Political violence in Thailand: the most powerful weapon is prayer

Thailand and its capital Bangkok have been racked by a series of protests against its Democrat-led government since 14 March. The National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship or ‘Red Shirts’, representing Thailand’s rural poor, have been calling for the dissolution of parliament and holding of fresh elections.

Though protests were mainly peaceful at first, they quickly turned violent, and a state of emergency was declared on 8 April. On 19 May, Red Shirt leaders surrendered to police and told protesters to give themselves up, but this has led to further riots and arson throughout the country.

CMS missionary Faye Donaldson is serving at Christ Church Bangkok, in the heart of the city’s business district. “Poor old Bangkok has been going through some tough times and it is sad to see Thais fight and kill each other,” she wrote in a recent email to her supporters.

“Christ Church has been used as a base by Riot Police over the past month as a resting place. We only had a couple of hundred men, though other places in our street housed much larger numbers.

“As the Revd Ching Wah reminds us, prayer still is the most powerful ability we have in any situation, and God graciously answers our prayers. What we are experiencing here is unfortunately going on in many nations, as people become dissatisfied with humanity’s ability to bring us security and peace. Both these things can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Prayer is well able to bring about change in any situation, whether it be a political gathering, a natural disaster or in a person’s heart. Please continue to pray with me that this situation will be used for openings for the gospel to be proclaimed, in word and deed.”

Faye has now brought forward a planned trip to Australia and is safely back in Melbourne. Please continue to pray with her for the Church in Thailand, and for a rapid conclusion to this dreadful period of conflict.