While walking around a new shop for linens and dishes in Nairobi, a wonder-land imported from South Africa, I noticed the two Asian women ahead of me because of their beautiful saris. As I walked past them, the shorter one responded to something her friend said and I had to fight turning around to stare. It was not what the woman said, but her extremely Southern drawl – not from Southern India or South Africa, but the Georgia/South Carolina variety! As I began to think of what to share in the last prayer update on the Hindu 
festival of Diwali, I thought of this woman again – Was she a Christian? More likely, she is a Hindu or of a related religion. If so, do/did her American acquaintances know anything about her faith and how to use this knowledge to share God’s love and salvation?
As I searched for additional information on Diwali today, I found a site entitled “Valuing our Differences: Celebrating Diversity”, sponsored by the University of Kansas. This site is not designed as a way on helping Christians learn about the holidays celebrated by acquaintances from other faiths, but I will use it in the future for that reason. This is what is shared at their link to Diwali which will be celebrated by Hindus around the world next Tuesday, October 28th:
“Diwali is a five day Hindu festival which … means ‘rows of lighted lamps’ and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights … homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Laksmi, goddess of wealth. Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared … In at least one area, the festival begins with … a day set aside to worship Laksmi. In the Indian culture … a wealthy person is considered to have been rewarded for good deeds of a past life. On the second day Kali, the goddess of Strength, is worshipped … On the third day… lamps are lighted and shine brightly in every home. The lamp symbolizes knowledge and encourages reflection upon the purpose of each day in the festival … The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year … old business accounts are settled and new books are opened. The books are worshipped in a special ceremony and participants are encouraged to remove anger, hate, and jealousy from their lives. On the final day … of the festival, Bali, an ancient Indian king, is recalled. Bali destroyed the centuries old philosophies of the society … he is remembered for being a generous person. Thus, the focus of this day is to see the good in others, including enemies … there is no one universally accepted Hindu calendar, this holiday … always falls in the months of October or November.”
festival of Diwali, I thought of this woman again – Was she a Christian? More likely, she is a Hindu or of a related religion. If so, do/did her American acquaintances know anything about her faith and how to use this knowledge to share God’s love and salvation?As I searched for additional information on Diwali today, I found a site entitled “Valuing our Differences: Celebrating Diversity”, sponsored by the University of Kansas. This site is not designed as a way on helping Christians learn about the holidays celebrated by acquaintances from other faiths, but I will use it in the future for that reason. This is what is shared at their link to Diwali which will be celebrated by Hindus around the world next Tuesday, October 28th:
“Diwali is a five day Hindu festival which … means ‘rows of lighted lamps’ and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights … homes are thoroughly cleaned and windows are opened to welcome Laksmi, goddess of wealth. Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared … In at least one area, the festival begins with … a day set aside to worship Laksmi. In the Indian culture … a wealthy person is considered to have been rewarded for good deeds of a past life. On the second day Kali, the goddess of Strength, is worshipped … On the third day… lamps are lighted and shine brightly in every home. The lamp symbolizes knowledge and encourages reflection upon the purpose of each day in the festival … The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year … old business accounts are settled and new books are opened. The books are worshipped in a special ceremony and participants are encouraged to remove anger, hate, and jealousy from their lives. On the final day … of the festival, Bali, an ancient Indian king, is recalled. Bali destroyed the centuries old philosophies of the society … he is remembered for being a generous person. Thus, the focus of this day is to see the good in others, including enemies … there is no one universally accepted Hindu calendar, this holiday … always falls in the months of October or November.”
Please join me in praying for our Hindu friends and contacts who are celebrating Diwali this weekend and early next week. Pray that they will come to know of the true Light of the world (John 8:12). Pray that they will learn that a relationship with our heavenly Father is not based on good deeds, but in believing in His Son and confessing to the world that He is Lord (Romans 10:9-10). Pray that they will come to know the true giver of knowledge, peace and joy. Pray also that the Hindu guests who are visiting the “Gujarati Gospel Music Concerts” offered by The United Church of Gujarat at Parklands Baptist Church tonight and tomorrow evening will come to have a desire to learn more about the Saviour who gave his life so they could have eternal life. Bert Yates
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“Valuing our Differences: Celebrating Diversity” – http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/
“Diwali” – http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/diwali.html
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