For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the g-spel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Paul understood that the context in which we deliver a message may affect how it’s understood or received. Christians in Thailand, as most believers around the world, use religious words and have a certain culture that may distract or confuse Thai Ms from understanding the message of J. For example, the Christian word for “God” in Thai comes from a Buddhist term. When speaking with a Muslim friend, we’d want to use a Thai phrase that translates to “The Lord God” to clarify we’re talking about a monotheistic God. It’s helpful for us to adjust our vocabulary when talking with M friends and neighbors to show them we care, as well as reduce misunderstanding.
Sky is a Thai woman in southern Thailand who understands the need to adjust how we present ourselves and the message of Jesus, and she wants to help other Thai believers do the same when sharing with others. However, she is alone in her endeavors and without a team or another person to encourage her in the work.
Please pr-y:
- For the Thai church to see the need to share with Muslim friends in a way that doesn’t put up obstacles to them receiving nor dilutes the message.
- For a team to help Sky share with Muslims and train other Thai believers.
- That many Thai believers join a Bible class starting soon!