Jesus for Asia: Thailand

Hill tribe is a term used in Thailand for all of the various tribal peoples who migrated from China and Tibet over the past few centuries. They now inhabit the remote border areas between Northern Thailand, Laos and Burma (Myanmar). These areas are known for their thick forests and mountainous terrain. The six major hill tribes within Thailand are the Akha, Lahu, Karen, Hmong, Mien and Lisu, each with a distinct language and culture.

The hill tribes are subsistence farmers, who use slash and burn agricultural techniques to farm their heavily forested communities. Hence the smoke filled skies that Bill spoke about last month.

We were very honored and privileged to spend a “High Sabbath” in an Akha tribe village, located about an hour away from here. It was a beautiful church service, with several special music numbers. We came prepared with food and joined in their church potluck. But before we were to eat, there were those who insisted that we become Akha tribe members for the day. They took off their tribal costumes and prepared to make us beautiful by allowing us to wear them. We couldn’t keep them on very long, as the temperatures were over 100 degrees and the costumes were of fairly heavy weave. The woman’s headdress weighed approximately 7-8 pounds. We did wear them long enough to have our picture taken.

After a delicious lunch, the village piled into the back of the pickup that we brought and other vehicles and we drove another 15 k over bumpy pothole laden streets to the river. There we experienced the baptism of 6 tribal women who had given their hearts to Jesus. This was a great experience to witness.  If you would like to see a larger picture, just click on the photo.  To see additional pictures, please go to our “Photos” page.

On a different note, I wanted to tell you about a traditional water festival that happens each April here in Thailand. The Songkran festival is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year’s Day from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year on many calendars of South and Southeast Asia. Songkran is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the “Water Festival” as people believe that water will wash away bad luck.

The value for family is to provide the opportunity for family members to gather in order to express their respects to the elders by pouring scented water onto the hands of their parents and grandparents and to present them gifts including making merits to dedicate the result to their ancestors. The elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity.

Songkran originally was celebrated only in the north of Thailand, and was probably brought there by the Burmese, who adapted it from the Indian Holi festival. It spread across Thailand in the mid 20th century and is now observed even in the far south. However, the most famous Songkran celebrations are still in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even longer. It has also become a party for foreigners and an additional reason for many to visit Thailand for immersion in another culture. It is known as the world’s largest water fight. No one, I mean no one stays dry for these several days of celebration. Even in our little village the children found great delight in dousing us with buckets of water. (Of course it felt pretty good, as it is at the height of the hot season.)

At the studio we had our first official board meeting this month. Our board consists of: Pastor Phamor, Michael, Ah, Wendy, Larry, Bill and myself, though Pastor Phamor was unable to attend. Michael inspired us with a vision and some wonderful words of inspiration. Our vision is to bring to the Thai people an undiluted last day gospel message, presented to the people in a simple way. So even without a satellite uplink in place, we have formulated some programming that will be put into DVD format to give to the Thai people in their language and also in English, plus the audio will be split off and used for some of the radio spots for the local Christian station, run by Michael and Ah.

Even with this simplicity of action, it too will require funding. We are going to need a DVD duplicator. They run around six to seven hundred dollars here in Thailand. A small donation of just $5.00 from each of you would meet that immediate need, and of course it is tax deductible. To do that, go to,   www.jesus4asia.org, select the Invest tab, then list of current projects, Osborn Project.

Even though we are somewhat sheltered from the news of the world, we cannot help but notice the alarming number of tragedies taking place. We are reminded of this statement:

“More and more, as the days go by, it is becoming apparent that God’s judgments are in the world. In fire and flood and earthquake He is warning the inhabitants of this earth of His near approach. The time is nearing when the great crisis in the history of the world will have come, when every movement in the government of God will be watched with intense interest and inexpressible apprehension. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another–fire and flood and earthquake, with war and bloodshed.  {9T 97.1}

Oh, that the people might know the time of their visitation! There are many who have not yet heard the testing truth for this time. There are many with whom the Spirit of God is striving. The time of God’s destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have had no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter.”  {9T 97.2}

It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that the True Witness will be heard throughout the whole earth. There is a great work yet to be done; God wants to use each one of us, working together to the same end.

Kindest Regards, and God’s Blessings,

Venie and Bill Osborn