Monks, Mountains, and the Message of Jesus

Pai – A Heart for Thailand

Pai, our country leader in Thailand, shepherds Sprout Church and a team of 16 local missionaries across the country. His journey to ministry is a story of God’s redirection and grace.

Pai grew up in a Christian family but didn’t truly know Jesus. That changed in university when he met Cru staff and accepted Christ. At the time, he dreamed of becoming a politician—but God had other plans. A mentor challenged him to consider ministry, and in 2006 he stepped into full-time work. By 2013, he launched Sprout Church, focused on making disciples and forming leaders who multiply.

“I love this idea (Glory Project) because they support locals, and local missionaries are ready to serve...There are so many now willing to serve and be harvesters. When Breck shared about The Glory Project, I was so excited.”

Today, Pai’s leadership blends spiritual teaching with practical care, building trust and showing the love of Jesus in action.

Pai told me a story recently that I haven’t been able to shake. It paints a vivid picture of what ministry looks like on the ground in northern Thailand. Let me take you there.

In the Temple Courtyard

The sun hung heavy over the hills of northern Thailand, casting long shadows across the temple courtyard. The air was thick with the scent of incense from nearby shrines, mingling with the earthy smell of the river that runs past the village. Hundreds of villagers had gathered, their sandals dusty from the winding paths, their eyes fixed on Pai as he shared the story of Jesus. The temple bells rang softly in the distance, a reminder of traditions that had guided this village for generations.

Pai spoke with both conviction and tenderness, bridging cultural gaps while introducing the hope of Christ. One by one, villagers responded to his invitation. 169 hearts turned to Jesus that day, their decisions echoing across the hills like the tolling of the temple bells, signaling a new beginning.

“They know we are here to help. Just like Jesus purifies dirty water, He purifies our lives,” Pai said, as he handed out clean water filters that would sustain the village long after the service ended.

In recent weeks, Pai has been hosting larger events to reach more of the hill tribe communities across northern Thailand. Some are retreats for believers, like the most recent gathering where 16 villages were represented. These large-scale events demonstrate Pai’s love for people and his heart to clearly present the gospel, while also paving the way for the personal, life-on-life discipleship stories that follow.

Pai and Mai Hong Song

Life-on-Life Discipleship

While many respond in gatherings like this, Pai’s ministry also goes deeper. He invests personally in individuals, nurturing their faith so it can grow and multiply. It’s not just about the number reached—it’s about the quality of their spiritual lives afterward. This holistic approach is what creates multiplying churches and vibrant communities of faith.

One example is Mai Hong Song, a woman Pai has guided for years. He discipled her personally—walking with her through life’s challenges, mentoring her, and even officiating her wedding. Today, she boldly shares her faith with hundreds in her community, embodying the very discipleship Pai models. As the local doctor in her village, she shares this message often with anyone willing to listen.

“I believe in Jesus now, not in Buddhism. He is the true God.”

Through relationships like these, Pai shows that lasting transformation happens when faith is nurtured closely, not just preached to a crowd. The impact is both wide and deep, with entire communities changed as individuals are strengthened in their walk with Christ.

Reaching Buddhist Monks

Pai’s relational ministry also opens doors to people who are culturally difficult to reach, including Buddhist monks. One encounter left a deep mark on his heart:

“What’s your goal to be a Buddhist monk in the temple?”

Pai shared the gospel, explaining that only Jesus died and rose and promised the Spirit who is with us. He invited the monk to visit again and see Jesus personally.

“I cried over him. He thinks he’s finding peace, but it’s not true peace. I just care about them so much.”

As a native missionary, Pai has access to people outsiders cannot reach. His friendship, trust, and commitment are opening hearts in ways that only someone from the community can. Join us in praying that this monk comes to faith.

Building Relationships & Community

Pai and his team also work with local officials, temples, and mosques, patiently building trust over time. In Thailand, the name of the game is “little by little.” It’s not as easy as saying yes to Jesus—there are many layers of culture and implications of being rejected by family.

Through these relationships, villages experience Jesus through both words and deeds—from clean water to prayer, education, and spiritual teaching.

How You Can Pray

Please join us in praying for Pai and his ministry:

• Wisdom for church leadership and decisions

• Health and protection for Pai and his family

• Continued spiritual and practical impact in villages, temples, and communities that have never heard the gospel

Your support makes this work possible, bringing hope, transformation, and discipleship to Thailand’s rural communities.

A Church in Every Village, Carissa + the Glory Project Team