As the global population reached 8 billion in November 2022, the number of people who have yet to hear the gospel continued to grow, now exceeding 3 billion worldwide. This challenge is particularly daunting in the 10/40 window, a region encompassing countries with diverse religious traditions and deeply rooted cultural histories. Despite these complexities, Adventist missionaries remain unwavering in their commitment to share the gospel. Through building relationships and fostering connections with communities, they exemplify Christ's love in simple acts of kindness, bringing hope to those who have yet to experience it.
In Thailand, missionary couple Reben and Menel remain deeply committed to their mission, extending their efforts beyond shepherding their local congregation. They actively seek to share the gospel with those who have not yet heard it, making a difference in both church members' and non-members' lives through their passion for mission.
During one of their routine household visits, the couple encountered a Thai family dealing with the physical challenges of a health condition. At the heart of this story is Moji, a young Thai teenager born with congenital poliomyelitis. Though she is unable to read or write in Thai, she communicates in her native language. Moji's deepest hope is to one day walk.
The couple's first visit to Moji's family—a household rooted in Buddhism—began with a simple conversation. Reben and Menel offered to pray for the family, during which Moji expressed her wish to walk again through her brother, Toy, who translated her words. Despite language barriers during their second visit, the couple pressed on, trusting that God would guide them. They conversed with the family using basic Thai phrases, and the visit culminated in a touching moment when they sang "Prungnee" ("Tomorrow") to Moji. The song brought tears to her grandmother's eyes, indicating the impact of the missionaries' presence.
During this visit, the couple also shared Psalm 23 using a Thai Bible app, allowing Moji's grandmother to read it in her native language. The atmosphere shifted, and the missionaries felt the Holy Spirit's presence, filling the room with peace and joy. The visit ended with another prayer, solidifying their connection with the family.
On August 14, 2024, the Kanchanaburi Adventist International Church hosted a celebration to mark the couple's third visit, which coincided with Moji's 19th birthday. The event began with a prayer, including words of encouragement from Jeremiah 31:3, highlighting God's everlasting love. The missionaries and church members sang gospel songs in Thai, offered gifts, and presented Moji with a Bible. As she celebrated her birthday with those who shared God's love, the happiness on her face was obvious.
Moji’s story is just one of many that illustrate how the Holy Spirit moves through the lives of missionaries sharing the gospel in challenging settings. The mission to share Jesus in areas where His love is still unknown should be a top priority for all who believe in Christ's soon return.
This ongoing missionary journey highlights the Adventist Church's unwavering commitment to reaching individuals within the 10/40 window, where many have yet to hear the gospel. The couple's work in Thailand, amid cultural and religious diversity, underscores the dedication of missionaries who continue to bring light and hope to those in need. Their efforts with Moji and her family stand as a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of God's love.
Please continue to pray for Moji and her family, as well as for all missionaries serving around the world. These dedicated individuals have left the comforts of home to fulfill the gospel commission: "Go ye therefore..."
Edward Rodriguez and Reben Huilar, Thailand Mission