Daily Topic for July 24, 2008
What a tremendous promise-“thoroughly equipped for every good work!” One great challenge in thrusting a new generation of laborers into the harvest is providing training in the Word of God. New means of training tens of thousands of cross-cultural workers must be found to supplement the excellent education provided through the years by existing Bible colleges and seminaries.
Father, use Your Word as You have promised to equip existing and prospective missionaries to proclaim Jesus to Muslims, Chinese, Hindus, Buddhists, tribals, and others without a church of their own.
“‘Who created the earth and the sky? Who made the mountains? Why do we have good rains and bad ones?’ These were questions that our ancestors had and why we have so many songs to give us answers. These allow us to understand the belief in the living spirits found in things all around us. They help us to know about love, death, illness, and birth.” Passionate about his beliefs, the elder Lesu was sharing with some young people in his village who were questioning why they still needed to sing old Lesu folk songs.
Approximately 15,000 Lesu people live in dense mountain forests in several regions of southern Yunnan Province. The Chinese government has included the Lesu as part of the Yi nationality. They call them Shansu, meaning “mountain people.” Lesus are strong Animists and have a great reverence for the “Mountain God.” In one region, they have an annual day of sacrifice in order to appease him. They are known for their folk legends and songs that are based on their animistic beliefs. In 1999, a Lesu family helped record the first gospel recording in their language. They gave their lives to Jesus Christ after considering the message. At present there are a few more Lesu believers and a house church.
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray that hundreds more Lesus will listen to the gospel and come to know the Lord who is their Creator God, the God who can answer their prayers and minister to them.-PD