Written By Lesallan – July 12, 2023
Reflections on Cultural Experiences
One experience that this student would like to reflect upon and that involves a completely different culture other than our own fallen one here in the USA is that of the people of Africa and the culture that they live in. It was here at Ohio Christian University that we, as students, were assigned the task of creating a PowerPoint presentation dealing with Missions and Missionaries. To many, the African culture may seem third-world to those living here in the United States of America. It took many in-depth interviews and personal communications to complete the assigned task. We, as humans, all live in a world that contains many cultures and sub-cultures, and it is important to contextualize how those of other cultures lived and survived, especially in the days that Jesus walked the earth. This course of instruction deals with ways of interpreting the Old Testament Books found in the Holy Bible.
Many differences will be noticed when we, as students, delve into other cultures. What has been noticed is that the way of living life is quite difficult and extreme for many, building homes brick by brick, planting seeds, and praying for rain. This culture found in Africa is a way of life for many in the African culture. Africa’s people and their cultures have survived from the beginning of time through the present day, the root of known civilization. The missionaries established Jesus Christ as the people’s Lord and Saviour. The missionaries, like Carolyn Belshe, stepped in and saved the children. Creating orphanages known as the Carolyn Belshe Orphanages. This work continues today throughout the world, not only in Africa but throughout the nations just as the Bible has commanded in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
What has been learned from all the different sub-cultures and cultures is that “God is Good” God is good for all that keep the faith and believe that Jesus was sent to redeem us, redeem us from sin. According to the Bible, The goodness of God shines through in His plan to save humanity from sin. The Gospel brings this message of hope, as God sent His Son to be the ultimate sacrifice and grant us forgiveness for our sins. In Titus 2:14, it says that Jesus gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
In the year 2023, a dedicated student is utilizing modern technology to spread the message of God’s Word to individuals from various cultures. Despite their noble efforts, certain individuals are attempting to impede their progress by creating obstacles on social media platforms. Nonetheless, this student remains resolute in their mission to share positivity and hope with those they encounter online. These people screenshot the post and add their interpretation of how a Christian believer should live his life.
Blessings as we sojourn through life and seek to have God further fill our lives with His Blessings.
~Lesallan
