Reaching Canada's hip-hop community

REACHING CANADA’S HIP-HOP COMMUNITY

Youngdo Kang is serving Canada’s hip-hop communities. He says, “I want those involved and/or interested in the hip-hop culture – an often misunderstood and unreached group –to know the love of God and the life that comes through the gospel. They don’t often get that chance, so God called me to start

City Lights, a mission to show and tell the grace and truth o f his Son.” This is the first such ministry in Canada and the goal is to see the hip-hop community being shaped by Jesus Christ and helping others to have a relationship with God.

PLEASE PRAY:

 for the third annual Uprock Canada conference on Dec 7 with two parts: a fellowship for believers in the hip-hop culture and a breakdancing competition (for everyone) for charity.  for trial runs of the combined “How to Rap” and “Leadership to Better Your Community” programme that Youngdo helps with.  for a new Q&A&Pray fellowship to grow well.  for the building of a new site, www.thewordbecamefresh.ca.  for his relationship with those in the hip-hop community; for them to be open to the Gospel.  for new leaders/helpers.  for support-raising for the end of this year and next.

SPORTS FRIENDS’ COACH ATTACKED IN MALAWI

Sports Friends coach Enock Gondwe of Malawi was attacked and beaten the day before his camp was scheduled to begin. He survived with a serious machete gash to his forearm, which exposed the bone. Enock’s colleagues advised him to postpone the camp to recuperate, but Enock said, “No, there’s nothing that can stop the work of the Lord. The camp has to continue.”

Although he struggled to overcome weakness, he facilitated the programmes and connected with the young athletes. Sports Friends’ Malawi director, Fostance Mtolo, said: “He showed us how much he loves the Lord as well as God’s people.”

During the week, Enock shared about his attack with the campers. It inspired a mix of emotions – some were touched, and some were shocked. Because he wasn’t afraid or discouraged, they shared in his confidence that God protects his children and is worthy of faithful service. Multiple children chose to follow Jesus at the camp.

Enock could not identify his attackers, but many suspect the assault was religiously motivated. He has introduced many young people to Jesus through athletics and has also helped plant two churches in the heart of the community. Some religious leaders have felt threatened by this.

Enock’s arm has healed at a surprising speed, and he has avoided infection. His scar is a reminder to him of God’s power. He said: “My arm will be a destructive weapon into the kingdom of the devil. Every time I lift my arm up, many will be able to see that heaven is opened for them.”

PLEASE PRAY:

 Enock’s healing and safety.  God to protect Jesus followers in Malawi as they share the good news of salvation with their neighbours.  More campers to attend Sports Friends camps and follow Jesus.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

If any of these roles interest you, or if you have suggestions for using artistic skills in SIM, contact us at intl.arts@sim.org. SIM works in other parts of the world not mentioned here.

MUSIC

AFRICA • Theological seminary music teacher • Primary/high school music teacher SOUTH AMERICA • Music and worship worker • Primary/high school music teacher • Youth outreach through music ASIA Associate director of music school. Will be involved in vocal and instrumental teaching as well as learning local vocal and instrumental styles

VISUAL ARTS AFRICA • Photographer • Videographer • Graphic artist • Visual artist • Web page designer SOUTH AMERICA • Primary/high school art, design and technology teacher • Youth outreach through visual arts ASIA • Visual artists • Photographers • Qualified art therapist

DANCE & DRAMA SOUTH AMERICA Youth outreach through dance and drama

VERBAL ARTS AFRICA • Journalist • Multiple positions for media and communications

ETHNOARTS INTERNSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES

In July, six interns from Australia, the UK, the USA and the Philippines came together in Southern Philippines for a two-week ethnoarts internship. Together they experienced arts in missions, including how to encourage local people to use their own art forms to worship God and share the Gospel.

Amy Kotlar, an intern from Australia, reflects:

“The internship allowed us to delve deeper into what the Bible says about creative art forms, worship, and identity. We had stimulated discussions on anthropology, culture, the redemption of art forms, and how to share the gospel within a culture. “The first week allowed us to reflect and share about our own cultures and Filipino culture with

the fellow interns. We engaged with different art forms to process our learning. Our intern group became quite close.

“The second week we spent in a rural community, living alongside and observing. It was powerful to see local believers take ownership of the art forms God has given them. Rev 7:9 means that their nation, tribe, people and language will be in the new creation, praising the Lord. It’s important to teach their art forms to the next generation. “It was beautiful to observe how their art forms interrelate. To sing a song, you must wear the correct clothes; to play an instrument you must also move with the correct dance steps, etc. As the week progressed, more of the locals changed from Western

clothes to traditional clothes. By the last day, 98 percent ofus, interns included, wore traditional dress. “With young people of the community, we learnt the art forms and dances. We had a wonderful craft afternoon together, and I’ve even learnt the local courting dance.

“God is a good God, looking after his people, bringing us together from around the world to dance, sing and shout his praise, bringing glory to himself.”