Once seen as a curiosity or rebellious activity here, the perception of skateboarding has shifted – particularly when the 2020 Tokyo Olympics debuted the sport on the global stage. It’s become a little more mainstream with local governments even building skate parks and hosting contests! As I’ve experienced first hand in other parts of Asia, affinity groups can be powerful incubators for Gospel expansion. Have a heart for the nations and a sick kick-flip?
ORIENTATION
A GLIMPSE OF EAST ASIAOne of the oldest countries in East Asia is vast. The glimpse I was privileged to have surprised me. My orientation largely took place in urban settings leaving boundless regions to my imagination. But even so, what I did see, left me in wonder at the possibilities for glory to God.
The Yulan magnolia is most often found within monasteries, and are regarded as a symbols of purity with deep cultural and symbolic significance. The blooms are closely associated with a historical Buddhist figure named Avalokiteshvara, which means “the lord who looks down”. May the God of the Bible be known here. “The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.” – Psalm 14:2
Burning incense is an ancient tradition wrapped up in offerings and purification with aesthetic and ritualistic importance in this part of the world. The large size of the incense sticks is a visual expression of respect and honor to deities, ancestors, and spirits being honored. How does this compare with offerings in your faith tradition?
As I understand it, at the lunar new year, hand written wishes are placed in small silk bags and hung in a wishing tree. It’s meant to invite good fortune and blessings into the year ahead. The bags were beautiful and the wishing tree a remarkable sight.
Some parts of the world are significantly more mono-cultural than my home country. When I travel, sometimes I stand out, and that occasionally leads to getting my picture taken when there aren’t many local faces that look like mine. Being different can be an obstacle to communicating yet can also have some advantages. Can you think of any?
Sidewalk dentistry is risky business. In spite of the health risks, it thrives in areas where there is a lack of affordable and accessible options. It occurs to me that this kind of felt need could serve as a legitimate platform for impacting a community and being a witness.
Shaman are seen as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms. Some shaman use drums to enter a trance-like state and facilitate healing, ward off evil spirits, divine the future or communicate with spirits. It’s interesting to me how some cultures are very closed to ideas of spiritual beings and spiritual realms whereas others embrace and incorporate them into everyday life.
While out on the streets in the morning I witnessed hundreds of people exercising. It was remarkable. I’d never seen anything like it. Evidently community morning exercise in this part of the world is an essential part of daily life for millions of people. From Tai Chi to square dancing, Qi Gong, jogging and more, people of every age filled public spaces. Are you a morning person? Can you chit chat during this time?? I thought it would be perfect for connecting with others.
Tea Eggs or Marble Eggs are a savory food commonly sold as a snack. Eggs that have been partially boiled have their shells cracked slightly and then they are boiled again in tea and spices. Tea Eggs may have originated as a way to preserve them.
When I think about connecting with others, practicing language, learning about my neighborhood and supporting local businesses, the local barber or salon comes to my mind. It’s something you can do regularly, it makes sense and is reasonably inexpensive. What other ways could you plug into your new context?
When my family and me first moved overseas we survived on Dairy Queen and prayer for the first 3 months! It was something familiar, felt like a treat in the hot weather, and it didn’t make us sick. In the beginning we stuck with flavors we knew, but a year in and we were trying everything they could come up with. Matcha Green Tea (soft serve) is a huge hit in many parts of Asia and Durian is perhaps the most unforgettable.
As I understand it, these Buddhist prayer flags carry prayers and mantras and are most commonly seen in monasteries. Restrictions on religious expression in parts of the region find the display of symbols potentially associated with political movements or resistance discouraged. How would this kind of atmosphere affect the way you work cross-culturally?
Like many parts of Asia, night markets have become popular over the past few decades. They’ve always been a part of the regional culture – dating back to ancient times – but started booming as urbanization and tourism grew. Today the influence of global street food trends and social media has helped to give night markets a boost. They’re a perfect spot for a lively atmosphere, affordable food and a social experience.
The history of hot pot is thought to begin with Mongolian nomads, who would cook meat in a simple broth over an open flame. It has evolved over time with regional variations developing. My favorite is a spicy and numbing broth featuring Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. Did you catch the Maneki-neko (golden money cat) in the photo above? He typically has one paw raised in a beckoning gesture, which is meant to attract good fortune, customers and wealth.
With huge populations in major cities, subways and other public transit provide a convenient and fast way to move lots of people in a hurry. If you find yourself in an urban setting you may not need a car at all.
Outside a busy mall this model helped pitch a new women’s fragrance. As I understand it, the rise of a wealthy middle class in the region is driving demand for fashion and accessories from high end global brands to local labels. There are broad cultural, social and economic shifts happening alongside age old values of status, face, and success. How do you think working among the upper-middle class might look different than ministry among the poor?
Card games and tile games are part of regional culture and enjoyed by people of all ages. Some of the most popular games include traditional ones with deep cultural roots like Dou Dizhu and Pai Gow. I’m always on the lookout for things that bring people together naturally in a given context.
Ever stop for a rotisserie chicken on the way home? This is sort of like that. However, meat does not generally make up the bulk of a meal. Instead, noodles in the north and rice in the south have the lions share.
In the region, Buddhist monks of several traditions serve as educators, religious guides and even community leaders. Monasteries preserve language, culture and traditional practices and often act as centers for charity and social welfare. Religious practice of any tradition has challenges unique to the region, including Christianity.
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