The scenery where we are working is beautiful, with floating villages along the edges of Inle Lake, and mountains rising behind them. However, Buddhist temples and pagodas fill the view. Nearly every village has a monastery, and pagodas can be seen in every direction. Despite the gold that covers these places, it doesn’t hide the darkness within.

During our visits to villages, we often pass by monasteries, and sometimes are invited inside, as these buildings also are being used as distribution points and to house those who lost their homes. Around these places, monks perform their daily chores, along with prayer and meditation. People bow and pray before statues of Buddha.

Witnessing this, I have to think of John 6:57 (As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me). I am so thankful I serve a God who is living and hears my prayers! I can only imagine the hopelessness of serving a dead god, believing that you are stuck in a cycle of rebirth, and trying to be a better person so you will have more blessings in the next life. Pray that these souls would be able to experience God’s love and truth, and understand the path to righteousness.