No Hope for the Future?
A couple weeks ago, the Nortons, missionaries in Thailand, were invited to attend the funeral of a little boy whose family they were acquainted with. The boy, only around five years old, had passed away unexpectedly as a result of an unfortunate accident. Like the majority of Thai people, the little boy’s family is Buddhist, so the service was held at a local temple.
Having never attended a Buddhist funeral before, the Nortons asked their friend, a Buddhist monk, to come and help them understand the customs. When they arrived, the atmosphere was unlike other funerals they had attended. No one was crying, not even the parents. Kasey Norton asked their monk friend if the parents were allowed to cry. “They are crying on the inside,” he said. She asked again if they could cry, really cry, when they are at home alone. He responded that they could.
After talking with the family, Kasey also asked the monk what Thai Buddhists believe about death. After someone dies, the monk shared, their spirit will go to what he called hell or paradise for a period of time. Then they will be reincarnated. If they were a bad person, they may come back as an animal, like a rat or a snake.
If they were good, they may come back as someone important, possibly even a relative of the king. The reincarnated being does not recognize their former family members or anyone else from their previous life.
How heartbreaking for a mother to lose her son so suddenly and have no hope of ever seeing him again. How cruel is the enemy to keep the Thai people from the truth that could give this mother hope.
After the service ended, Kasey went up to the mother to give her the small customary funeral gift. Kasey put her arm on the mother’s shoulder and the mother sank into her chair. She looked into the mother’s eyes and saw a longing for something, like she knew Kasey knew something she didn't, and she wanted to know what it was.
Not finding the words, and feeling convicted not to overwhelm the mother that day, Kasey didn’t say anything in the moment. But she is looking for an opportunity to share with the mother and father about the hope Jesus gives.
Please pray that God will give these parents open hearts and a desire to learn more about God, who loves them and wants to give them hope. Please also pray for Kasey to have wisdom in approaching the family during this sensitive time.
The Norton family moved to Thailand a year and a half ago to serve in the city of Sukhothai, which had no Adventist presence. They have now taken in nine Thai children and are working on putting together a full-fledged children's home. If you would like to support the Norton family's ministry please click here.