“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. Skeptical 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)