Shirley Mackin, Southeast Asian Peoples
Shirley Mackin and her husband, Ross, serve in Thailand’s rural areas, where more than 90 percent of the population follows Buddhism.
Buddhists believe all religions teach people to be good, and the religious traditions are woven throughout the Thai people’s lives: weddings, funerals, work and school. Nearly every area of daily life involves some element of Buddhism. Shirley said Thai Christians “have to decide which parts of ceremonies they can continue to be involved in and which activities they should avoid.”
This confusion makes becoming a Christian difficult. “They want to be both Christian and Buddhist,” Shirley said. “There is no physical persecution in Thailand but a lot of social persecution.”
Even so, most people are open to hearing the gospel. Shirley uses several methods to share her faith, such as going door to door distributing Bible booklets and tracts. Shirley and Ross also work with colleagues and residents to provide medical clinics and teach English to children and adults.
If a villager is receptive to the gospel, the Mackins begin an in-home Bible study and invite other family members and neighbors to join.
Shirley asked for prayer for good health and continued wisdom in sharing the gospel in Thailand. “Pray for more people to be brave enough to break from traditions and follow Jesus.”