Letter to the world about the Thailand Rescue

(This was written right after the rescue, in June 2018. We are not in a competition between religions. This is not a religious war, this is the proof that “if two or more shall agree on earth on anything that they ask it shall be done of my Father who is in Heaven” It doesn’t matter if the “two or more” are nominally Christians, Buddhists or even atheists, the principle is universal. Christ transcends petty religious preferences).

Right when the whole world is following the Soccer World Cup 2018 in Russia another soccer team in Thailand stole the show and draw the international attention to a dedicated 25 years old coach and his 12 teenage players that decided to celebrate the birthday of one of them Peerapat Somphiangjai (nickname: Night), 17 years old, in the caves.  They took some snacks and cookies and these staples helped them to survive during the 9 days until they were found.

They came in while outside the rain that was falling heavily flooded the passage to the point that they could not come out and they had to keep going inside in search of higher place. Finally, after 4 km walking in they found a room that was higher and in there they stayed. The first 3 days where very hard because they were trying to swim and find their way out again but with no success.

I would love that the kids themselves would tell the story with details and that the story would be compiled without re-editing and twisting for the world to hear what really happened. How come they remained calm in the middle of an impossible situation like that? This is a very inspiring story. A story where the peace of the spirit overcame the panic of the flesh.

The coach had training as a Buddhist monk practicing meditation. I am sure it was very inspiring for the couch to apply his desires of love and salvation to his group. Personally, he is a man that went through a great ordeal in his life by loosing his parents and older brother through a pestilence that devastated his area. His uncle and auntie took care of him after that. He was a sad child and finally he decided to join the monks because he was looking for happiness, answers and peace of mind.

Finally he found peace and love that he shared with the kids whom he coached. By teaching and sharing his meditation practice for the sake of saving the kids he found what he was looking for and I am sure he found a meaning for his life.

It is not a competition to see what religion is the right one, but instead is a proof that we only find meaning to our lives when we give and share with others our love and peace.