A group of young Buddhist monks, dressed in their saffron robes, joined a local karate class in Sri Lanka.

Theo, one of the monks, was struggling terribly. In his efforts to find peace for his soul, he had become addicted to marijuana. Nothing brought him freedom. Theo finally approached Kasun, the karate master, for help.

Kasun had the peace and confidence that Theo longed for. Kasun’s demeanor went beyond the years of karate discipline and study—he had surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. And he had received Global Disciples training there in Sri Lanka.

Kasun had moved to a village that was 100% Buddhist after his Global Disciples training. He decided to offer karate classes to create opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus. The response was overwhelming! And that’s how he met Theo and introduced him to the Gospel.

Theo, this Buddhist monk with no true understanding of Christ, came to know Jesus as his Savior and Lord through Kasun’s compassionate witness and this karate class.

Then he started proclaiming the Good News of Jesus! Since he was still wearing the robe of a Buddhist monk, it made the local people very angry. So, he recanted his vows to Buddhism, shed his saffron robe, and received the same discipleship-mission training Kasun had taken.

Theo then went back to his home village to share the Gospel. His family members and many others came to Christ. Some experienced physical healing in the name of Jesus. Others were delivered from evil spirits when he prayed.  

When Sri Lanka—an island nation the size of West Virginia—slid into a humanitarian crisis in 2022, and food and fuel grew scarce, Theo, Kasun, and other disciples of Jesus went to work to help their communities find food and basic essentials. They continue to seek ways to share Christ’s love to those around them, even at great personal sacrifice.