Dear friends,
This weekend as Americans reflect on freedoms guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, Galatians 5:1 celebrates another kind of freedom, a freedom that is even more amazing than those of living in the land of the free. This verse states that "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Praise God for this good gift!
All over Chiang Rai Thailand (and Thailand in general), elaborate temples, monks in bright, orange robes and the smell of burning incense near statures of Buddha reveal the heart of the Thai culture and belief. Buddhism is the pillar of Tai Yuan culture. The Tai Yuan are predominantly Thai Folk Buddhist with interwoven with Animism and other folk religions. Buddha taught that to exist is to suffer, and suffering is caused by desire; therefore, the goal is to eradicate all desire, achieving nirvana which is nonexistence. Practicing Buddhists spend their entire lives trying to obtain nirvana with little hope that they will reach their goal.
We pray that as you celebrate your freedom, that you remember those who are searching for freedom, will have opportunity to hear the good news of Christ and "will be set free from [their] bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21)
That All May Hear,
Wesley, Kimberly,
Luke, Lydia, Micah and Ezra
