FourFold
Ministries of S.A.L.T. - Sharing the Good News
Thailand is a Buddhist
country and also a stronghold of Animism and Brahmanism.
These religions enslave people to various forms of
traditions and superstitions. However, they need
to hear the Word of God to be saved through Jesus
Christ our Lord (Romans 10:14). How can we bridge
the gap to avoid prejudice and thoughts of being "converted" into
Christianity, perceived as a white man's
religion? Methods where mutual trust through spontaneous
conversations have to be employed, namely: personal
evangelism, outreach programs, children’s
homes, day care centers, benevolent services,
music and English education.
1. Person to person contact (personal evangelism) by
first building up good rapport with the prospects. When they
become acquainted with us and friendships and trust established,
they inquire about our faith. This leads to a long process of
sharing and teaching, with us fully dependent on the Lord's power
and timing for fruition, for Jesus said, "I am the vine;
you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much
fruit, apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
2. We sponsor
outreach programs and distribute Bible tracts during
Thai festivals and other special occasions such as the Winter
Fair in late December and early January, Children's Day in
January, Flower and Valentines Day in February, Songkran
(Thai New Year) in April, Mother's Day in August, Loy Kratong
in November and Father's Day in December. Asides from holding
these programs in Chiangmai city itself, we often arrange
outreach teams and hold events and activities in villages
on the mountains and in nearby districts. Annual Christmas
evangelistic outreach: We invite non-Christians to a neutral
place because they are likely to come when an occasion like
this is held in a place other than a church building or in
any religious facilities.
3. We oversee
the Ponsawan Day Care Center in
the town of Maekachan in Chiangrai province, 50 miles northeast
of Chiangmai. Daily operation of the day care center is handled
by two teachers and their assistant. Over thirty children are
now beig grounded in Christ, and parents are highly pleased
with their children's new found experience. They are taught
simple Bible stories, prayer, and motivational Christian songs.
The potential is profound! We are not only reaching tomorrow's
leaders, but the children are a "great and effectual door" to
the parents! Jesus said, "Let the children come unto me… the
kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as this" (Matt. 18:14). We
must respond to Christ's challenge and build a bridge to His
precious children.
4. Roong
Aroon Children’s Home is
one of SALT’s latest projects. Many children across Thailand are denied
the opportunity to receive an education, and many are growing in the wrong
paths because of several problems that drive and deprive them of better, healthier
lives. Because of this, Roong Aroon Children’s Home was started and opened
on May 7, 2003. For more information on Roong Aroon Children’s Home,
please click here.
5. We reach
people through the ministry of
music, a vital and essential
part in the Lord's harvest here I Thailand. The Word of God
states in Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell I you richly as you teach
and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to
God". This command from God must be clearly obeyed and followed
since music is considered the "language of the soul", which
draws people of all races and cultures together. How do we
then reach both the saved and the lost through music? This
is mainly done by helping them to recognize that music is God's
great gift to mankind, and it meets the spiritual needs of
both the young and old alike, so that they can have something
to "identify" with. Also, because music is one of the main
interests for Thai young people, we use music as a tool in
inviting them to get involved with the church’s music
bands. This ministry has been effective in attracting young
people to get to know the Lord more and encourages them to
be brave and confident when they use their talents in outreach
events throughout the year.A church choir and worship teams
have been established to enhance church services and evangelistic
occasions such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and
it encourages the members to use their talents for the Lord.
Aside from this, we also teach basic music theory, song leading,
and instrumental playing, so that they can become effective
church musicians. All these instructions are given for free.
6. We
reach people through the ministry
of English language. For
the past several years, Thailand has become more westernized
and modernized. To keep up with the world, Thais have grown
more and more interested in learning English. English is
now taught in nearly all schools across the country, and
they have to realize that knowing English is important in
today’s world
because of the growing economy and all the new technology.
Because of this, we offer free English instruction classes
to people of all ages. They’re taught grammar, vocabulary
and conversation. Anything free is hard to find. But it's
definitely attractive! Just by seeing that English instruction
is offered for free makes them wonder. Through this we’re
able to share God’s love and establish personal friendships.
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