Their own distinctive ways
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 .
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