A Tense Situation:  The air was thick with the smoke of incense.  The Buddhist priest had just left as we pulled into the drive.  Everyone stood to their feet as we entered the place of business.  It was opening day for a Travel Agency owned by a church member’s father.  The auspicious (lucky) time was chosen by a well know astrologer. The invitations were sent out and here we were.  We purposely arrived after the auspicious time and the Buddhist rituals were over.  Sometimes it is godly to be late!  We knew God did not want us participating in these idolatrous customs, but to refuse to make a showing would be the destruction of a relationship. 
 
We asked if we could say a few words.  The church member’s father agreed as he respects the “good change” our church has brought in his 25 year old son.  I took my position in the reception area of the office, in front of the Buddha statue that had just been the focus of chants, incense, and worship.  We said the usual greetings, but then we read from Jeremiah 10. “Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.  For the customs of the people are vain:  …  Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.”  For twenty minutes we preached that blessings do not come into our lives by observing auspicious times but by obeying the Word of God.  Amazingly most of the Buddhist invitees listened carefully.  Since this tense moment in ministry, God has saved one man that heard His Word that day!

Restricted Access Missionary