Jesus in the Buddha Belt: Untold True Stories of a Mighty God and Messy Mission

by Ben Wilder

Publisher:

William Carey Publishing

, 2025

Overview

Miraculous Journeys of Faith—and Failure 

What if God was bigger than your box and had a unique role for you in his mission—even though you aren’t perfect? Jesus in the Buddha Belt introduces four new friends from Myanmar whose surprising encounters with Jesus—and the real-life rollercoaster sagas that follow—show that God is bigger than we imagine and can use us despite our imperfections.

With unflinching honesty, a former Buddhist monk, a comfortable Christian, and two urban immigrants recount gut-wrenching battles with family, society, and their own misconceptions, risking everything to follow Jesus in the war-torn epicenter of Buddhism. These true stories pull back the curtain on racial tension, murder, betrayal—and the miraculous ways God is working among Buddhists despite them.

Ben Wilder’s riveting storytelling and two decades of on-the-ground insight make this an illuminating page-turner that will inform your prayers, deepen your faith, and help you share the gospel at home or abroad.

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Contents

Author’s Promise and Invitation 

Welcome to the Buddha Belt 

PART 1 AUNG’S STORY: A Buddhist Monk’s Life Takes a Supernatural Turn

Unexpected Answer 

Divorce or Miracle? 

Thant and the Crazy Christians 

Going Deeper: Trail Guides to Jesus 

PART 2 BAWI’S STORY: Conversion from Christian Tradition to The Real Jesus

Awakening 

Village Fire 

Love and Blindfolds 

Going Deeper: Becoming Like a Buddhist (to Win Some to Jesus) 

PART 3 LIN’S STORY: The Bright and Dark Side of Christian Mission in Myanmar

Adoption 

Murder Plot 

Inside Addiction 

Going Deeper: A Prince, the Bride, and Jesus 

PART 4 THA GYI’S STORY: Unprecedented Opportunity in the Urban Youth Scene

Yangon City Lights

New Friends, New Life 

Something Missing 

Going Deeper: Repainting the White Colonialist Jesus 

Epilogue: Joining God’s Story 

Appendix 1: Discussion and Prayer Guide 

Appendix 2: Insights for Mission 

Appendix 3: How to Use Jesusinthebuddhabelt.com 

Suggestions for Further Reading 

Acknowledgments 

Praise for Jesus in the Buddha Belt

This book has had a profound impact on me, revealing at least two powerful truths. First, God used it to teach me about a culture and a people I knew little about, showing me the incredible ways He is working in their lives. Second, it reminded me that God operates in powerful, life-changing ways that go beyond what we can see. I was deeply challenged to live a life of intentional faith, walking by trust and not by sight. The real-life stories shared in this book are both humbling and inspiring—stories of how God is reaching everyday people, transforming their lives, and calling them to serve. 

The author does a remarkable job of telling these testimonies, painting vivid pictures of his friends’ journeys and drawing me into their lives. Though some parts of the stories are difficult to read—addressing real struggles and the hardships that come with following Jesus—the honesty and authenticity are refreshing. The book ends with a powerful challenge: What will I do in response to these stories? 

If you’re looking for a book that will open your eyes to the global work of God, challenge your faith, and inspire you to take bold steps in your own walk with him, this is a must-read. 

-Gaylord Tsuei, MDiv, Caring Pastor, Austin Chinese Church 

Myanmar is a contested nation ravaged by conflicts, a fertile ground for the Gospel, a sleeping giant awaiting glorious awakening and transformation. The stories of Myanmar’s inspirational and courageous missions must be told. In this book, Ben will take you up close to these stories as one who labored among them, not merely as an armchair missiologist, including costly lessons learned with many tears and joy. Reading this book brings us to a deeper appreciation of the Spirit inscribed in Hebrews 11:38–40. This book is a must for everyone who cares about finishing Jesus’s Great Commission! 

-Daniel Lim, Global Intercession Leader, Former Chief Executive Officer, International House of Prayer, Kansas City 

Jesus in the Buddha Belt drew me into a world both truly foreign and equally familiar. While I have served in church planting and missions for over thirty-five years, Aung, Bawi, Lin, and Tha Gyi guided me to a new place. They took me to the country of Myanmar and exposed me to the diverse geography, history, culture, peoples, and religions of this foreign place. But on the familiar side, these four share their stories with a humanity and vulnerability that’s New Testament-like. They share fear and doubt, failure, and persecution, but also courage, faithfulness, victory, and spiritual fruit. Through all of this, they pointed me to God and the saving grace of Jesus Christ for all the world. Their stories challenged and encouraged me and reminded me again of the Great Commission to make disciples of all peoples. 

-Adam Johnson, Emeritus Missionary, IMB, Digital Evangelism Coach, Kavanah Media 

Having twenty years of personal experience and research in Southeast Asia, the author is a dedicated Christian missionary with a passion for evangelizing Burmese, and his remarkable storytelling ability brings readers into the heart of his journey. Through his writing, I’ve had the privilege of meeting Aung, Bawi, Lin, and Gyi, and witnessing their profound spiritual transformations. Ben’s work shines a light on the incredible impact God is having in the Buddha Belt. Furthermore, he inspires Christians to engage in meaningful dialogue between Buddhist beliefs and Christian faith, fostering a deeper understanding of cultures, religions, and histories. His captivating writing style prepares us to pray for and share the gospel with others more effectively. 

