Sacred seasons, symbols & significance

As you may be aware, I’ve recently returned home from Youth Ministries Australia’s Immerse Thailand Mission Project, based in and around Korat in Northeast Thailand.

Our team concluded our Thailand adventures by participating in the first day of the Songkran new year water festival – it’s certainly a unique and colourful event, running from 13-15 April during the Summer (hot-dry) holiday season right across the Country.

Songkran appears (at least from my perspective) to be one crazy, all-in, non-stop National water fight – people of all ages seem to get involved; they use buckets, hoses and super-soakers to saturate anyone and everyone. People parade the streets by foot, ute, truck, bus and motorbike and there are definitely no water restrictions!!

Songkran raises a few questions for me and I’m interested to understand more about the symbolism and background of this festival.

The use of water in Songkran is indeed symbolic – it represents the process of purification and cleansing through the washing away of any misfortunes and evils from the past year, welcoming in the new year with a fresh, clean start.

Thanksgiving is also a central cultural value of Songkran. This is demonstrated in ceremonies such as the bathing of Buddha statues and the pouring of perfumed water over the hands of elders and respected individuals. I personally experienced this hand-watering custom following a local church service during our time in Korat.

During Songkran there is a traditional custom of ‘spring cleaning’ in temples and some family homes. Also included is merit-making and offering food and alms to monks. People wear brightly coloured floral shirts and there is the hands-on application of white floury paste/powder across people’s faces as a sign of protection, warding off evil.

My limited research tells me there is indeed significant spiritual meaning and tradition associated with Songkran; something I suspect that may be lost amongst the younger generations throughout Thailand who seem more intent on having some extreme fun with water-throwing, loud music, alcohol consumption, late nights and other exploits…I can’t help thinking that for so many this festival is spiritually shallow.

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With the experience of Songkran fresh in my mind, I’m now back at home with an Australian Easter long-weekend closing in – a distinctly different season with its own sense of spiritual meaning, traditions and symbolism.

I wonder what a predominantly unchurched, non-Christian Aussie society sees as the most important symbols of Easter..?

I expect many would see a few days off work and the opportunity to get away and hang out with family and friends as sacred (well, maybe they wouldn’t use the term ‘sacred’). Many Aussie children would undoubtedly identify chocolate eggs and rabbits plus hot cross buns as being significant symbols.

I know my own family certainly appreciates the chocolate and hot cross bun treats we can enjoy at Easter – there’s always an abundance to choose from!!

But, I also know that my family appreciates the deeper spiritual significance of Easter as a time when we can especially remember and reflect upon the death and resurrection of Jesus.

On Wednesday evening we will celebrate a ‘last supper’ family communion time at home – we’ll sit around a candlelit table together. We’ll read God’s Word. We’ll say some prayers. It will be a quiet and meaningful shared experience.

There are several simple yet significant symbols featured during this sacred time; unleavened bread and cups of grape juice. Christians the world over will relate to them, as has been the case for many generations.

These symbols communicate to us the deep truths of what Easter is really about…and it’s something we can remember during any season of the year.

“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” Luke 22:19

“This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” Luke 22:20

Experiencing God in Thailand part 2

“I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4b                                                                                                    
What a wonder-full week we’ve shared at this year’s Immerse Thailand English Camp in Khao Yai…undeniably an inspiring and transformational experience for so many!

As has been the case in previous years, we have seen God’s hand at work. The young Thai leadership team have stepped up their involvement and are obviously maturing in their faith and their desire to serve. Around 100 or so Thai students attended camp, plus a combined team of 30+ leaders, all mostly volunteers. Approx 30% of students were Christians coming into the camp. The Family of God had welcomed more children into the fold by end of camp!

This year’s camp saw us pilot a new Immerse (Story of God) program YMA is developing, framed around the 'Presence’ story episode (life and ministry of Jesus). It has been a lot of work, seemed to flow quite well, with valuable insights gained for how to improve this, especially from a cross-cultural perspective. The Thai team did an awesome job in providing all the necessary creative resources to compliment the program.

Yesterday the YMA team shared an affirming time reflecting about the camp at a local Korat coffee shop.

One of the questions we addressed was;

“During your time at Immerse what stands out as a defining moment for your experience?”

Here’s a summary of some of the personal responses from our team;

*The Thursday evening response time – witnessing a powerful expression of both established and new Christian young people drawn together into an authentic community of faith.

*everyone’s an ‘expert’ – God uses everyone; whatever age, experience, maturity or ethnic background.

*seeing God move in the heart of our (Christian) camp translator, who was deeply impacted by the servanthood of young Thai leaders and the demonstrated commitment of a young generation rising up to make a difference for Jesus in their own country.

*”Kingdom of the forgotten” experience – Thai students testifying to how they could relate their story to the stories of broken people from within their culture. Then, observing the sensitive way the Thai leaders affirmed these students as people, lovingly bringing God’s perspective into each life narrative.

*Blessed by the spirit of love and compassion of the young Thai team, especially evident during daily team devotion times.

*To observe the obvious growth amongst the emerging Thai leaders (from last year) – many are still such young Christians yet they are being mobilised into practical service and thriving in it.

We praise God for the work He is doing here in Thailand. And, we’re thankful for the support offered from His people back in Australia - today the YMA team will share with God’s people by ‘doing church’ in several contexts…this promises to provide yet another rich taste of Christian community with God moving in our midst.

“I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed."      
Isaiah 46:13a