“We have two new students in class today.”
??The professor swept into the classroom, arms open, gesturing to the two American girls seated comfortably in the middle of the room, smiling in the face of awkward introductions and feigned confidence. ??The classroom buzzed with murmurs and chuckles; shy glances were tossed their way, eye contact held only for the briefest of moments before the students swiveled around and laughed amongst themselves, excited and nervous in the presence of these strange visitors.
??Here at Trinity Christian Seminary in Sielmat, the students range anywhere from 18-40, and are comprised of individuals (male and female), many of whom have traveled far and wide to attend to achieve their certification at the end of a 3 year period. ??Many are from the surrounding Manipur district, and some come from the next district over, Assam. Many more still are from Bhutan and some have come all the way from Nepal to attend the classes at this college, and each one of them has a beautifully kind face, full of wonder and excitement.
??The World Racers seated in the middle of the classroom were both on the same team, and this was their first time sitting in on one of the seminary classes. Pauline Writings happened to be the subject. Nervously they answered, “Twelve, possibly thirteen?” When asked by the professor how many books of the Bible were attributed to being penned by Paul’s hand; relieved were they when the class applauded their scattered Bible knowledge. Somehow they had passed the test. ??They soon learned it just so happened to be the first day of the second semester; therefore, after the term paper topics were discussed and assigned, the professor didn’t have much material left to go over, and decided to lead a class participation exercise.
Everyone was asked to go around and introduce themselves, and declare which state or district they were from, and then they were instructed to share one folklore or fairy tale particular to their home state. ??You can imagine the hesitation that ran through the Americans as they mulled this question over. Folklore? Fairy tales? How unethical would it be to recite the storyline of a Disney movie? What kind of oral traditions do we even have in America?
The truth is, we don’t have oral traditions in America. Not, at least, in comparison to the astounding oral traditions of storytelling that thrive here in India. The girls hadn’t much time to consider their plan of action, however, because the stories soon began to roll off native tongues in a transfixing manner. ??Twenty or so pairs of Indian eyes shone with mirth and pride as they shared beautiful stories from their home states; some were funny, some were rich in moral, some were hauntingly sad. It was such a joy to be able to sit and experience for the American girls such beautiful testimonies of a culture rich in depth and history.
??Too soon, it was their turn to share. “Please sisters, share at least one story from your home land?”??
A thought popped into her head. She had considered it at the beginning of the exercise, but quickly shoved it aside as taboo and out of place. Now, it was all she had left.?? She rose with faltering bravery and cleared her throat, “In the United States, we don’t have this beautiful oral tradition that the Hmar people have here. Your stories are all so mesmerizing and full of meaning; I wish I had something of the same caliber to share,” She paused, still uncertain, “However, we do have something called urban legends, and in my home state of Oregon, we have one particularly popular urban legend that I can share with you. He’s a ferocious creature, taller than the tallest man, and hairier than the hairiest beast you can think of,” She continued, “He’s half-ape, half-man, and he lives in the woods. He mostly lives off of smaller animals and oftentimes preys upon hikers who travel too far into the woods. He’s known all over America as the infamous Bigfoot.”
She stood a little taller, the class was rapt with attention and excitement radiated off of their faces,??“In Oregon, some people have dedicated their lives to finding this mythical creature. He’s sort of like a local celebrity. During some parts of the year, extravagant festivals are held in his honor- people come from all over to dance and eat and drink to celebrate his fierce existence. Many documentaries have been made, and he’s even been made into a bumper sticker logo for people’s cars. I’ve never seen him in person, but who knows? Someday, I just might!” ??She finished her story with rising bravado. The class erupted into tirades of laughter and applause; she mock-bowed and sat back down. ??“Thank you, sister! Such a great folk tale!” The Professor congratulated her, beaming. She looked at her fellow sister and teammate and they both shared a quiet smile over what had just happened.
??Sometimes, ministry on the World Race looks like praying for Hindu villagers who have walked far and wide to the medical camp you’re serving at, and you see miraculous healings occur.??
At other times, ministry on the World Race looks like telling seminary students about something as inconsequential as Bigfoot, and laughing with new, genuine friends from across the world and beyond.
??Either way, God changes your heart little by little to be warmed by even the smallest of successes and to champion the slightest of victories. Victories,of course, that are not won by your own strength, but that are credited to the divine work of the Holy Spirit and the mysterious manner in which He works through us day in and day out. ??
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
?Praise Him all creatures here below
?Praise Him all ye heavenly hosts
?Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. ??
