Rain
"I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer,
without anger or disputing." - 1 Timothy 2:8
In northeast Thailand lies the Kalasin Province; it is a
rich and fertile agricultural area. During years of normal
rainfall, the province annually produces two crops of rice.
In 1994, a drought overcame the area and the situation
became desperate.
Lun Poobuanak was a native missionary ministering in a small
Kalasin
village when the drought hit. One Sunday morning during
worship, the leaders of the village interrupted the service.
"If you ask your God to give us rain this month, all
households in our clan will worship your God and become
Christians," said the leader. Sceptical at first, Poobuanak
told them they could not "play games with the living God."
But the leader repeated his vow and said, "If we do not,
your God can send judgment on us." The Christians
immediately began to fast and pray. On the fourth day a
storm came that filled the rice fields and saved their
crops.
The rain was so intense that "the villagers admitted that
Jesus is the true and living God," Poobuanak said. All 134
families in the village became Christians and word spread to
many of the surrounding districts. "This is a living
testimony that helps us win souls easily in this area,"
Poobuanak said.
When Christians lift up their hands and hearts to Christ in
prayer, He will answer and He will receive glory. Are you
looking to the Lord in prayer? Today in prayer, bring the
largest and smallest concerns of your life to Him, knowing
that He will answer them.
"Prayer is the most important thing in my day. If I should
neglect prayer for a single day, I should lose a great deal
of the fire of faith." - Martin Luther
God's Word: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and
thankful." - Colossians 4:2" Dr. PAUL FRITZ
pfritz@jos.rcl.nig.com (Received on January 12, 2000)