The Hand of God

Suan Prung Mental Hospital called to say that they were holding an English citizen, would I come and see him.

He was in the public cage for the mad. It was full of almost naked men, over whom towered Simon wearing only a pair of Jockey shorts. He strode though his admirers and shook hands with me as he introduced himself, 'Downside and Pembroke College , Cambridge '. In an automatic reflex I replied, 'Sherborne and Magdalen.'

Calm and collected he told me that for many years he had been a senior management consultant in London until, one day, God had called him. He went to Rome and entered a seminary, but it was not to be. He was not accepted as a priest. A year ago he had come to Thailand on a holiday and decided to stay on. He was now operating Simon's Mobile Mission with the aim of saving boy prostitutes. He planned to open hospices for AIDS patients, whom he hoped to convert to Christianity.

On Thursday God had moved him to throw all his belongings out of the upstairs window of the guesthouse where he was staying. The neighbours had called the police who, for lack of a better idea, had taken him to the Mental Hospital.

I went to see Father O'Brien who knew of Simon and his activities but who had no helpful suggestions. Dr Pairat, as ever helpful and resourceful, went to the hospital and, after examining Simon and finding him perfectly reasonable, arranged for his release since there were no charges against him.

Next day he came to thank me and asked if he should sue the hospital for having beaten and manhandled him. I advised against it. Next week, friends put him on a plane to England.

I hear that God has not bothered him since and that his life is running smoothly.