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| More than a Mosaic |
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A vast mixture of colors, tastes, sounds, and smells spill from every corner of India. The mosaic of elements occupying the senses is just a small reminder of this nation’s diversity. Marked by a high degree of cultural pluralism, India is known for preserving its established traditions while absorbing new customs and ideas.
Dave* and Kelly* have learned that living amongst a culture that embraces new people and practices has had a welcoming effect on their ministry. As Christians the couple lives as a minority among Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims, however during their past three years of service in India they have felt free to express their faith. Their interaction with people of other faiths has been overwhelmingly positive. While western culture tends to be more reserved when talking about matters of faith, Dave and Kelly have observed the opposite response in the east. They say that one of the factors that makes living as a minority so enjoyable is the openness and the ease with which people express their religious beliefs. This openness has fostered various opportunities for the family to speak about matters of faith in their school, community, and neighborhood. The majority is interested in learning about the minority – and though it might begin with the sentiment of religious plurality, by the power of the Holy Spirit, it ends with an attraction to Jesus. This past December was an exciting month for Dave and Kelly. The Christmas season lent itself to various opportunities to talk about Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the family ministered to the community with a Kids’ Club Christmas party. Dave and Kelly’s children performed the Christmas story, and over 50 people from the neighborhood crowded into their living room to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Excitement increased when the chance to share Jesus extended beyond the home. The couple’s second eldest daughter was asked by her teacher to prepare a couple of lines for a school assembly where she would speak about what it means to be a Christian. This is one of the unique opportunities that the family has experienced because they are part of a minority. They appreciate what the school does to feature the various religions of its students. At another assembly, Kelly was asked to share what Christmas means to her personally. This was a significant step forward in gaining the trust of those at the school. The freedom to express faith in a pluralistic nation has had a positive impact for Dave and Kelly. But it is not enough for the nation of India to simply accept Jesus into their assortment of cultures and beliefs. Pray that the truth of Jesus Christ will take root in their hearts and transform their lives, that they may know the one true God.
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
– Philippians 2:10-11 * Names have been changed to protect workers |