I am deeply moved and amazed! Not only is Ben gifted in writing, but he is also a great narrator, able to completely bring readers into the life stories he describes, making them feel like they are there and experiencing the same emotions. I firmly believe that this book will provide many valuable experiences and inspirations to Christians who are interested in evangelizing among Buddhist groups! 

-Rev. Luke Zhang, DMin, Director of Chinese Ministry, The Sowers International, Founder and Missionary, Europe Campus Ministry, President, The Hidden Manna Media Mission International 

In Jesus in the Buddha Belt, Wilder ingeniously employs the oft-neglected vehicle of storytelling for spiritual formation and missiological wisdom. Through the stories of four diverse people from war-torn Myanmar, we encounter the daunting challenges to faithful and flourishing witness to Jesus in this land. Yet alongside the heartbreaking failures and pitfalls to be avoided are inspiring testimonies of gospel breakthroughs that point to promising ways forward for Jesus-followers. In this way, Wilder uncovers the entrenched historical, cultural, and religious barriers to the gospel in the Buddha Belt while also instilling hope in the goodness and power of Jesus to overcome any barrier. The lessons learned through these stories shed light on how we might best experience sustainable growth of the kingdom of God, not only in Myanmar and Theravada Buddhist contexts, but in other least-reached environments throughout the world. The author has enhanced the usefulness and transformative potential of his book through thoughtful reflection questions and abundant resources for prayer and action. All in all, this book delivers a goldmine of wisdom in a compelling and captivating way. 

-Todd Pokrifka, PhD, Co-Director of the Institute for Community Transformation, Frontier Ventures 

Have you ever had coffee with a village dweller who lived knowing only the desperate self-effort and idol worship of Buddhism and whose only hope for the future comes from the teachings of spirit-appeasing, saffron-robed monks? Probably not. Ben Wilder takes us into the heart of Buddhism for a deeply authentic experience with former Buddhists who have encountered true enlightenment through Jesus and have had their worlds turned upside down and transformed by God’s love. History is being made right now in the Buddhist world. Come have your eyes opened to both the incredible challenges and the mind-blowing miracles of God’s work in this final frontier of missions, the Buddhist Belt. My family has been serving Jesus in the Buddhist world for over fifteen years, and this book was still deeply insightful and inspiring for me. I know it will be for you too! Pull up a chair and find a hot cup of milk tea for a window into a world you might not know anything about, but as a follower of Jesus, you are being invited to engage. 

-John Hogan, Leader, Golden Shores Initiative 

With over twenty years of experience living and working in Myanmar (Burma), the author brings tremendous depth of understanding to a calling and task that requires mature spiritual inspiration. “Doggedness" is not the best word, as it implies that the task is unenjoyable. In reading Jesus in the Buddha Belt, I hope you sense that the author is thrilled by his calling, even amid chaotic and often dangerous circumstances, and is amazed by what God is doing in the Buddhist Belt. 

This book could have simply focused on the life of Gautama Buddha, the Eightfold Path, and the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. Instead, it captures the personal perspectives of Aung, Bowi, Lin, and Gyi, who provide a compelling account of why they found conversion to Christ difficult and the supernatural power of God to overcome the obstacles to faith in a Buddhist context. 

This is a compelling book you won’t want to put down. If you are reading it in a study group, the interaction sections will help the group digest the experiences of the main characters. Some may wonder how the stories of four individuals in one country can represent the  experience “in the Buddha Belt” that stretches across Southeast Asia. However, if you read it with a Vietnamese, Cambodian, or Thai group, you’ll see them light up with recognition of realities they have also experienced. 

-Michael Pocock, DMiss, Senior Professor of Missions and Department Chair Emeritus, Dallas Theological Seminary 

Insightful, descriptive, wise, and rich! Ben has tapped his years of experience in Myanmar to bring us a book that deals with its myriads of contexts in a readable and informative way. Ben uses the stories to skillfully and sensitively share about Buddhism, how God is at work, and to highlight some failures that might make you wince. If you read this book, I believe you will come away better informed and encouraged to pray. I have long respected Ben and his family. To me, they display authenticity in their passion for the gospel, as well as their calling and commitment to the people of Myanmar. 

-Hugh Martin, Field Leader in Myanmar, OMF 

Having walked alongside Ben in some of the very villages and cities brought to life in Jesus in the Buddha Belt, I can attest to the depth of faith, love, and authenticity that runs throughout this book. These stories vividly capture the heartbeat of Myanmar and provide profound cultural and spiritual insights into the lives of its people and the unique challenges they face. The author’s deep love for Myanmar and his ability to weave their struggles and triumphs into compelling first-person narratives will stir your heart and renew your passion for God’s mission. Whether you’re a seasoned missionary or simply curious about the beauty of Christ’s work in a Buddhist context, this book not only offers an inspiring and deeply personal glimpse into God’s redemptive power in the most unexpected places but also an invitation to join him in the work. 

