Archive - August, 2011

Eat Meat and Suffer Karma?

August 26, 2011 in Buddhism with 0 Comments

Kill A Fish, Kill A Human?

In the very basic level of Theravada Thai Buddhism is the “Seen Haa” or 5 Prohibitions of the Buddha.  The very first one is “Ham khaa sat” in Thai or “don’t kill animals.”  

When speaking with a revered monk friend, he acknowledged that this was a basic and primary Buddhist precept.  But later when we were discussing hope every being able to “chodt chai kam” or get the victory over karma in this life, he affirmed that we should work to keep the 5 prohibitions.

My position in speaking with my friend is first to be learner and not a critic, but once I learn I can’t help but reflect. Continue Reading…

A Case For “apostolic”

August 25, 2011 in Commentary with 2 Comments

Part of a Painting by Kennedy Paizs

Apostolic missions.  What does it mean?

To me it means to be sent; to be commissioned to move with the Gospel and keep moving for the sake of those who have never heard.

Jesus was on a mission. The needs are all around him yet he says, “Let us go to preach to the other villages…for this reason I have come. (Mark 1:38) He was never moved by the needs alone but rather listened to the voice and wisdom of the Father.

He moved at rapid pace throughout his area of influence in only three years.  He left his disciples, entrusting them to the Holy Spirit, even though they still did not fully understanding their calling of taking the Gospel to the ends of the Earth, starting from their own city. Continue Reading…

Thai Values

August 13, 2011 in Thailand with 0 Comments

why

25 Key Thai Values

Below is a summary from studies done by Thai scholars.  Values help us understand how we perceive the world and what is most important to us.

Many times, we tend to think that though we look different and speak different languages, we are all alike. I used to think the same thing, but it’s not true. Although times are changing in many parts of the world, the core of a society (75% or more) tend to hold on to their cultural ways rather than adjust and become more “globalized” or even “western” in their values.

As we live in Thailand or any other culture for that matter, it is so important to understand the culture rather than continually being frustrated and asking ourselves, “Why”???

Even if you don’t live in Thailand, this will be an interesting insight into what Thai people have said about themselves. Continue Reading…

Short Course on Thai Buddhism

August 12, 2011 in Thailand with 0 Comments

serene buddha

This is a quick break down of some of the basics of Theravada Buddhism as taught by monks I have spoken with here in Thailand.

  • Doesn’t believe in an Almighty Creator God-King who we must answer to as his unique creation
  • Doesn’t answer the question “why” the world is the way it is, just accepts it as “natural”
  • Buddha taught that he could not help anyone…that all must “depend on themselves”
  • Teaches people to “be good” by keeping five precepts, but no one on the street expects to be able to keep them Continue Reading…

Missions: Before Methods…

August 2, 2011 in Missions with 0 Comments

Before I talk missions methods and strategy with someone, I like to find out three main things about them first.

  1. Passion- What do you burn for?  What is your motivation?  What is is that causes you to put away all trivial things and seek God. I say that my motivation is two fold, “For the Glory of God” and “To Win People To Christ.”
  2. Compassion- Do your emphathize with the people group you are sent to work among.  Are they “our people” to you or “those people”?  Do you have compassion on the religious mindsets and culture they are working under or are you simply telling them “you’re wrong, no, and you can’t”  Are you simply known for what you are “for” or what you are “against”?
  3. Lifestyle- Are you currently living a lifestyle that demonstrates the two words mentioned above?  Does your lifestyle demonstrate both in quality and quantity of time that you are committed to your cause?
Once we can understand where each of us are at concerning these three key things, we can go on to discuss method and strategy.  Until then, we are putting the “cart before the horse,” so to speak.
Once we move on to method and strategy, I think we should start with one question that should drive all of our discussion, and that is:
“What will it take for this whole nation to come to Christ”?  
The answer to this key question should drive all of our discussion and focus on methodology and strategy.
Agree?

Ministry Trip: North of Thailand

August 2, 2011 in Missions with 0 Comments

DSC01935

The family and I recently took a trip to a communist country north of Thailand. Our purpose was two fold.

One was to get our last visa that requires we leave the country every three months for a border run and every year we have to return to the States.  Now we will be free to stay in Thailand and only have to visit a local office to take care of our paperwork versus leaving the country.

The second purpose was to join my ministry partner in co teaching a week long training to a group working with students and staff in the capital city.  Our main thrust was on sharing the faith with others and organizing new believers into reproducible groups.

We ended up being very well received and had a great time shaking paradigms up for the Glory of God!

Here are some of my thoughts from this time: Continue Reading…