Their Own Distinctive Ways

Their Own Distinctive Ways

23/08/2021 4:47:49 PM | Dema & Carolyn, Morris, Mat & Shannon

The good news of Jesus is always the same. However, for it to take root and flourish within a community, it has to make sense in that context. 

THAILAND
Dema and Carolyn

Ethnic Thai people often worship guardian spirits for protection over their house and land. They also have rituals to ask for rain. Rice is a staple food here and many people depend on rice crops for their livelihood, including members of the faith communities. While their neighbours ask guardian spirits for rain to help their rice crop thrive, the local believers pray to Jesus for good rain and a plentiful harvest. 

Before the rainy season starts, the believers come together to seek God’s blessing for the land. They bring tangible elements of seeds, tools, soil and water, scattering them and praying to the true provider of rain. Through this, they are expressing their faith and trust in Jesus in a culturally meaningful way. 

SOUTH ASIA
Morris

In South Asia, chanting and singing is not generally part of religious worship, however it is more common within the region we work. This reflects a more mystical, devotional 
and experiential religious expression. Through singing and chanting together, the people seek to be closer to God. 

Some years ago, when we first encountered these groups, we found a ready acceptance of the ‘nearness’ of God in the message of Jesus. As the good news of Jesus spread among these groups, we found that they began to write new words honouring Jesus to the existing tunes. A wonderful example of following Jesus in their own distinctive ways.
 

OUTBACK AUSTRALIA
Mat and Shannon

One of the ways we are witnessing people following Jesus in their own distinctive ways is through the retelling of Bible stories. Over Easter, the church community told the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection through a corroboree or purlapa. This was made up of dancing, music and traditional songs. This year, the children acted out the story. It was special to see them participate in the retelling of the story in a way that will help them understand it.  

This presentation of the Easter story was very understandable and comfortable for a Warlpiri person. The song lines were very Warlpiri, the rhythms were very Warlpiri, and the dancing and body paint was very Warlpiri. This is how they tell important stories. And so it was beautiful to see them tell this most important story in this culturally significant way.