Alternative Complications

“‘In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’" Luke 15:10, NASB.

Ta, the youngest son of four children, was born into a strong Christian family in Northern Thailand. Despite his family’s solid beliefs and his father’s leadership as pastor in their church, Ta never felt a need for Christ in his life. He soon began to search for fulfillment in drugs and alcohol.

Ta discovered what many have found before him; this alternative lifestyle tends to complicate life rather than make it full. Ta’s growing addiction became the controlling factor over everything he did. He saw no escape.

When Ta turned 20, his father offered to send him to Bible school. Ta’s dad hoped that this new environment would lead to a change of heart for Ta. Miraculously, Ta was accepted into the school, despite his very poor grades. Two months into the semester, God began to speak to this wayward young man through the staff and students at the school.

All these new relationships were like small tugs on Ta’s heart. These heart stirrings came to a climax during a conference held at the school. As the speaker gave an invitation at the end of the meeting, Ta knew it was time to entrust his broken life into the loving hands of Christ.

“At that moment I clearly felt God change my heart,” said Ta. “He took away my desire for drugs and alcohol!” Ta found the fulfillment he had sought for so many years. “We truly serve an amazing God!”

Currently, Ta works with a group of believers in a Christian community development ministry. He is taking the Gospel to the Northern Hill Tribes. Many of the men with whom he is sharing struggle with the same complications that he experienced because of alcohol addiction. Ta stands ready to share that there is a way out of the trap, and Jesus is the way.

Pray that:

God will bless Ta’s ministry to the hill tribes of Northern Thailand.

Ta’s testimony will lead many men in Northern Thailand to find freedom from addictions through faith in Jesus.

Christian parents in Northern Thailand will not lose heart with wayward children but will persevere in prayer and love.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.