Chris and Dora Barbee recently relocated to Thailand to begin their ministry there. They are currently in language school in Bangkok, learning the Thai language so they can communicate effectively with the people they seek to serve. They have been appointed to teach English as a second language in local village schools, as well as build relationships to love and serve the people of the Isaan region of Thailand. The Isaan region is Thailand’s poorest region, and Chris and Dora will be residing in Roi Et, the poorest province within that region. They are also interested in eventually engaging in campus ministry and would like to help form alcohol recovery ministries in Roi Et.
Along the way they became friends with a young Thai man named Pure. Pure is a Christian, which places him with .7% of the population of Thailand. Nearly 95% of the Thai population, which totals nearly 66 million, is Buddhist, and 4.6% are Muslim.
Pure is a singer and was a finalist in the 2010 KPN Awards, which is the Thai version of American Idol. Chris and Dora attended the finale, during which Pure sang “Land of Love,” a Thai Christian song, and “How Great Thou Art” in English. In front of millions of Buddhists, Pure boldly sang:
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Pure won the competition.
He was awarded a record deal and $1,000,000 baht, which totals around $30,000. He was also voted by his peers in the competition to win the “Friendship Award,” for which he was given a motorcycle. Although Pure was awarded many earthly gifts for his talent, how much more will he be rewarded by Jesus for his witness among his people as he seeks to bring glory to the God he loves.
