Source: Mission Network News, October 28, 2020
Conditions are ripe for another military takeover in Thailand. According to the Thai Enquirer, there have been 13 coups since the start of the 20th century. Today, any conflict between pro-democracy demonstrators and monarchy supporters could give the military an excuse to take control.
Led by students, ongoing pro-democracy protests have been largely peaceful. Demonstrators want the current Prime Minister to resign, and they’re calling for constitutional reform. Protestors appealed to Chancellor Angela Merkel [October 27] after marching to the German embassy in Bangkok.
While difficult, seasons like this present a unique gospel opportunity. “I think this is an enormous opportunity for the Thai Church to shine the light of Christ in their neighborhoods and their communities, and be brokers of peace,” [says Joe Handley, president of the ministry Asian Access]. In turn, “that becomes a springboard for the gospel as people look to believers and leaders of the Church. They rise above the crowd and display the characteristics of Christ in the midst of these challenges.”
Asian Access comes alongside local Christian leaders to equip them for situations and seasons like these. “It is not easy to be a pastor in the midst of what’s happening,” Handley notes. “There’s all sorts of anger and frustration and violence happening around you, and people get ‘hot’ on either side. It takes a unique skill set to be an agent of peace.”
» Ask God to continue to raise up Asian believers as agents of peace and messengers of the gospel. This is a focus for a 40-day prayer campaign from the Global Missions Mobilization Initiative beginning today. Learn more.