The lions of Tanzania are separated by 9090 miles of land and ocean from the grizzly bears of Northern Canada. Both animals are feared and revered by their respective communities.

The Maasai proudly wear the lion mask. The St’at’imc communities proudly wear the grizzly mask. Both respect their animals for their strength and great self-awareness. Behind the masks are two groups of people, who continents away, are fighting to preserve their culture, their values, their language and their bond with the wilderness.

Today the grizzly bear met the lion. With no common language to communicate in, there was unity in prayer, in worship, in feasting and in their love for Jesus. The Maasai sang and the St’at’imc people beat their hand drums.

For an Indian-Tanzanian (and jaded ex-New Yorker), celebrating their fight to preserve their cultures under one roof in the name of God is hard to believe.

But it took place. Yes, it did.

[Thank you to our hosts! Babe and Mark Smith, Ginger and her beautiful children and Bradley Jack.]