“It hardly seemed polite when a man spit in the palm of his hand before shaking the hand of his honored guest. In fact, what he meant by doing this was, “From my innermost being I thank you for honoring me with your presence.”
Early in his ministry, Good News Productions, International founder Ziden Nutt learned something that has become part of the foundation of GNPI. It is not enough to take something produced for an American audience and translate it into another language. Bible stories remain the same, but cultural differences have to be taken into account for evangelization to “stick” and there is no one single way that works best among all peoples.
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In the United States, it is common to hear someone say, “I love you with all my heart,” because the heart is considered to be the center of emotion. But in Africa, it’s the liver.
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White is for weddings in the US, but in India, white is for funerals! You can see how easy it could be to send the wrong message if you are not culturally sensitive.
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With something as important as the Gospel, it is critical to say it and illustrate it in such a way that the audience will understand the message. Every man, tribe, village, and nation deserves someone who cares enough to search for the most appropriate way to get their attention and share the saving knowledge of Christ with them.
So what’s the bottom line?
Good News Productions, International is working in 10 regional centers in 7 countries to tell the story in the “heart language” of the people. A staff of 75 nationals design, develop, and deliver the Gospel message so that it sticks.
The secret is not in the messenger, but in how the message is created and delivered. They hear, they believe, and they follow Jesus. It sticks! Now, isn’t that good news?