Cross thoughts: Christian ideas seen in Sudanese every day life.
South Sudan is a very diversified land. The vast majority of people are functionally illiterate. With hundreds of different tribes and languages represented. A written curriculum may presently only reach about 2% of the population. So here is a challenge to those of you in the 2% who can read this!
It is common in South Sudan communities to tell stories around the fires in the evenings. This is one way rich cultural traditions are passed on from generation to generation. Here is an opportunity for followers of Christ to join those times and share stories of truth and life with those who have gathered. One need not be literate to pass along these stories and precepts. The only practical and feasible alternative is an oral based programme that can cross all geographical boundaries and be understandable and teachable to most of the ordinary people.
It is common in South Sudan communities to tell stories around the fires in the evenings. This is one way rich cultural traditions are passed on from generation to generation. Here is an opportunity for followers of Christ to join those times and share stories of truth and life with those who have gathered. One need not be literate to pass along these stories and precepts.
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Women share with other women the next day around the water wells. Youth and children exchange the stories they heard while out tending goats or cattle. And the elders share the same truths while sitting under the shade of the Lulu or Mahogany trees throughout the day. Not a written word is needed. The original sharer must carefully teach the Bible.
Oral sharing is not the answer to everything, but it is another strategy to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is the one that Jesus Himself used.[1]
[1] From Issues Facing Christians in Sudan Today edited by Colin Salter, (WeeFour publications: Redruth, Cornwall, UK) 2009, page 245. Inspired by a friend and amended slightly here.
In Matthew 13 our Lord Jesus Christ uses parables – lessons about Christianity drawn from the everyday life of His listeners. He spoke about growing seeds and plants, about weeds amongst the crops, about the tiny mustard seed, about yeast rising bread dough, about hidden treasure, the merchant seeking valuable photo on line: www.washingtonpost.com, and sorting a net full of fish.
In Matthew 7, after using more parables, the amazed crowd understood Jesus’ authority in teaching, vs 28-29. People will understand our sharing of the good news best when we copy our Lord’s example.
October 2014.
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