monthly focus ~ merging tradition and witness

MERGING TRADITION & WITNESS

Observing cultural practices and fitting in is a unique challenge for missionaries.  Dan and Marsha Haynes have served in Mali since the mid-1980’s and have observed a lot. 

In their ministry in Niafunke, Israel, a lay leader in the church, came to them and asked if they could have a “Christian” baby naming ceremony for their new infant.  The baby naming is a cultural practice that sometimes is hard to differentiate from religion.  In the local context there are uses of Koranic verses and formulas to “protect” the child from evil spirits.  There is always an Islamic priestly presence. 

Israel wanted the townsfolk to experience the baby naming tradition, but rather in a Christian ceremony.  Typically only the parents know the name until a week after the birth of a child. Then,  friend and family are invited to a ceremony.  About 20 church people gathered with other friends and family under the shade of a huge tree for the ceremony.  The group sang hymns and choruses and the chorale did a number. After a time of singing, the parents announced the baby’s name, Moses (Moussa),  and Dan preached a salvation message.  At the close, the parents dedicated their child to the Lord and dedicated themselves to raising Moses in the Lord.  At the end of the baby naming ceremony, the tradition is to give money to the parents.  It was an incredible time of merging tradition and witness.