Better in Families

Dressed for a wedding event

No one is content with the status quo on the islands. Almost everyone we talk to whether islander or foreigner wishes and hopes for change. Now we don’t all agree what the biggest problems are nor how to change things. Some doubt that change is even possible. But we’re convinced that real change will happen in people’s lives first and eventually we’ll see change at the societal level.

But over the years we’ve noticed something. When one person changes their perspective, it won’t necessarily extend beyond them.

We know lots of young single men who like to talk about change. It is a time of life where island men feel free and excited to explore. Some have gotten excited about change but as young single men they don’t really have a voice in their family or community. They are still dependent on their families and don’t want to rock the boat and be hit by the backlash of their parents or friends. No one likes the problems on the islands but that doesn’t necessarily mean they all want to embrace change.

A man used to come regularly to talk to Tom. He seemed to understand things and wanted change in his own life. But we asked with whom he was talking about these things, who else was he telling. The answer was “No one.” He was holding it like a secret. He didn’t talk about these things even with his wife.

A few towns over there is a man who lives a changed life, but he has also rejected most of island culture and traditions. He wants to share with others but he’s isolated. He has pushed away his family and community. He walks down the street and looks like a foreigner. He’d rather live abroad. Many like him have already fled the islands.

But here is the beautiful thing that is starting to happen now, people are exploring the idea of change within their families. It isn’t done in secret, so there is no fear and shame. They are learning together so they can embrace change together. It isn’t just the young people, but fathers and mothers too. There is a growing culture of discussing and sharing with others, so ideas and stories spread to extended family members and neighbors. Also change can happen without rejecting people and culture, but hopefully can work to transform them.

This past week I was in a neighbor’s house. I was sitting talking with two grown sisters of the family, sharing stories of creation with them. Their mother joined us, as well as two neighbors. They all listened. We talked into the night. At some point they pulled the youngest son out who had fallen asleep unnoticed at our feet.

Waiting for the men's event to begin

It was good. Not that everyone is on the same page and ready to embrace the same things, but it is being done in the open and they are exploring together. It is only a few families right now, but it is still exciting. Change can happen.

PRAYERS ANSWERED
We are excited about and thankful for these families. Tom and others have started another training for islanders who teach English— 43 teachers came to the first session! They were hoping for around 15-20. The translation project continues, we’re excited to benefit from its fruit.

PRAYERS REQUESTED
Please pray for these families that are studying and exploring together— each one has different difficulties and barriers to overcome. Pray for more individuals to engage their families in their thoughts and explorations. We are going to have another song workshop this coming weekend— the hope is have 6 new recorded songs in the local language at the end of it. Pray that it goes well with the right people attending. We still need to pray and think about future things— pray that we would have the time and quiet to devote these things to prayer. With increasing change and momentum, we expect backlash— pray for everyone in the midst of it.