Unconventional evangelistic approach transforms a Bangkok restaurant into a temporary worship space

Unconventional evangelistic approach transforms a Bangkok restaurant into a temporary worship space

BANGKOK, Thailand — A group of Seventh-day Adventists from the Trinity Seventh-day Adventist Church has started a unique style of evangelistic campaigning by holding the series not inside a church but in a restaurant located at the center of the busy Pratunam district in Bangkok.
Surprisingly, the restaurant management permitted the group to hold a weeklong meeting inside the restaurant. The group’s nightly meetings are held in support of the Christ for Thailand initiative simultaneously happening in more than 30 locations nationwide.

The church members planned the program each night showcasing various songs, health advice, and inspirational messages to people going in and out of the restaurant. The series started on March 1 and will conclude on March 6.

[Photo courtesy of SSD Communication Department]
[Photo courtesy of SSD Communication Department]

“We want to reach people where they are and show them the love of Jesus,” said Pastor Nelson Paulo, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region. “Many people are hesitant to come to church, but by holding the meetings in a restaurant, we hope to create a welcoming environment where people can feel comfortable and connect with others in the community.”

The restaurant has been transformed into a temporary worship space, with tables and chairs set up in a way that allows for social distancing. The group has also implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing masks and sanitizing surfaces.

The owner of the restaurant is also receptive to the idea as it not only brings people into his business but also encourages a good relationship between the restaurant and the community.

The meetings have already drawn the interest of local residents and visitors to the area.

“I was just passing by and I heard the singing,” shared a local resident who attended the meeting. “It was so beautiful and inspiring. I had to come in and see what was happening.”

The unique approach to evangelism has also garnered attention from the wider Adventist community, with some commending the church members for their creativity and willingness to reach out to people in unconventional ways.

“This is a wonderful initiative that shows the power of creativity and innovation in spreading the gospel,” said Pastor Roger Caderma, president of the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region. “I hope more churches will follow their example and find new ways to engage with people in their communities.”

The Trinity Seventh-day Adventist Church members hope that their efforts will not only lead to more people learning about Jesus but also inspire other churches to think outside the box when it comes to evangelism.

Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department

New Administrative Leaders Elected to Serve Southern Asia-Pacific Division

Could Asia Host a Future GC Session?

General Conference Secretariat Team Elected for 2025–2030

Division Presidents Elected to Lead World Church Regions for 2025–2030

Pastor Roger Caderma Re-elected as Southern Asia-Pacific Division President

Seven General Vice Presidents Elected during GC Session Business Meeting

Paul H. Douglas Elected as Treasurer of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

Richard E. McEdward Elected as Secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

Former SSD President Elected as General Conference Vice President

A President for Such a Time as This: Erton Köhler Ushers a New Era of Unity and Mission

Newly Elected General Conference President Erton Köhler Speaks to Press

Total Member Involvement Reaffirmed during Friday Evening Program

Recap: The First Full Day of the 2025 GC Session

Erton Köhler Elected GC President: A New Era of Unity and Mission Begins

Erton C. Köhler Elected as President of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

Original Agenda Approved on Day One of the 2025 General Conference Session

Delegates Vote against Amendment to Discuss 2015 Statement on Immunization

Delegates Approve 11 New Union Missions into the Seventh-day Adventist Church

How Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Elect Its Leaders?

Global Mission on Display in President Ted Wilson’s 2025 Report

Pressing On Toward the Blessed Hope

Official Adventist General Conference Session App Available for Download

Where Spreadsheets Meet Miracles: Inside the Preparation of the 2025 General Conference Session

Singapore Team Supports Cambodian Adventist Schools and Churches

Adventist Church in Vietnam Joins Harvest 2025 Initiative