Funerals assume such an important place in Shan culture that we find hard to grasp if we come from western mindset.
Churches have fallen apart in the past when it has been perceived that a funeral was poorly done. Each time someone dies within the community of believers , it presents a challenge and an opportunity to show Shan-Tai people that Christians can do a funeral that honours the dead in an appropriate way.
At a recent Shan funeral, Shan believers came together from several villages to show support. The lady had died of AIDS and leaves two children, her last 18 months had been a vibrant testimony to the saving power of Jesus. Her funeral gave glory to God and several Shan Tai Buddhists came to church the following Sunday to find out more.
One 93 year old man said “Christians can pray directly to God!” He pointed to his idols and said “we pray to these crooked things!” Pray that he and others will seek and find the only way to have access to the Father.
In the past month 29 new believers have also been baptised. Pray that these new believers will be overcomer’s just as our Lord is the true overcomer. For more on the Shan go to www.surehope.net
See previous post on Shan. Info taken from Shan-Tai Prayer Bulletin.
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