Mission Minutes 6

GOD BE MERCIFUL TO US AND BLESS US, AND CAUSE HIS FACE TO SHINE UPON US, THAT YOUR WAY MAY BE KNOWN ON EARTH, YOUR SALVATION AMONG ALL NATIONS. LET THE PEOPLES PRAISE YOU, O GOD; LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE YOU. PSALM 67:1-3

There are about 321 counties in Isaan with populations from 20,000–200,000 people per county. Approximately half of these counties have no church presence. 99.5 % of all Isaan people claim to be Buddhist, but most follow animistic beliefs more than Buddhist doctrine. Most all Isaan people frequent the Buddhist temple in their village, especially on the numerous Buddhist holidays, making offerings of food, flowers and incense to the monks who live there as well as to the spirits of their deceased loved ones. The

Isaan also pray and offer gifts of food, flowers, drink and incense at the thousands of spirit shrines that are spread throughout the land of Isaan, including personal idols and shrines at their homes. They believe spirits inhabit many natural objects such as trees, rocks, mountains, streams and even their homes. The offerings and prayers are made to appease the spirits and ask for their help and protection. The lady in the picture is giving food to the monks hoping to gain merit for her good deeds. Please pray that God will open the eyes of the Isaan so they can see God for who He is!!