Thailand (MNN) — Political unrest in Thailand intensified on Wednesday when thousands of protestors gathered to demand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva step down from office.
According to an article in the New York Times, crowds of "red shirt" protestors reached about 80,000 as they petitioned for the reinstatement of government that supports a former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin presently lives in exile after facing a two-year jail sentence for abusing his power as a leader.
Amid the chaos, people have begun asking questions, searching for some sort of leader who will rise up and appeal to everyone. "[People are asking,] ‘Will there actually be a charismatic person who will come to rescue, to save the country?'" says Joseph Richter of FARMS International. "But the missionaries said, ‘The Savior is here. Jesus is here to rescue Thailand, and this is harvest time.'"
Christians are taking this political instability as an opportunity to share the love of Christ with those in search of a savior. They hope that the Lord will use the chaotic situation (which includes wounds from the hurting economy as well) to ultimately bring glory to Himself.
FARMS has been serving in Thailand for about 11 years. Richter says that the country has always been fairly stable and open. "So it's hard to know sometimes how these political ups and downs will affect the church."
Pray that the unrest would subside in Thailand, especially since it already seems to be losing some steam. Pray also that believers in the country would have many opportunities to proclaim the truth about the Savior the people of Thailand are looking for, and that many will come to know Him.
To learn more about the work of FARMS in Thailand, click here.
