Dead Ancestors Visit on New Years Eve

While living in a village in the Isaan part of Thailand, people tend to ask the foreigner, "What are you doing here?" We tell them that we are here to talk to people about Jesus and Christianity, but also that we are here as learners, to learn about their culture and language. Being learners has helped us to learn a lot about what the people here really believe, and has gotten us invites to watch (not participate) in a variety of rituals and celebrations.

Tonight, on New Year's Eve, we were invited to come watch and understand more about a yearly ritual called "Baan Pa Bu Rut." At this ritual, more than 70 or so people came. There was a decorated altar with bananas and other foods created for the worship of ancestors. Around this were many people sitting, musical instruments playing, lots of laughter, and one particular person who acted like some sort of a medium. She would do a little motion with her hands for a minute or so, and then after that, they believe that one of their deceased ancestors has come, and is inside of the ladies body. After the person introduces himself/herself, family members come and talk with their deceased ancestor. They believe that these deceased ancestors have some kind of influence over their lives, so they want to make sure that their ancestors are appeased. This ceremony also includes traditional dancing and doesn't finish until morning on New Years.

Please watch the following video to get a small glimpse of the reality of the Kui beliefs in Sisaket, Thailand. Pray that God will transform their lives into worshipers of Him and Him alone!