In our western mindset, we often look at religious worldviews through a theoretical lens. But on the ground in Southeast Asia, the intersection of Buddhism, local culture, and the Gospel is a living reality. At a recent consultation of leaders, we had the privilege of hearing from scholar and researcher Dr Kelly Hilderbrand.

Dr Hilderbrand has spent years studying the deep undercurrents of faith and culture in Thai culture. Today, we are sharing a story he documented alongside Somphon Sriwichai- a former Buddhist monk, and the moment absolute Grace broke through his world which is published in Christianity Today.

For years, Somphon wore the saffron robes of a monk, he was dedicated to the Buddhist temple at just eight years old to fulfill a vow. His childhood was consumed by the demanding, rigorous life of a novice monk. He grew up under the weight of monastic rules while he wanted just wanted to be a child and play. By nineteen, the suffocating pressure of trying to be perfect in his own strength broke him. He fled the temple, leaving the robes behind and integrated back into normal life.

Seeking an escape from the rigid expectations of the temple, he spiraled into a completely different world of the underworld, joining a gang of criminals. Yet, changing his environment didn’t change the rules of his worldview. He was plunged deeper into violence, addiction, and a new set of rules. The law of karma, the cosmic ledger in which every mistake is recorded, was getting longer and looming over him. He knew he was accumulating terrible, irreversible debt. He lived with the crushing psychological weight that he would be destined for the lowest levels of hell due to his actions.

At twenty-nine years old, drunk, high and bleeding from a lifestyle of violence, Somphon wandered into a small gathering of local Christians. He didn’t look like a seeker; he looked like a threat. Yet, what he encountered there completely dismantled the architecture of his entire life.

The leader didn’t hand him a new list of rules to fix his broken Karma. Instead, he introduced him to a person who had already taken the entire ledger of his sins and nailed it to the Cross.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

For a man who had spent his life, under the relentless math of consequence, the concept of unearned forgiveness caused him to weep. It sounded entirely impossible, yet it was the only thing powerful enough to break his chains.

Christ didn’t offer a way to balance his cosmic debts- He paid them in full.

Today, Somphon pastors a church in the border town of Mae Sot.

You can read the full article here: Christianity Today: From Buddhist Monk

This site is protected by reCaptcha and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Leadership Development International New Zealand is a registered New Zealand Charity. Charity number CC21668  •   Langham Partnership New Zealand is a registered New Zealand Charity. Charity number CC22580  •  Leadership Development International is a registered New Zealand Charity. Charity number CC21651  •  Humanitarian Development International is a registered New Zealand Charity. Charity number CC41912