WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

AN EXAMPLE OF CONTEXTUALISED MINISTRY AMONG JAVANESE
wicked king, Aji Saka requested and was granted a final wish: a piece of ground
the size of his turban. As Aji Saka spread out his turban, it increased in size
until it covered the entire kingdom, finally casting the wicked king into the
South Sea. 9
The theatre troupe performed the ketoprak, legend of Aji Saka, at
evangelistic Christmas celebrations. During the performance, Aji Saka explained
to his two disciples that, just as he was willing to die for the widow, there is a
perfect Saviour who has actually died for the sins of all mankind. Aji Saka was
enthusiastically received, providing an opening to those people interested in
the Gospel.
HUDDLING AROUND THE RADIO
One mission board encouraged the missionary and his group to record
Aji Saka for use in village evangelism. The Javanese enjoy huddling around a
radio or cassette player for long hours at night listening to ketoprak or wayang
orang performances. The team could envision their key contacts inviting their
neighbours to listen to ketoprak cassettes, and then discussing the meaning.
They recorded Aji Saka and distributed cassettes to key contacts as well as to
other missions. The feedback was positive.
The theatre troupe has also broadcast several dramas, 10 followed by a
brief meditation, on the Christian programmes of two public radio stations.
Their contacts call their neighbours when the programme begins so that they
can listen together. They also broadcast a serial drama to see if they can capitalise
on the popularity of secular serial drama.
CONVERSION IN THEIR MIDST
Besides the results in the hearts and minds of the audience, there were
tangible results among the performers. One talented and respected gamelan
player trusted Christ. His wife believed soon afterwards. He said that his entire
extended family would eventually follow Christ. Other gamelan players who
expressed an interest in Christ engaged in evangelistic Bible Studies led by the
leader of the gamelan. They have been exposed to the Scriptures and to other
believers over a two year period. And there are many more performers like
them.
9 Mickey and Joyce Smith (1984), “An Eye-Opener for the Rural Javanese”, in Unto The Uttermost, edited by Doug Priest Jr.,
Pasadena: William Carey Library, pages 216-228.
10 An informal theatre form using gamelan and recorded sound effects. All lines are spoken and the repertoire is unlimited.
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