Thailand and ABWE Canada

The Spiritual Need in Thailand

Thailand’s history contributes to its ethnically diverse landscape and its reputation for promoting religious freedom. Vietnamese, Burmese, Cambodian, and Chinese refugees have found political and religious asylum here for centuries. The fact remains that 95 percent of Thailand is Buddhist, and many feel that to be a good Thai one must be Buddhist. This leaves many wrestling with Christianity.

Northeast Thailand is one of the most un-evangelized areas of the country. Less than 0.1 percent of the population here claim faith in Christ compared to other regions such as North Thailand, where as much as 10 percent of the mostly tribal population consider themselves Christian. These populations thrive on Buddhism, which denies a personal God, promotes benevolent works, and emphasizes reason and enlightenment as a means to salvation.

Spirit worship has taken an enormous toll on the lives of Thai people. Training Thai men to assume leadership of a local church is slow, arduous work. Some fear family pressure to recant, while others fear societal persecution if they choose to follow Jesus.

ABWE Canada in Thailand

ABWE Canada helps train national leaders, teach lay leaders, and builds church-planting teams in urban and rural settings in Thailand. By working alongside our national partners, ABWE Canada is making great strides at reaching the Thai people who are poised to develop a large export market to Western countries.

Teaching English is an effective tool for helping Thai leaders and missionaries develop relationships with their communities. In 2015, Thailand became a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, creating an even greater need for locals to master English.

ABWE Canada strives to build a strong spiritual foundation in Thailand by strategically positioning English teachers in key towns and cities. We constantly receive requests from government offices, business, and schools for English teachers — a path to starting many conversations about Jesus.