You're Invited: Cultural Discovery Training—Loving Our Hindu Neighbors in Columbus

Taught by Dr. Tim Orr and Brett Westbrook
📅 Date: April 5, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Community Church of Columbus, Columbus, Indiana

Do you ever wonder how to share the love of Christ in meaningful ways with people from different cultures and faith backgrounds? Do you want to understand better and love your Hindu neighbors, coworkers, or classmates? If so, we’d love for you to join us for a unique and hands-on Cultural Discovery Training event designed for believers in Columbus, Indiana!

🌍 Why This Matters

In a city of just over 50,000 people, Columbus is home to approximately 4,000 Hindus. That’s nearly one in every 12 people in our community! This event is a powerful opportunity to better understand, pray for, and build relationships with our Hindu neighbors—many of whom may have never heard the gospel in a loving and respectful way.

🗓️ What’s Planned for the Day?

✨ Cultural Discovery Training

Start the day by learning about the basics of Hinduism and the cultural values that shape the lives of many in our city. This session will help you become more aware, respectful, and equipped to form relationships that reflect Christ’s love and truth.

🛕 Visit to the Hindu Temple

Take off your shoes and step into a sacred space. This guided visit to a local Hindu temple offers a respectful and insightful look into Hindu worship, beliefs, and practices. You’ll have the chance to converse with temple members and experience firsthand what Hindu spirituality looks like—an invaluable experience for anyone who desires to love and reach out cross-culturally.

🙏 Prayer Walk

We’ll walk and pray through our city, lifting our Hindu neighbors and asking God to work in their hearts and ours. This will be a quiet reflection, intercession, and spiritual unity as we seek God’s guidance and blessing over Columbus.

🔍 Scavenger Hunt at Apna Bazaar

Get ready for a cultural adventure! We’ll explore Apna Bazaar, a local Indian grocery store, on a fun and educational scavenger hunt. You’ll discover spices, foods, and items stapled in Indian homes—and maybe even bring some home yourself!

🍛 Lunch at an Indian Restaurant

We’ll wrap up our day with a shared meal at a local Indian restaurant. As we enjoy the delicious flavors of South Asia, we’ll discuss what we’ve learned and how we can continue to build friendships with our Hindu neighbors long after this event.

💬 Why Should You Attend?

Columbus is becoming more diverse every year, and with that comes an opportunity for the Church to grow in love, understanding, and presence.

This training is for any follower of Jesus who wants to:

• Deepen Your Understanding: Learn about Hinduism and cultural values in a way that helps you engage thoughtfully and biblically.
• Build Bridges: Take real steps toward connecting with our Hindu neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
• Live Out the Great Commission: Jesus called us to love our neighbors—and that includes knowing them, listening to them, and engaging with them in everyday life.

🤝 Join Us!

Whether you’re part of the Community Church of Columbus (CCC), First Christian Church, or another congregation, you’re warmly invited. This is a citywide effort to be Jesus' hands and feet in a way that builds understanding and relationships.

Come with a heart ready to learn, pray, and be present with others in our community. You don’t need to be an expert—just someone willing to take a step toward deeper love and cultural understanding.

We hope to see you on April 5!

For more information or to RSVP, contact the CCC church office or visit our website.

Let’s grow together as we seek to be a light in Columbus. 🌟