Bearing Fruit that Will Last in Thailand
For six years, we have been running a community development project in Jia Jaan village, Northwestern Thailand. While the village had previous encounters with missionaries, it had remained resistant to the gospel. Yet, they welcomed our team, intrigued by our Christian-based programs.
Using Community Health Evangelism methodologies, we built relationships with village leaders, focusing initially on Proverbs and practical skills like budgeting and financial management. The villagers appreciated our approach, noting that we weren’t just instructing but teaching them how to think and solve problems. Many said the teachings felt like “medicine for their souls.”
When COVID-19 hit, the village closed its gates to outsiders, including us. However, after we facilitated a food drive with CMF donor support, the village leader was deeply moved and granted us permission to continue, even amid lockdowns.
With this new openness, we began teaching more directly about Jesus. Our sessions centered on the idea that beliefs shape thoughts, which, in turn, shape actions. We walked through Genesis, God’s promises, and the story of Christ, emphasizing how faith leads to transformation.
As the teachings took root, change became evident. Ai Ja, the village leader, expressed that if more people embraced these truths, the village would have fewer problems. After a year, he declared he was ready to leave behind the “old ways” and follow Christ.
Beyond Ai Ja, six families have also come to faith, forming a small fellowship group. They have even shared testimonies of miraculous healings. The local witch doctor, Ai Chu, recounted how his nephew’s leg, severely injured in an accident, was healed after a stranger prayed in Jesus’ name—an event that astonished doctors. He also revealed a dream he had years earlier, foretelling the arrival of someone who would bring the way to life.
Despite challenges and doubts along the way, God was always at work. We are reminded of Christ’s words:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” — John 15:16