In this issue: Holiday celebrations and bringing a message from the king
- NEPAL: Minstrel Leads Many to Christ
- INDIA: Trouble in the South
- SRI LANKA: Buddhist Nationalism Fuels Attacks
- PAKISTAN: Peace Center Planned
- NORTH KOREA: 33 Christians Face Execution
Greetings!
I’ve never been good at traditions; ask my kids. Even birthdays were celebrated without much gusto. But ever since Thanksgivukkah I’ve been thinking more about how to leverage holidays for cross-cultural outreach. And I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of festivals this week.
I write on St. Patrick’s Day. A friend in India proposes that March 17, 2014 may set the world record for most inebriated folk, as Holi and St. Patrick’s Day fall on the same day! I’m thinking about a good friend hosting a Nowruz party for her Iranian friends, tomorrow. I’m also recruiting for an Easter outreach to international students. And earlier today I was meditating, during this Lenten season (a new tradition for me), about the story of Purim.
Then there are the holidays that almost every culture celebrates in some way, but with dates that are all over the calendar. Did you know that in the Middle East, Mother’s Day is March 21st (vernal equinox)? You have two days to write and send an e-card to the “mom” of the host family who fed you so well on that short-term trip! (If you haven’t done a mission trip to the Middle East, consider it!)
Celebrating new life, light, and our Savior King with you,
Pat
About Us
Missions Catalyst is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry. Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Pat Noble has been the “news sleuth” for Missions Catalyst since 2004. In addition to churning out the news, she is working to create a SWARM (Serving World A Regional Mobilizers) in Northern New York using the NorthernChristian.org website. You can connect with her at www.whatsoeverthings.com.