Volume 1, Issue 2 – March 2025
Evangelism in Crisis (Thailand's Earthquake): A Time for Compassion, Not Fear
Date: 28 March 2025
Author: Dr. Chansamone Saiyasak (Professor of Religious Studies and Missiology), Theological Commissions & Religious Liberty Commissions of Evangelical Fellowship of Thailand & Asia Evangelical Alliance (a WEA-Regional Alliance) | Author’s Profile
Earlier today, as the people of Bangkok were shaken by the frightening experience of an earthquake, a few Christian groups took to the streets—not to offer comfort or support, but to publicly declare messages of judgment and doomsday. One Thai group in particular was preaching loudly in the middle of chaos, warning passersby that the end is near--those who do not believe in Jesus will go to hell (see videos: https://tinyurl.com/2wdp7f6a | https://tinyurl.com/4nuuwry5 | https://tinyurl.com/38asezty). This group, known for its embrace of the Neo-charismatic and Apostolic movement, particularly the Five-fold ministry, interpreted the disaster as a divine signal to urgently proclaim repentance. However, instead of drawing people to Christ, the actions sparked anger. In one live video, Thai people fleeing for safety confronted the evangelist, accusing him of preaching illegally and disturbing the peace. (This group Bright Romance เเสงสว่างเเห่งรักที่เเท้จริง in the video does not represent Thai Christians or churches under Thai Department of Religious Affairs/EFT)
This moment reveals something deeper: a missiological disconnect and a failure to understand the Thai cultural context. Thai society values gentleness, harmony, respect, and consideration (known in Thai as krèng jai). In times of fear or loss, people do not respond well to confrontation or loud proclamations. Rather, they are drawn to calm presence, relational care, and practical compassion. To stand on a street corner shouting judgment while people are terrified for their lives not only feels out of place—it comes across as manipulative and insensitive. Worse, it gives the impression that Christians are trying to exploit a vulnerable moment for religious gain.
Unfortunately, this kind of evangelistic approach is not uncommon in some expressions of the Neo-charismatic and Apostolic movement. These groups often operate with a sense of eschatological urgency, viewing natural disasters as divine signs of impending judgment. Combined with an overemphasis on the boldness of prophets and evangelists, this urgency can lead to a kind of performance evangelism—prioritizing dramatic proclamations over humble service. While driven by sincerity and zeal, these methods often neglect cultural sensitivity, emotional discernment, and the true heart of Christ.
In contrast, the Scriptures call us to a different kind of witness—one that begins not with shouting, but with seeing, weeping, and serving. When Jesus encountered the suffering of others, He was “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36). At the tomb of Lazarus, He wept before He spoke (John 11:35). After a long day, when crowds were hungry, He didn’t preach more—He fed them (Mark 6:34–44). In Acts 27, the Apostle Paul did not stand on the ship during the storm and proclaim judgment. He comforted the people, urged them to eat, and stayed present with them through the chaos. The gospel was later received because trust had been built through care.
In the Thai context, evangelism must flow from this same Christ-like compassion. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30–37) reminds us that true love for neighbor means stopping to help the hurting—not walking past with a loud religious message. Evangelism in crisis must never resemble exploitation. It must resemble incarnation—the presence of God among the suffering.
As Evangelical and Protestant Christians in Thailand, we must take this moment seriously. The gospel we preach is not a message of panic, but of peace. Our call is not to stir fear, but to bear witness to the hope and mercy of Christ—especially in times of distress. As 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts us, we should always be ready to share the hope within us, but to do so with gentleness and respect. Now, more than ever, is a time for compassion—not performance. A time to comfort—not confront. A time to reflect the heart of Christ, who is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
Let us stand with our fellow Thais not with loud voices, but with open hands and quiet strength. In doing so, we may truly become the light of Christ and sharers of the Gospel in the midst of the storm.
- Dr. Chansamone Saiyasak (Professor of Religiious and Missiology) is a theologian and missiologist based in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. He serves on the Theological Commission and Religious Liberty Commission of the Asia Evangelical Alliance and the Evangelical Fellowship of Thailand, contributing to theological development and religious freedom initiatives in Southeast Asia. He also serves as an Asian theologian for the World Evangelical Alliance. With over 30 years of ministry and leadership experience, Dr. Saiyasak has led Christian educational and theological institutions, community development projects, and church planting movements across Thailand and Laos. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies from Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (Belgium) and Doctor of Ministry from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (USA), and has completed advanced leadership programs at Harvard University, Yale School of Management, and Oxford University. Through his work with organizations such as the SEANET Missiological Forum and the Lausanne Movement, Dr. Saiyasak is committed to advancing Gospel-centered leadership, contextual theology, and mission engagement in Buddhist-majority societies.
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