I was quite intrigued by this book when I first saw it. I have never come across a book about someone who lived in Zimbabwe, nor one about a person who went as a missionary from South Africa to Thailand! My Thailand Calling is a very interesting story about how God directed a man's life.
Rynier was born into a Christian family in Zimbabwe when it was still known as Southern Rhodesia. He was sent to school in South Africa, however, and after his father's death the whole family immigrated to South Africa. His first experience with Thailand was sponsoring a child there, even before Christianity was real to him.
As a young man in his 20s, Rynier and his brother both met God in amazing ways, and soon Rynier found himself involved in a lot of ministry. This eventually led to his joining Youth With a Mission, and after a time he went to Thailand, where he has spent most of the rest of his life.
I found this book quite challenging, as Rynier poured his life out for God and others, and sought God's direction for how to minister to the Thai Buddhists. It was fascinating to read of the ways he used the Thai people's culture and beliefs to introduce the Gospel to them, and of ways that did not work. I also appreciated his honesty in admitting that he is still trying to find the way to really reach the culture in which he is living; he has not found the key to open people's minds to the truth of the Bible yet.
If you are interested in cross-cultural evangelism, read this book. Rynier has a lot of insights that will be helpful.
I received a free ecopy of this book from NetGalley and chose to write a review.

My Thailand Calling is a great read for those who might be interested in what steps those called might have to take in order to get to the missionary field. This book followed Rynier Kruger through his journey from the time decided to become a missionary all the way until it lead him to Thailand. It is filled with lessons learned along the way. It also includes hindsight to help those who try to make the same journey.
As someone who visits Thailand on a regular basis and has many missionary friends in Thailand, I was excited to read his observations regarding Thai culture and customs. And it was great to hear his perspective on how best to reach primarily Buddhist people for Christ. A couple of the cultural tips appeared outdated and not necessarily practiced by the newest generation of Thais in Bangkok or southern parts of Thailand. But he had wise advice for those traveling to Thailand not wishing to offend.
I found it a little sad when he noted that that the romance and his love for the Thai people had faded. And I am sure that for many, that is probably the case. However, I have met many missionaries more in love with and more excited about reaching Thai’s for Christ now than they were when they first came to the missions field. (One couple has served in Thailand for over 50 years.) So I don’t think romance fading is a certainty as noted in this book. But I think his words will serve as a reassurance for those who have experienced the same feelings. And how refreshing to hear the emphasis regarding working in a team. Burnout and loneliness seems to be a common problem for those trying to be lone rangers.
My Thailand Calling was an interesting book with lots of lessons to be learned. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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It was wonderful to read of souls saved, and lives transformed. Kruger demonstrates a wonderful love for and obedience to the Lord’s leading in his life. However, there are two reasons I rated it so low.
First, the writing style is choppy in the extreme. Half of it is a long list of I went here, I met this person, I went there, I ate this, I led this program, I taught this, I went here segments. The other half is a manual of techniques to use in missions work specifically applicable to Thailand. It’s not evenly divided, but rather it’s all mixed together. So if he learned this technique didn’t work at this location, he stops the narrative and discourses on what needed to be done. Then the concluding chapters are devoted to his thoughts on the best way to reach the Thai people. Those sections were written better.
Second, we disagree on several doctrinal issues. He advocates several Charismatic practices that I don’t think are Biblical including, speaking in tongues, visions, healing services, identifying territorial spirits, and spiritual warfare. (I’m using these terms as they are defined by Charismatics.) He shares his testimony, but it’s more about the direct revelation he received than Christ’s redemption. I don’t doubt he is saved, but it is concerning. He is writing to Christians so the Gospel isn’t presented, but it’s there if you piece all the bits scattered throughout the rest of the story.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Liberty Paradigm Publishing. No positive review was required. These are my honest opinions.