Southeast Asia
And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him?
And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
(Romans 10:14) NLT
A BRIEF SYNOPSIS
There are 235 million people in Southeast Asia. The region is complex, with numerous languages, ethnicities, and variations on religion, although most have a strong Buddhist background.
Christianity has been here for centuries, but most people consider it to be a foreign religion, and there is a strong worldview clash between it and Buddhism. While there has been some progress, Christians adherents are largely found among minority peoples and make up a very small share of the overall population. Seventy-one percent of people groups here are unreached.
But God is at work! Beyond partners with other networks to start disciple-making movements and catalyze new church planting movements. Several significant efforts have been birthed, and we pray earnestly for the day when Christ is widely worshiped in every language in the region.
HOW CAN WE PRAY
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Pray that the Father would reveal himself to Buddhists in many ways, including dreams, visions, miracles, through friends, and in His Word.
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Pray for healings and supernatural revelations of grace for Buddhists are more likely to be impacted by the stories of Jesus’ power and His free offer of salvation.
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Pray that God would break down spiritual strongholds and human arguments against God, which produce resistance through social solidarity among Buddhists.
“IF I COULD CHOOSE …”
A fruit vendor named Seng* lit up when she realized Trisha* could speak Thai. Seng peppered her with questions: “Where do you live? How long have you lived here? Are you safe?” Trisha answered, then asked about Seng’s business. Seng admitted that she had very few customers.
“I will pray to God,” Trisha said, “and ask for His blessing on your life. I will ask God to protect you.” When Seng’s face brightened at this, Tisha asked if she went to church.
“I am a Thai person. I must be Buddhist.” Seng replied. “But my sister-in-law lives in Germany. Her husband is German, so she can be a Christian.”
Looking at some nearby taxi drivers, Seng quietly confessed, “If I could choose, I would be a Christian too.”