Artists Hold Keys to Unreached People Groups

In the book, All The World Is Singing, John Oswald briefly shares about his arts and mission work in Asia. He lays forth this powerful charge to artists: YOU hold keys to unreached people groups!

In a small Asian city, John began to build trust with a local amateur song and dance group. He learned their most distinctive folk instrument. He practiced with them, joined in the natural rhythms of their community (drinking tea together, having group discussions). Eventually, John even joined in one of their performances.

John talks about how all of this built trust with this Asian community:

My interest in their lute gave me entry to this circle. Among other things, I discovered that music--for them--is only one facet of their performing arts. They do not see a dichotomy between music and dance, drama and song. Each part contributes to the whole, and what results is a highly colorful, energetic, and exhilarating all-round performance. I also learned what my musical interest in their culture meant to them. A complete stranger's comment summed it up: "You have come from a foreign land and have learned our language and culture. That touches my heart." My personal involvement in their music equipped me to fill a hole in this small Christian community's worship life--but the scope is unlimited.

John's story is just one of so many in global missions now. The arts are a powerful tool for arriving and building trust with unreached people groups. John summons all artists with this exhortation:

Where are the tellers of parables, proverbs, and well-crafted stories? Where are the singers of songs, ballads, and epics?