Red strings wrap around waists, encircle wrists, and dangle from motorcycles and cars. A centuries-old tradition in Southeast Asia, these scarlet bracelets and embellishments are believed to ward off dark supernatural forces. Multitudes of both men and women, fearful of malevolent gazes and misfortune, don their bodies and vehicles with these strings in hopes of securing protection.
These talismans illustrate the region’s widespread belief in the spiritual realm, as well as its complex, layered religious history – which incorporates beliefs and practices from animistic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Chinese folk traditions.
“Our village is very spiritually active,” says Shelby*, an Interserve worker serving in the region alongside her husband. “However, it’s very resistant to Christianity.”
Still, God is moving there.
One Sunday, while gathered with the local church in their community, a man walked in late to the service. “He explained that he had been trying to convince his wife to take off her red bracelet of protection,” Shelby recounts.
“And that same morning, the sermon happened to be about Peter walking on water and about how we can trust in the power of Jesus.”
Struck by the message, a woman in the congregation – at her own initiative – cut off her bracelet in the middle of the service. The meaning was clear: she no longer needed it. Her security, protection, and hope were now found firmly in the person and power of Christ.
“There was another lady there who was also wearing a red bracelet, but she was not yet ready to take hers off,” says Shelby. “It was a reminder to me that people grow step by step. Some are ready to take off the protective bracelet right now, but others are not quite there yet. We need to be patient, trusting they will respond to the work of God as their faith grows.”
Across Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East, workers like Shelby and her husband walk faithfully with young believers as they, too, grow step by step in their faith. Whether it’s cutting off a bracelet, refusing to accept bribes, or defying traditional societal norms in favor of biblical ones, these brothers and sisters are responding to the Holy Spirit and learning to live counter-culturally. And as they adorn themselves with faith, gentleness, and good works, their light shines brightly before men – a vivid picture of the transforming power of Christ.
*Name changed.