Historical research reveals that before the Apostle Thomas took the message of Christ to India where he died, he brought news of Jesus to Central Asia. The basis for the folklore of the ‘Father of Blessings’ is, in fact, the remnant of the stories that Thomas told about his Lord. Passed on for 2,000 years, today this folklore is the key to opening the Bible to people in this region. The ‘Father of Blessings’ is the key for them to recognise the one who can truly bless them—with eternal life.

There are several passages in Scripture that link to this Central Asian figure:

• Genesis 32: The practice of holding on to the ‘Father of Blessings’ parallels Genesis 32 when Jacob wrestles and holds on until he gets a blessing.
• John 20: Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus first appeared to them and he missed the blessing Jesus gave to them. In John 20 when the other disciples tell Thomas, he replies, “I will not believe until I put my finger in the holes in his hand and in his side.” Then Jesus appears and says, “Thomas, come, don’t doubt. Believe. Put your fingers into my hand and in my side.” The identifying mark of the ‘Father of Blessing’ is the very thing that Jesus used to prove his identity to Thomas.
• Luke 19: The ‘Father of Blessings’ rides into town on a donkey, just as Jesus rides into Jerusalem in Luke 19. There is no other prophet in Islamic culture who rides on a donkey.
• Luke 24: In this passage, two followers of Jesus walk on the road to Emmaus. The incognito Jesus comes alongside the two men. This is similar to the parting wish, “May your road be unobstructed and may your road companion be the ‘Father of Blessings’.”

When people in Central Asia region hear these passages, they are often gripped by the Bible—it relates to their culture. Something so often thought to be ‘Russian’ or ‘Western’ suddenly sounds like a Central Asian book—their own book.

How do Christians in this region use this analogy in witnessing? They speak of the ‘Father of Blessings’ and suggest they know his name. Central Asians naturally want to know it. Through their curiosity, the Scriptures can be introduced and explained. They too can know the true ‘Father of Blessings’.

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