Jaisamarn Full Gospel Church

It's Sunday, Joseph got up late and has breakfast in Bangkok soi 8 around half past one. Then take a morning walk and turn into the next soi 6 unknown to me. Soon I am at a building with a large cross and the name Jaisamarn Full Gospel Church.

Looking up I hear guitar music and singing so I go up a few steps to catch a glimpse. At a long table are about 25 people who sing very devoutly, supported by a guitarist who sings along.

When a few people catch sight of this snoeshaan, the glass door opens and I get the invitation to enter.

You bring the devil into your house to invite an atheist to the House of the Lords. Accept the invitation and soon a chair will be pulled up. They are mainly women and four men, one of whom is American, as it turns out later. It is very nice and everyone present sings at the top of their lungs with the support of the guitarist / cantor. Of course I don't understand the lyrics at all, but it certainly doesn't sound boring.

A seventy-something - the American - is the only one who continues to look piously ahead with a dull look and hands folded. Not a smile can be seen on his face while the Thai disciples are visibly enjoying the chants. Now and then also very serious with hands clasped or a hand pressed against the heart. I too am encouraged to sing along and when I say that I do not speak the language and do not understand it, some chairs are moved and I have to sit in the middle of the table next to a very graceful lady who speaks English and regularly tells me something about the content of the hymns. Strangely enough I'm still starting to like it while I only very rarely come to a church for a funeral or wedding that I can't stay away from.

At a certain moment, all attention and singing goes to a certain lady who, according to my charming interpreter, turns out to be seriously ill. Still a touching moment even for me.

After more than half an hour I call it a day and when the guitarist takes a break I ask him if I can say something. Stand at the head of the table and thank everyone for the hospitality I was allowed to enjoy. Also that I enjoyed the guitar music and, despite not understanding the language, also the singing and devotion.

Wish them all the best of luck in life. See all those present looking at me with beaming faces and when the lady who acts as an interpreter translates my words into Thai I even get my hands on each other. With a broad swing of my arm I say goodbye.

Reminds me of the recent story “A day to remember!” from my good friend Michel. Not a miraculous catch of fish, but still a special experience of pious but also friendly and cordial people. Such small and often insignificant things can linger in your memory for a long time.