However, it’s amazing that the symbol of the cross is very commonly used. If, in this area, a baby is born, the people make a symbol of the cross above the doorframes of their houses believing that this will protect the newborn. If people move into a new house they do exactly the same. Before people work the ground, they also make a sign of the cross in the soil through which they call for protection and reverse any curses or misfortune that might otherwise befall them. The origin of this custom is not known but it is widely practised by Traditional Believers, Muslims and Christians alike.
'a cross above a door and window as you can find it in most houses'
Abukari has recorded a radio programme, which will be broadcast this week, that explains the meaning of Easter; he explains Jesus' death on the cross and the sacrifice he offered to humanity and relates it to the customs of the people here. This will cause many people to think and probe their own customs they have practiced for a long time. Addressing the Dagomba people and their religious customs reminds Abukari a little of Paul at Athens where Paul says, "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. For in him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:22,23,28.)
We ask you to pray that many people who will listen to the programme (Thursday night) will start seeking for 'the man on the cross', that God will use this radio broadcast to share His love and work of redemption with the people of Dagbon.
'when we visited a Catholic Church recently, Samuel was trying to reach the cross'
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