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Jesus in the Buddha Belt: Untold True Stories of a Mighty God and Messy Mission
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.
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.
212 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2025
11 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 26, 2025
"Jesus in the Buddha Belt" by Ben Wilder is a compelling collection of true stories that vividly illustrate the transformative power of faith in the lives of individuals in Myanmar. The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on the personal journey of a different individual who encounters Jesus amid their Buddhist culture. The book is not just a collection of conversion stories; it delves into the messy realities of mission work. The characters face significant challenges, including family rejection, societal pressure, and personal doubts. Yet, through it all, their faith in Jesus provides them with hope and strength.
Wilder’s writing style is direct and honest, yet rich in detail that makes you feel as if you are sitting across the table from the characters sharing a cup of Burmese tea. He doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of choosing Christianity in a place where it’s often misunderstood or rejected. His storytelling feels intimate, pulling you into the characters’ emotional journeys and making their faith struggles tangible.
One of the strengths of the book is its ability to provide a deep cultural context. Wilder does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of Myanmar, its people, and their struggles. The reader gains a better understanding of the complex interplay between Buddhism and Christianity in this Southeast Asian nation.
This book challenged my perspective on faith and identity, showing how belief can be both deeply transformative and painfully isolating. It’s a powerful read for anyone interested in religion, culture, and personal transformation.
Wilder’s writing style is direct and honest, yet rich in detail that makes you feel as if you are sitting across the table from the characters sharing a cup of Burmese tea. He doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of choosing Christianity in a place where it’s often misunderstood or rejected. His storytelling feels intimate, pulling you into the characters’ emotional journeys and making their faith struggles tangible.
One of the strengths of the book is its ability to provide a deep cultural context. Wilder does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of Myanmar, its people, and their struggles. The reader gains a better understanding of the complex interplay between Buddhism and Christianity in this Southeast Asian nation.
This book challenged my perspective on faith and identity, showing how belief can be both deeply transformative and painfully isolating. It’s a powerful read for anyone interested in religion, culture, and personal transformation.
April 29, 2025
This book will change you - If you're a Christian, it will strengthen your faith and highlight just how much Christianity differs from every other religion. I'd call it a must-read for anyone planning to do missions in any Buddhist population. The personal stories are full of fine details that bring those vignettes to life. The only thing I would've wished for a little more of is a bit more introduction to the world of Myanmar as a whole. The accounts of the four real-life characters are like story capsules, and while their encapsulated worlds are vivid, as an outsider it was hard to picture where they fit inside the wider world of the country. A map that showed the different story locations would've helped put things in perspective. But overall a unique and stirring account of a place that a lot of Christians don't even know about.
April 22, 2025
I’ve been curious for years to learn more about what it is like to be a believer in Myanmar, because we have known a couple different families who have lived there. This book has truly opened my eyes to the many struggles of life there, the variety of people there, and the way God has been working and continues to work in Myanmar. This book has given me a new perspective for knowing how to pray for this country and its people. Highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to truly get to know this wonderful country, its people, and how God is at work!
April 22, 2025
Really enjoyed this. We see 4 stories unique to the country of Burma, but still the same Jesus who I know in Texas. I appreciated the different stories, and how God worked in each of their lives while completely changing their identity and course of life. God does that in every single culture, and its encouraging to read how He has been doing that in Burma.
April 28, 2025
Such an amazing book. Well out together and such a great glimpse into the culture of Burmese people. Such an encouraging read for those interested in Missions - especially in Myanmar or other Buddhist countries. I am thankful for the freedoms we have and so thankful to read of those who give so sacrificially to follow Jesus. Such an inspiring book!
June 9, 2025
I love the way Ben tells the stories of men and women who have encountered Jesus and have experienced joyful life change. He writes in an engaging way, and their stories are so fun to follow along! Finishing the book encouraged and excited to see what God will continue to do in this country.
January 8, 2026
New perspectives! Learning more about Buddhist and Myanmar culture and way of life! A lot of heart breaking views and ideas but important realities to confront. Praying Jesus would reveal his power and presence to people in Myanmar!!!
September 23, 2025
Great Anthropological insights to the Buddhist worldview.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews