stephaniebernotas

Buddhism & Baptism

Check out this page for more info on Buddhism in Thailand:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Thailand

We had the opportunity the other day to visit the largest buddhist temple in our area. We prepared ourselves for spiritual heaviness, but honestly, it was just kinda sad. People bowing down before large golden statues; people with real problems and real hearts. Serving a god who doesn't exist. A god who is often depicted as sleeping. I just wanted to tell them all that there is a god who is alive and answers prayers, and who desperately loves them. I feel like in America, we have a lot of Christian and then... nothing. It's not like I spend my time immersed in Buddhism at home. It gave a whole new perspective to the unsaved, and the hope that they can have. Anyway, check out some pictures I took on my iPod that day.

This last one gets me every time. I'm so thankful our God is never sleeping.

Also, Thailand does not just have temples. There are Buddha's everywhere. We're not talking just little posters or mini statues. We're talking giant, 30ft Buddha's, lining the side of the road. And the other day, right next to one of these statues, about 100 of us gathered to watch four little girls get baptized. Growing up in the American church, baptism is normal. Even though it's symbolic, it's not countercultural. This overtly Christian symbol contrasted sharply with the surrounding area. After the four girls went, two of our other sweet little ones asked to be baptized as well, along with the bus driver!! He gave his testimony, about how all the short term teams have come through and slowly changed his life. It was awesome. We then celebrated by eating chicken intestines (accidentally) in some straw huts over the water. It was just a good, good, memorable day. Enjoy the pictures! (The following were all taken by Amanda Howard.)