Making Merit

During holy days and weeks, merit-making is very important. Everyone goes to their chosen temple and they will light incense and pray, give money and cigarettes and other gifts to the monks.

All of these things are done to offset the sinful things they have done. This is a country and religion of salvation by works (although nirvana is much different than the salvation found in Christ). 

When they pray, I'm not sure what they say. I don't know who they pray to. Some village spiritual leaders know some Pali chants, but those are not common knowledge. I believe they pray to a mix of Buddha, ancestors and spirits. Their prayers are much different than a prayer to a personal, loving God.

Ringing bells, offering flowers, prayers, pouring oil over the flames, burning candles, pouring water, walking around the golden stupa while holding a flower and chanting... There are so many ways to make merit and store up good deeds. 

I want them to know Jesus. I want to tell them what Jesus has done for them. So much more than they could ever do. They need to have an opportunity to accept Christ's sacrifice and realize how futile their own efforts have been.

They need to know that there is hope. Making merit for themselves leaves a feeling of hopelessness. They know that they can never do enough to reach nirvana and escape suffering. They need Jesus.

Please pray with us as we continue to language learn, so that we will be able to effectively share with the Thai and Northern Khmer people what Jesus has already done for them. Please pray that they will accept what He has done, and choose to live for Him.