Thai Men Meet Jesus In A Rehab Center

Published April 22, 2025

Katrielle Bauknight

In July of 2024 I went to Thailand with a team of 14 people. Most of our work consisted of teaching english, working at a safe house, evangelizing, and the odd speaking on a radio station. But, this one particular day we had a unique opportunity. We were invited to give a sermon at a mens rehab center.

These men struggled with drug and alcohol abuse. They lost this battle time and time again forcing them to leave their families to find help. For perspective, most of these men had a Buddhist background, but little did they know that the rehab center owner was a Christian. The owner found out about our team somehow and invited us to preach, worship, and give an altar call.

Photo Taken By Victoria Luzini

So, first things first we asked God to direct us in how to prepare. We all felt that Shanette should preach. She ended up preaching on forgiveness: but not only from the perspective of being forgiven. Shanette shared about the importance of forgiving. As her message ended, my teammate felt God prompt her to share her testimony of forgiveness. Her dad had struggled with substance abuse when she was a child. However, God the Father met her in her pain and helped her forgive. Her dad overcame substance abuse along the way and now their relationship is restored.

As my teammate shared the men started crying. They needed to forgive others and they realized their need to receive forgiveness. All but one man responded to the altar call that day. We don't know the rest of their stories, but we do know that Jesus will never leave them or forsake them. He will lead them in the way that is everlasting and bring life to those around them. What an honor to get to share Jesus with these men.