Ankarat was born into a Buddhist family and although his mother and siblings became followers of Jesus when he was young, he was not convinced to join them. As a Buddhist, Ankarat knew the importance of working diligently, ardently, intelligently, patiently and persistently. He believed his self-sacrificial living would have lasting consequences, although he remained […]

Ankarat was born into a Buddhist family and although his mother and siblings became followers of Jesus when he was young, he was not convinced to join them.

As a Buddhist, Ankarat knew the importance of working diligently, ardently, intelligently, patiently and persistently. He believed his self-sacrificial living would have lasting consequences, although he remained curious about the Christian God. He noticed that those who were reaping the greatest harvests and were not impacted by the seasonal landslides in his home village of Ban Huai Mi, were Christians who had a cross positioned in their field. He was certain it was the cross which protected the people and their possessions.

An evangelist and pastor came to Ban Huai Mi to share the love of Jesus – Lun Minh from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand and Harison Ratovohery from the Malagasy Lutheran Church. When his corn field had been planted and his pond filled with fish, Ankarat asked Lun Minh and Ratovohery to mark the area with a cross. He asked for the cross to be particularly heavy so that he would struggle and sweat as he heaved it into place. Just as Buddha accepted his heavy sacrifices, he was certain the Christian God would help him with his crops and fish if he struggled to place the cross in his field. To ensure his crops were fruitful and fish plentiful, he decided to visit the doctor spirit as well. If there were many spirits protecting his property, he was sure to reap the rewards.

As the cross stood erect, the Spirit of love and freedom, conviction and power dwelt in Ankarat’s heart, and he began to change his mind about God and himself. By the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, Ankarat stopped resisting God and undermining his own existence. He began to believe that God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit was stronger than the doctor spirt and his own ability to work hard. Ankarat began to trust, acknowledge and say ‘amen’ to the God who loves and has given himself for Ankarat.

Ankarat noticed the way Lun Minh and his Christian neighbours experienced the freedom that has been granted to us in Jesus Christ. He responded to God’s invitation to live in that same freedom and, at the age of 46, was baptised.

Now Ankarat serves the church faithfully. He rests in the peace he has been given. Each day he says ‘no’ to being an enemy of God (hostile in mind and deed) and ‘yes’ to a life of friendship with him.

This story was also published in the April 2024 edition of Border Crossings, the magazine of LCA International Mission.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Thailand at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/thailand/