During the end of July and the beginning of August 2024 I had a vision and a dream of a number of club meetings and events between people from different cultures and traditions. These were joyous occasions where everyone involved benefited in learning from each other through Music, Dance, Arts and crafts, poetry and storytelling. I think this came to me in part at least following a family celebration at an engagement party where the happy couple came originally from two very different African countries, each having their own distinct customs and traditions. The Groom to be is from Nigeria in West Africa and the Bride to be from Uganda in East Africa. It was a joyous occasion and we enjoyed the exchange of different African culture between the two families.
My own wife is from Uganda and our three children are of mixed race, between my wife and myself we know many people where we live from different ethnic backgrounds. For this reason I can see how we could be involved in starting a friendship club, even if we all met just once a month it could add value to many peoples lives. I would be hopeful that any such venture would ease any tensions that exist with those in the community who, if not racist as such, are nonetheless mistrusting of outsiders who have come to live in their neighborhood.
A friendship club where all respect each others background, faith and religion is what I would imagine. From a Christian point of view, yes of course I would love to share the good news of Jesus to all, but wisdom and discernment is needed here. First and foremost there is need to build up friendships, and then in time speak individually to people on matters of faith.
The alternative would be to look at starting up a club within our local churches where the diversity of culture is viewed entirely through a Christian perspective. The traditions of music and dance from different countries being celebrated as a vital part of Christian worship. This reminds me of the incredible work of Feba Radio, when I first became a Christian I remember purchasing a FEBA cassette tape that I played constantly of various artists from different countries. I loved the variety of gospel songs and hymns in many languages sung and played on all sorts of different musical instruments. The work of FEBA is to evangelise to nations that oppose the spread of Christianity by broadcasting outside those nations from safe neighboring countries.
Cultural Traditions may have started out as a vision and dream but presently I am not getting much confirmation from the Lord as to how involved I should be. It's not that I am looking for something to do as I have plenty of other projects going on at the moment, all of which I have felt led by the Lord to do but how much more can I take on without spreading myself too thinly? In the vision for Cultural Traditions perhaps I have been looking into something that is for someone else to spearhead and for me to have more of a back seat involvement with?
Please pray for me over this matter, that I don't miss what the Lord wants of me concerning this potential outreach. Thank you. Any suggestions please contact me at: theo@prayerwatch33.org