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University of the Nations

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES THAT are turning former neighbors into enemies should be used instead to make them brothers and sisters - in Christ - according to the leader of a unique ministry that uses local traditions to share the gospel. 
        For while ethnic divisions have split communities in places like the former Yugoslavia, the best part of nationalist identities can be used to build bridges between different peoples and provide a platform for sharing the gospel. 
        The world's many cultures were created by God so that "we might learn from one another, understand that we all belong to one race - the human race...and catch a vision of all that he is", says Sosene Le'au, in his new book Called To Honor Him. 
        Subtitled How Men And Woman Are Redeeming Cultures, it tells the story of Island Breeze, the performing arts ministry Le'au founded in 1979 to present the gospel through traditional Polynesian arts and dances. 
       In the years since Island Breeze teams have performed throughout the world, and found their message accepted by other ethnic groups - such as Native American and Maori communities - that have resisted traditional Western-style preaching and 
evangelism. 
        "Almost all the world's cultures have signs, symbols and stories that have been labeled by some as 'evil'," says Le'au, who as well as overseeing Island Breeze teams in five countries now also directs the International Center for Cultural Studies and Development in Tampa, Florida. 
        "But it is far more likely in nearly every instance that, far from being evil, these signs, symbols and stories are perversions of truths that were originally given as a means of pointing people to God." 
        Le'au challenges the idea that becoming a Christian means having to become Westernized, pointing to the book of Revelation's description of heaven which sees people from "every nation, tribe and tongue" worshipping God. 
        "Some will be signing hymns, because that's how they are best able to worship God," he says. "But I know that there will be such a  tremendous outpouring of love and joy on that day, that the redeemed souls gathered before the throne will be worshipping God in the ways that mean most to them - and that means the ways that are unique to the various cultures they represent. 
        "And yet, I believe that God will bring unity and harmony out of all this diversity. After all, he is the one who gave all these unique ways of expression and celebration, and he will weave them all together into a beautiful tapestry that brings him honor and glory." 
        Although the present-day world is very different, he says, neither separateness nor giving up cultural identities is the answer to the problems. 
       "Instead a major part of the answer is coming to see the value in the things that make us different...the truth is that God has deposited himself within each people group. There is a strength in all races and all walks of life." 
        Called To Honor Him is published by CultureCom Press, PO Box 273965, Tampa, FL 33688.. 

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