Going to church here in Thailand has been such an interesting experience. The language barrier is huge, but so many Thai people are so eager to talk to me that we've really talked quite a bit. There is a lot of small talk, Thai's practicing their English and I've attempted to use what little Thai I know. Some of them know English quite well, and have really enjoyed having another English tongue to talk with.
One in particular is King. He is about 20, I would guess. He is a counselor in the district young men's presidency, which extends up into Laos. There are no proselytizing missionaries in Laos, and from what I could gather it's fairly dangerous for members to be very public about their religion.
In our second conversation he asked me what my calling was at home, and I told him. He immediately wanted to talk about visiting and home teaching. He asked what our numbers are like, and we talked about how in both of our circumstances, in both Thailand and America, the programs are often not executed as well as they should be. He talked about how he often has to sheepishly look away when asked if he has done his visits.
He then looked at me and explained that in Laos, where they aren't allowed to even where suits to go home teach because they will be caught and get in trouble, their unit is consistently 100 percent. He told me about how the trials of these faithful members have truly helped them to remember the Lord. He then asked a question that has really made me think. He asked why that in a place where it is practically forbidden, the saints are able to complete such simple tasks, while he and I cannot when given absolute freedom?
And then I walked back to the bus. And all I could picture where these beautiful Laotian saints, walking to the neighbors to home teach, in their everyday clothes, so as not to be caught.
And realized I need to do better.
3 comments:
Profound! Thanks for sharing--that anecdote might show up in a presidency meeting.
Hi Anne!! Looks like you are livin it up!! I am now inspired to do my visiting teaching except for the fact that I don't have any women to teach this summer. Darn! So how does one live the exciting adventures that you are living? I mean the east coast is one thing but Thailand is something quite a bit greater, wouldn't ya say? Hope all is well and that you give me the low down of how I can do it! Hasta Luego!~ Katie
And that is kinda sad, isn't? We just really do take for granted a lot of things...especially us Americans. But that does remind me I need to hop on my visit teaching!! Thanks!
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