Buddhist Ministry Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

True Enlightenment in Christ: Praying for Buddhists

Half a billion Buddhists worldwide await the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Join us in praying for Buddhists.

Apr 01 2022

There is a Japanese adage that says, “The nail that sticks out gets hit!” This mindset of not wanting to stand out or be different from others is a pervasive way of thinking among Buddhist cultures. The cost for Buddhists to follow Christ is often great as they attract the attention of their family and friends in a way that may not be pleasant. Over 500 million people ascribe to Buddhism worldwide, and most of those are concentrated in Asia. Countries such as China, Japan, Thailand and Myanmar have deeply rooted Buddhist traditions and beliefs, accounting for hundreds of people…

Jian was completely non-religious — until it came to appeasing his ancestors. What would it take to break their hold over him?

Feb 19 2019

Having kids creates all kinds of fears: careless babysitters, cleaning supplies, everything a child could possibly put in her mouth. But Jian’s fear was far more sinister. Jian* was worried about relatives — his dead relatives. Whatever their personalities in life, Jian’s ancestors were fearsome in death. They had to be placated every April or they would wreak havoc. Or so Jian was taught. And if they wanted to hurt Jian, what better way than to hurt his daughter? As an atheist, Jian knew he shouldn’t be afraid of ghosts. Yet, he couldn’t help but wonder, what if it was…

She needed community. It was the doctor's orders, but for Machiko, all it took was a going a walk around the block to find what she so desperately needed. Read her story! Photo by TEAM

Jul 12 2018

You need to join a club or social circle so you’ll have interaction with others on a regular basis, Machiko’s doctor said. You risk getting dementia if you don’t. When Machiko* went for her annual check-up, she already knew she struggled with depression. She knew she was socially withdrawn and battled an anxiety disorder called hikikomori. But she never thought her lack of a social life could cause her to lose her mind. She needed company — she needed friends. She needed help. It was overwhelming. When she got home, she decided to take a walk down the street to…

If leaving your religion meant leaving your culture and family, would you do it? Read about the obstacles missionaries face when reaching Buddhists and see how you can pray! Photo by TEAM

Jul 03 2018

How do you lead someone down Christ’s narrow path when they believe almost every path leads to salvation? That’s a question missionaries in Buddhist-majority countries face every day. And not only do Buddhists struggle to understand their need for a Savior, but they also face external pressure to remain in the faith of their family. In Buddhist cultures, to turn your back on the religion of your parents is to betray them on the deepest level. Your community will cut you off, taking away your friends, limiting your job opportunities and even kicking you out of your home. Overcoming these…

In Thailand, a creative arts ministry is giving new meaning to the “art of evangelism.” Discover how Buddhists are learning about Jesus through paintings. Photo by TEAM

May 08 2017

Every artist has a story to tell. Some tell it through vague symbolism. Others let you take away your own meaning. But when TEAM missionary Kennedy Paizs sits down at his easel, he makes no attempts at subtlety. He creates art to lead Thai Buddhists to Christ. On any given day, you might find Kennedy painting Bible stories, co-hosting an art show or telling Bible stories while volunteers paint illustrations. “It is a good, fun way to interact with people,” Kennedy says. “We get to talk about the painting, and it’s not so directly about them, even though they know…

Tag - Buddhist Ministry

True Enlightenment in Christ: Praying for Buddhists

The Day Evil Spirits Stopped Being Scary

A Shelf Full of Gods — and No Hope

Would You Betray Your Parents for Jesus? [July Prayer Focus]

Preaching the Gospel with a Paintbrush