the ghost left and did not come back.
After asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom on how to respond, I told Paw that I didn’t blame him for doing that, because he did not know any better before. A few weeks prior to this, I had shared with him the story of the fall of man. Paw Ai always remembers how the snake (satan) lied and deceived Eve, so I told him that this symbol was one of the ways of the snake. I then reminded him of our discussion on the meaning of repentance, as we had just listened to the part of a chapter in Mark when Jesus says, “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15) I explained that Jesus is calling us to turn away from the way of the snake and to come His way.
Praise God for the work of the Holy Spirit! It was like a light bulb turned on in Paw Ai’s head and heart. “I don’t need that thing anymore!” You can click the link below to watch a video of what he did next. Afterwards, we prayed together for Jesus to be the protector of his home.