Acts 3:26 - "But you are first in line: God, having raised up his Son, sent him to bless you as you turn, one by one, from your evil ways."
When we think about caring for our families, all of the normal pictures of everyday life come to mind. Protecting, feeding, clothing, embracing, and being with them are just a few of the things that we do for our loved ones. If we want to show love for our extended family, whom we may not see on a daily basis, we call or write and try to do things to show that we care.
For the Tai Dam people, taking care of the family also extends to those family members who have died. They believe the spirits of their ancestors live on and that they need to be taken care of. Altars and rooms are set aside in the typical Tai Dam house for the spirits of the ancestors. It is the role of the father to make sure the ancestors are remembered through different offerings. This is the Tai Dam way.
The spirits of the ancestors are important to the family. They are believed to have powers to protect the family and keep them from harm. However, if the spirits are forgotten, they can cause bad things to happen as well! Every good Tai Dam knows the importance of the auspicious day that they are to pay homage to their ancestors.
Granny Nam has heard the gospel from her Christian daughter and family. She is interested in following the Jesus way and comes to meetings. However, she refuses to call Jesus "Lord", because she is responsible for the care of her family's ancestors. A major question for the Tai Dam is who will take care of our ancestors? What will happen to the Tai Dam way?
Please Pray:
- Against the stronghold of ancestor worship among the Tai Dam, which affects the lives of all Tai Dam families.
- For many of the older generation, that they would see the error of this "old way" and see a "new way".
- For faith for the Tai Dam to understand that God is over all the spirits and that God will take care of them, as they should be cared for. The family altar only enslaves them.