-Greg Mann, MDiv, Affinity Group Leader for the Asia-Pacific Rim Peoples Affinity, International Mission Board 

What struck me immediately about this book was the author’s deep love and care for the people of Burma, as well as the close relationships he built to earn their trust. My family has been serving in Burma for over thirty-one years, and we have been both inspired and educated by this book. The nuances of life, the importance of religion, tribe, culture, and social standing ground this work in the truths of Burma. At the same time, the supernatural intervention of Jesus shines clearly. 

Read this book to be inspired, to gain knowledge, to discover new perspectives, and for the joy of learning about new people and how they met Jesus. Jesus in the Buddha Belt encourages me to lift my eyes to heaven in gratitude and love, and to approach others with openness and compassion. It strengthens my faith and reinforces my belief that we serve a faithful, loving, and supernaturally powerful God who has the answers to all our problems. I thank God for Ben and his family for how they have lived and for sharing their experiences with Jesus and the people of Burma. 

-David Eubank, Founder, Free Burma Rangers 

Ben masterfully crafts compelling stories that bring to light the complexities of missions in Myanmar. He does so with deep insight and heartfelt empathy that can only come from real experience tempered by a heart of love. It is such a delight to get immersed in the experiences of the characters as they tell their captivating stories. The hard truth is that missions is messy, but God somehow still transforms the lives of people through it all. I was uplifted by this book as I encountered God in these true stories. 

-Song Tjoa, DMin, MBA, Senior Minister, New Life Fellowship of Churches, Founder, Clarion Newlife Capital 

Ben Wilder shares compelling and convicting stories of the lives and experiences of people who are very different in religion, customs, and culture from those in the West. The book teaches the hope of Jesus’s saving and transforming grace in the modern Buddhist world. Wilder shows how disciples of Jesus can understand a Buddhist way of thinking and culture as they come to understand the truth of Jesus and learn to love others above their own culture, biases, and perspectives. 

-Israel Martinez, MDiv, Acts 29 Network Church Planter and Pastor, Lead Pastor, Redeemer Church, Irving, TX 

Jesus in the Buddha Belt introduces four previously inaccessible biographies from a little-known part of the world. I love that it shows off God’s power without hiding human weakness. It is uplifting, enlightening, and entertaining—a great new resource for anyone wanting to learn how to better pray for mission to Buddhists, for those going on short-term mission trips, and for those preparing or serving in long-term mission to Buddhists. 

-Johannes Bauer, Field Operations Director, YWAM (Myanmar) 

A book about missions should accomplish three key things: first, it should provide a clear sense of the country where the work is taking place—in this case, Myanmar. Second, it should inspire a deep love and compassion for the people. Finally, it should leave readers questioning whether they, too, are called to go. As we read, we should ask God if he is calling us. Jesus and the Buddha Belt hits all three in a surprising way. Reading people’s stories in the first person gives the reader a sense of the culture and why it is so difficult for them to come to faith. These stories also provide an honest sense of why reaching them is so challenging and, at the same time, convey the urgency of going. I’ve known Ben for many years. He loves Jesus deeply and believes in his call to the nations. Read with empathy and an openness to God’s call on your life. I highly recommend this book. 

-Steven Smith, PhD, Former Associate Dean and Assistant Professor, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Author, Dying to Preach: Embracing the Cross in the Pulpit 

In Jesus in the Buddha Belt, Ben helps us rethink the image of Jesus that many people in Myanmar have grown up with. He talks about how colonial powers, like the British and Americans, not only brought their religion but also left behind a lasting image of Jesus that was tied to oppression rather than freedom. By sharing personal stories and reflections, the author encourages us to see Jesus in a way that feels more real and connected to the people of Myanmar—one that strips away the colonial baggage and focuses on Jesus’s true Middle Eastern roots. The book highlights how important it is to be sensitive to different cultures and to represent Jesus in a way that respects local traditions and identities. It’s a powerful reminder that how we see Jesus can be shaped by history, and that we need to work toward a version of Jesus that speaks meaningfully to people everywhere. 

-Jon Foltz, Director of Leadership Development, Thailand Campus Crusade, CRU 

“Example often speaks louder than precept.” That adage is certainly proven true in Jesus in the Buddha Belt. Ben Wilder possesses a powerful gift for combining both precept and example as he shares true accounts of Christ’s transforming power in the deceptive environment of Buddhism. 

-Tom Elliff, DMin, Former President, International Mission Board

Product Details

• Title: Jesus in the Buddha Belt: Untold True Stories of a Mighty God and Messy Mission
• Author: Ben Wilder
• Publisher: William Carey Publishing
• Print Publication Date: 2025
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Pages: 210
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781645086475, 164508647X
• Resource ID: LLS:9781645086475
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-23T00:16:27Z