| By David Bell - 2004.06.11
Sitting in darkness, illuminated by a blazing fire, the two missionaries watched the silhouettes of the dancers rhythmically skipping and hopping in a circle around the fire.
An eerie feeling had overwhelmed Andrew Ferguson and Barry Wingo since they first approached the site. Now they observed the Tepehuan people, young and old, men and women, seeking the favor of God.
They danced through the night, taking periodic breaks. As dancers tired they left the group. When just a few remained, the rhythmic thrumming of the musical instrument ceased.
The men returned to sitting around the fire, and smoking, while others found a place of rest in the nearby woods. After the people regained some strength they began dancing once more.
If they danced the mitote right, God would shower them with rain and their crops would prosper.
But more than that! The Tepehuans believed the dance would cleanse them from pain, sickness and sin.
For days they had prepared for this dance. They had gone without food, refrained from anger, and practiced ritualistic bathing. Men abstained from sleeping with their wives.
In their eyes an all-night dance had to work.
But Andrew’s and Barry’s eyes saw it differently.
They saw the need of a people without Christ, without the Gospel message.
Their hearts yearn for the day they can begin teaching the Tepehuans God’s Word. And they long for that day when these people will rejoice in the great salvation God has already provided. |
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