A small town in Austria is intentionally making efforts to integrate the immigrants into the life of the community. "Von Nebeneinander, zum Miteinander" meaning: ‘From Next to one another, to With one another.’ This is the goal of the local Kulturfest.
This summer marked the second culture fest of the local church and the local mosque and any others who wished to participate in it. It has been a long time coming, but it is on the way to becoming a "tradition"!
The purpose is community, friendship, understanding... and God among us! The barriers of tradition are gently giving way. And as believers, we are in awe of the sweetness of Jesus being in our midst! He just does things his own way!
Isaiah 55:8-9(NIV) 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Due to rainy weather, the event was held indoors at a local church. This is a proof of "traditions" being less of an issue! There are also times of meeting in the mosque for a variety of times when we are invited for meals. Also, the Muslim youth pitched in for set-up and take-down and clean up! This made the whole event really "with one another" even in the small or behind-the-scenes things. It was a great turnout even with poor weather!
The gathering had games for all ages, music from the different cultures present, folk dancing, and lots and lots of foods! One report received was: "All in all, it was a great success, especially in times of political uncertainty."
The Spirit of God is moving!
Submitted by AGWM personnel in Austria
A small town in Austria is intentionally making efforts to integrate the immigrants into the life of the community.
"Von Nebeneinander, zum Miteinander" meaning: ‘From Next to one another, to With one another.’ This is the goal of the local Kulturfest.
This summer marked the second culture fest of the local church and the local mosque and any others who wished to participate in it. It has been a long time coming, but it is on the way to becoming a "tradition"!
The purpose is community, friendship, understanding... and God among us! The barriers of tradition are gently giving way. And as believers, we are in awe of the sweetness of Jesus being in our midst! He just does things his own way!
Isaiah 55:8-9(NIV)
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Due to rainy weather, the event was held indoors at a local church. This is a proof of "traditions" being less of an issue! There are also times of meeting in the mosque for a variety of times when we are invited for meals. Also, the Muslim youth pitched in for set-up and take-down and clean up! This made the whole event really "with one another" even in the small or behind-the-scenes things. It was a great turnout even with poor weather!
The gathering had games for all ages, music from the different cultures present, folk dancing, and lots and lots of foods! One report received was: "All in all, it was a great success, especially in times of political uncertainty."
The Spirit of God is moving!
Submitted by AGWM personnel in Austria