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Have you had an 'ah-ha' moment recently?

I had one last week at the Hindu temple.

Let me back track.

I helped plan a cross-culturfal mission project for 20 university students and young adults.  The goal for Thursday was to be immersed in Indian to culture so we could better understand how to share Jesus with Hindus.

The afternoon felt like a page right out of Acts 17:16-34 where Paul visited Athens.  You might remember that Paul started talking with people in the marketplace about Jesus. Then, after he was well versed in the poets, philosophers and idols of the Athenians, he goes into the Areopagus and uses this information to build a bridge to talking about Jesus.

The students spent a good part of the day visiting Indian restaurants and exploring the aisles of local Indian grocery stories.  There was no central marketplace for sharing the Gospel, but street corners, restaurants, and park benches worked just fine. Armed with  a survey on religious holidays , our crew had significant spiritual conversations and found that over 80% of the people were interested in watching a free movie about Jesus.

The temple 'ah ha' moment occured when we saw the different gifts placed in front of each idol. I discovered that some were offered coconuts; others were drenched in oil; and others bathed in milk. The item placed in front of each idol was extremly significant to the worshippers.

What was the 'ah ha'?   Hindus need to know the siginficance of each gift the wisemen gave to Lord Jesus. 

Gold: Kingship, Wealth and Royalty

Frankincense: Worship, Prayer and Divinity

Myrrh: Suffering, Death and Sacrifice

I whipped up a quick video of the Christmas story  for our Hindu friends. It starts with the wisemen noticing the star because Hindus are really into astrology.

I am praying that God will give you opportunities to tell your HIndu friends the true meaning of Christmas this year.

Let me know how it goes.