Week 2 Family Missions Project- Part 1

As Christians, our mission field starts at home and stretches throughout the world. It’s the same for missionaries who live in another country. Caroline is a missionary kid who lives in Thailand. She knows that “home” is an important mission field for her. She has learned to appreciate the Thai culture so that she can share Christ with her friends.

 

Find Thailand on the map.

Facts about Thailand-

•Thailand is a Buddhist country in Southeast Asia. We will learn more about Buddhism today.
• Thailand is known as “the land of smiles” because Thai people are friendly and very polite.

Click here to see some scenes from Thailand! 

• What was your favorite scene?  Is there something that you would want to visit?
• Did any of you notice scenes of the Buddhists? (Consider playing the video back and pausing on
one of the pictures of Buddhists at the temple).

What is Buddhism-

• Buddhism teaches that there is no god, but Buddhists worship many idols and statues.
• Buddhist's goal is "enlightenment"- a state of peace and ultimate wisdom.
• Buddhists believe a person can reach enlightenment through strict discipline, study and by performing good works.
• Buddhist often mix their beliefs with different religions and cultures.
• Many are also animists, which means they believe spirits inhabit the natural world like trees and rivers 
• Discuss the differences between Buddhism and Christianity. For each fact about Buddhism, can your kids explain what Christians believe?

Most people in Thailand do not know Jesus. Missionaries who live there are telling the people about Jesus. The Thai people enjoy many festivals. Missionaries use these festivals as witnessing opportunities.  They know they have to share Jesus at home and around the world, just like we do.

Let's take a look at Caroline in Thailand! Click here

Discussion-

• Caroline, other Christian workers and Thai Christians want to find ways to tell people
around them about Jesus.
• How did you see Caroline sharing the love of Jesus?
• What are some ways that you can tell people around them about Jesus?

 One important way that Christians witness is by telling people what Jesus means to them.  

1. Take a few minutes to think about what Jesus means to you.  (Parents you may need to help your kids think through this by first sharing what Jesus means to you.)  If you are struggling have kids talk about what it feels like to know that Jesus loves them.
2. Have your child role play with you and practice sharing what Jesus means to them.  Have them imagine that they are sharing with a friend that they know doesn't know Jesus.

Prayer Wrap up- Take some time as a family to pray for Thailand.  Here are some suggestions.
• For Buddhists to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord.
• For missionaries to find chances to share Jesus’ love.
• For Thai people to have Bibles in their own language.
• For missionaries to have things they need.
• For new churches to start in Thailand.