My name is Jay, and I am sixteen years old. I was sent by my family to live with my uncle in Mae Sot, Thailand, because they were afraid that the military in our country would force me to become a soldier.
When I first reached the village, it was late, and I was tired. My uncle gave me only a few minutes of rest before asking, “Would you like to go to church?” I had no idea what that was, but I didn’t want to say no to my uncle. So, we went to church. It was a room full of young people, like me. They were kind and friendly; not like my friends in Yangon. I met a new friend named Simon, which made me happy. But when I heard the pastor say, “We have all sinned,” that made me angry. Why would he say that?
A few weeks later, Simon invited me to a prayer meeting. I had no idea what that was, but I didn’t want to say no to my friend. So, we went to a prayer meeting. My friend Simon said, “Just sit there, make your heart peaceful and say, ‘Jesus, hallelujah.’” I did this, and, after a few minutes, something crazy happened.
I felt myself leaving my body. At first, it was very peaceful, and there was a beautiful garden. Then, I realized I couldn’t move; black chains were pinning my body to the ground. I looked up; sets of white clothing were flying into the clouds. Seven beings were there, blowing trumpets and welcoming the clothes into the clouds, where they became stars.
I woke up, and my heart was racing. I leaned over and said, “Simon! Something crazy just happened to me!” I told him about the vision; he said the chains were my sins, but that Jesus would give me a white robe of righteousness—forgiveness! I went home confused.
That night I had another dream of the beautiful garden. A man with a long stick walked towards me. I asked him, “Can I help you? Who are you?” He touched me and said, “I am Jesus. Come and follow me, son.” I had no idea what that meant, but I didn’t want to say no to Jesus.
So, I said yes.
