How British Accents, Badminton, and Board Games Led to Jesus 🤔

I was born into a Buddhist family like most Thai people. My mom is deeply religious, and I grew up immersed in Buddhism — even attending a temple school. But as I got older and began thinking for myself, I started to question what I believed.

University marked a new season of independence. I loved board games and was obsessed with English, especially the British accent! I told myself, “I want friends to play board games with,” and “I want to speak British English fluently.” Having a native speaker friend sounded like a dream.

About six months in, I joined a free English club that played games and practiced conversation. I had free time and loved speaking English, so I joined — and the people were lovely.

Then someone introduced me to their friend who loved board games and had a real British accent. I was like, “I have to be friends with this guy!” 😂

Spoiler: it was Pastor Ewan. Tada! 😂

I took Ewan, Dao, and their family out to eat, and we ended up talking about weddings. I mentioned wanting to get married in a church because the photos are beautiful. Dao and Ewan joked, “Then you’ll need to become a Christian first!” (And maybe find a boyfriend too! 😂)

They had just moved to Bang Saen and were starting a house church, so they invited me and my friends. I’ll be honest — I went for the food and board games. 😂 But as I kept coming, I began to love the atmosphere, especially during worship. It felt peaceful and comforting.

Everyone was so kind. Ewan always said during sharing, “You are important.” At first, I didn’t believe it. But after a while, I felt truly loved — like I had found a new family.

One day, Dao invited me to her house for lunch and a chat about faith. That conversation stirred something in me. I asked myself, “What do I really believe?” I realized I had never chosen my beliefs — I had just inherited them. I wanted to explore for myself.

What struck me was that no one ever pressured me. Ewan always said, “If you want to know if God is real, go to your room and say, ‘God, if you’re real, show me.’ Or ask a Christian how they became one.”

That week, I was in terrible pain after playing badminton — my whole body ached. 🫠 So I quietly prayed, “God, if You’re real, please heal me.” Later, Fai and Denise prayed for me, laying hands on my shoulders… and just like that — the pain disappeared. Completely. I felt light. I was shocked. That was the moment I decided to believe in God.

(This is my personal experience — not made up in any way.)

Later that night, I reflected and realized: this had been God’s plan all along. I’m so thankful He led me to this place and this community.

None of it would’ve happened without The Landing. If I had to describe it in one word: “home.” A place full of warmth, where people encourage, support, and heal you with kindness, games, conversations, and shared meals.

Thank you to Pastor Ewan, Pastor Dao, Fai, Denise, Aoi, Jimmy, and every staff member who made me feel loved. This place helped me understand what God’s love really means. 💕