Monster of a Show - Eurovision

When I first came to Europe, I soon discovered the Eurovision Song Contest held each spring. Those of you reading in the US may not have heard of this event, but it's a BIG deal here in Europe. Each country sends a representative of their nation to the contest, and after a semi-final session weads out the lesser desirable entrants, the finals are held with 24 nations represented. Ever heard of ABBA (Sweden) or Celine Dion (representing Switzerland)? Both Eurovision winners.

Last night was the 50th annual Eurovision contest, and I enjoyed watching this unique cultural event. What surprised me most were the winners. The Finnish heavy metal band, Lordi, sweeped the contest with their song "Hard Rock Hallelujah." Shock rock (ala KISS, AC/DC) seems to be the flavor of the month for Europeans. Yes, it is shocking. You'll see by linking to the Eurovision web site that this "monster mash" was what Europe wanted. While I voted (per one of my students - I'm the only person she's ever met that admitted to voting) for the beautiful accapella song presented by Latvia and the hilarious "We are the Winners of Eurovision" song from Lithuania, I really couldn't believe that guys - dressed like a mix between Star Trek characters and the ghouls of Lord of the Rings - could pull in the votes, but they did. Even in the midst of accusations that the band were Satan worshipers (which they firmly state they aren't...the lead singer says he's a church-goer, and the keyboardists writes Christian music!), people want to hear something different. Here's what the lead singer, Mr. Lordi, had to say about the win.

• "How weird is this? How cool is this?" ” said lead singer Mr Lordi. "Think about it, a rock band just won a pop song contest. This is weird, strange, interesting. We won the contest, looking like this. It just goes to show that Europe is not such a bad place."

That's true...Europe isn't such a bad place. Now, I have nothing against Star Trek characters (actually a big fan), or Heavy metal music for that matter. I think what I was surprised about is that this was the choice of Europe. While there were songs presented beautifully - nice ballads and pop songs - the majority in English, mind you, "Hard Rock, hallelujah" sung by monsters, was the flavor of the day.

So why mention this in a blog? I guess because I am continually fascinated by this area of our world. While some may say that Europe's history is steeped in tradition and commonality, I see a Europe that is innovative and unique - individualistic, nationalistic, and as seen by Lordi - striving to be different than all the rest. While 'American Idol' strives to form the perfect pop star, Eurovision celebrates diversity, national pride, and musical expertise.

To me, there is nothing "normal" about Europe. Each nation and each person bring a uniqueness that is beautiful and wonderfully created by God. As a missionary in Europe, if I come in and see everyone the same, and believe that every strategy of missions, ministry, and training will reach all people, I'm sadly mistaken. What I must do is build relationships with people, find out who they are, how God made them, and then seek wisdom from God on how to present the gospel or teach those who will. Whether our audience be accapella crooners or hard rock monsters, we all have different ways in which we hear and speak. That's why I'm thankful God has sent me to train students from around the world to reach their nation with the Gospel. And I hope that our training teaches them to see people for who they really are, not just the masks they wear or the songs they sing, but the heart God has given them. I hope we train them to not make "cookie cutter" Christians, but true disciples of Christ who express their individuality given by God.

Pray with us that God will give us wisdom and direction to reach Europe for him.

On another subject, joined the CTS Singers (our traveling music group) at the Philadelphia Church in Antwerp, Belgium this morning. They have their final church concert this evening and presented a few songs in the morning. You did a great job CTS Singers!