AJ, owner and chef of a Thai restaurant in Ljubljana, Slovenia, shared his story of faith and perseverance on July 9. More than two decades ago, AJ moved from Thailand to Slovenia seeking stable work for himself and his wife, Rujee. After two years apart, Rujee joined him, but their hopes were challenged when she faced deportation due to a misunderstanding about her work permit.
Rujee prayed for intervention as she prepared to leave the country for five years. Just before her departure, she received unexpected news from the local government: her Slovenian visa was ready and she could stay. AJ said this moment led him to begin searching for God. He started reading the Bible but found it difficult to understand without guidance.
The couple opened a Thai restaurant that grew into multiple locations over time. Despite their business success, AJ continued praying for someone who could help him learn more about Christianity. One day, an American family visited the restaurant; Ryan, the father who spoke Thai after living in Thailand with the Church of the Nazarene, agreed to meet regularly with AJ and Rujee.
“It changed everything,” AJ says. Studying the Bible together brought God’s Word to life.
As his faith developed further through these meetings at Ryan’s home—now also attended by others as part of a small church plant—AJ came to see tithing differently: “Believers do not give 10 percent...and keep the remaining 90 percent because they have earned it,” AJ said confidently. “The 90 percent is [also] a gift. We receive it.”
AJ now plays guitar during worship at these gatherings while continuing weekly study sessions with his family and other members of their growing congregation. Reflecting on both his business and spiritual journey, he added: “I am the manager,” AJ says. “God is the owner of the restaurant, not me.”
