A recent Associated Press news clip ("Hymns Disappearing from Australia Funerals": Dateline: July 2, 2008: Adelaide, Australia) tells the reader of a new trend in Australian Funerals:  that of replacing old hymns with popular music classics like Led Zepplin's "Stairway to Heaven", and AC/DC's "Highway to Hell".  While this is indicative of Aussie personality, whit, and some slight shots at the conventional, it is also something that has some church leaders concerned.

It really isn't that big of a deal to me as a missionary to Australia as I read this, until I reflect upon the first funeral that I did in the country some months ago.  As I sat in the home of the family, I was introduced to the "tossed salad" of belief systems in the room that day.  Everything from Catholicism to spiritism was represented.  I was there myself at the request of the sister in law of the deceased.  That woman was a part of our church in Melbourne.  She asked if I wouldn't mind doing the funeral, as none of her family were interested in some of their more familiar religious leaders officiating.  I carefully and prayerfully agreed to do it, with the understanding that I would talk about the Gospel, eternal life, and poignant spiritual issues like forgiveness and grace.  They were all too happy for me to share what I felt I should, and I even gave an invitation.  The response was typical in form - very scarce, but the crowd was warmly receptive to me later.

The deceased seemed to be a good guy - good provider, good dad, good friend, ready helper to any in need.  He even seemed to be somewhat of a funny guy - a practical joker and one ready to make others laugh.  I probably would have gotten along great with him.  You may well have liked him too.  He was very popular in his community.  I had mixed feelings in ministering to the family, as I would have loved to have met him, was sorry I couldn't.  But I was all to moved by the obvious appreciation for the relationship everyone in the room had with him. 

 And then came the funeral itself...I was allowed to do my thing without any boundaries from the religiously eclectic family.  I was direct, and I hope, inviting.  But at the crucial moment of the finality of the service, it was time for the family to reflect on the life lived by this passed loved one.  In so doing, the family chose what song they wanted to be played at the request of the deceased: "Raw Hide", of all songs.  We all laughed.  Some cried.  But everyone celebrated this man is his final "round-up". 

Based on what conversations I had with the family, everyone but the sister in law understood what the Bible said about all of our potential "round up" - where eternal life truely comes from, who offers it, how it is bestowed upon someone...it was a very revealing moment.  I can't even explain my own emotions about it all.  

 But my point in all of this is that I am increasingly made aware of the darkness around where I served, and where I serve now.  I quietly wonder what last point we would make at our own funeral in the song we choose.  Would we choose Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World", or maybe Sinatra's "My Way"?  If our song were to be a reflection of our character, we could make a "once-for-all" statement about our world view.  Some less conventional songs of choice noted in the news article that I began this blog with are "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from Monty Python, or even "Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead" from the Wizard of Oz.   A guy I know and used to work with used to say the lyrics of a song entitled, "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead". 

 Irreverently funny...some would even argue, inappropriate.  But in the end, a final statement.  Is that statement neglegent of the life God gave the deceased?  Or is the humourous last song chosen to take off the sting of death and sadness of separation?  I suppose each is to decide for one's self on this.  This is only offered to share a bit more on our Aussie experience, and our understanding of the spiritual darkness and needs there.