It was in the decade that I graduated from high school that the book Peace Child by missionary author Don Richardson was published. I'm not even sure anymore if my memories of the story come from reading the book or seeing the movie. It could be I held our firstborn babe in my arms as I read about this tribe and place that told an amazing story but held no personal meaning. All of it was pushed way back in my memory until recently when I put it all together. Our daughter now lives where that book was born.
I mentioned this to the friend I walk with recently and she lent me a subsequent book written by the same author, Lords of the Earth. To be honest, by the looks of it, I would not have picked it up to read had it not been for the connection I now have to this place.
Above you see New Guinea in relation to Australia
The island is divided into two parts (countries):
the western half consists of the most eastern provinces of Indonesia,
now known as West Papua and Papua, (formerly Irian Jaya)
bordering the country of Papua New Guinea
Chris and Julene live near the arrow . . .
a little closer to the border.
Lords of the Earth is a story of missionary Stan Dale who ventured deep into the Heluk Valley in Irian Jaya's interior mountains to live with the Yali tribe, the customs and beliefs of which I found very disturbing to read, never mind to even write about.The cover of the book describes them as "naked cannibals who call themselves lords of the earth - yet in terror and bondage serve women-hating, child despising gods." If the weather caused crop failure or sickness came into a family, these gods, kembu spirits, had to be appeased at any cost. "The protection money these spirits exacted was often grievous . . . (so much so that) Yali men eons earlier found it necessary to exclude women from all matters of religion."
There was enough to make me realize the need for these people to know about the freedom found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. But how? Against overwhelming odds, Stan and his wife, worked on learning the language and zealously prayed and labored to bring understanding, if possible, through redemptive analogies found in their culture; their sacrifice not without terrifyingly agonizing experiences of being misunderstood. Yet, at the end of the story a grieving Yali father confided in his wife, saying, "If this message had come earlier, our little girl . . . need not have died."
This book has allowed me to see more clearly how our family, living there, follows on the heels of many missionaries who have gone before them and opened the way by building airstrips and making communication and help possible to many tribes. It is their greatest joy to continue to bring help to unreached people, be it through practical help, involving flights or through illustrations done for children's Sunday School curriculum, still in the process of being translated into tribal languages.
11 comments:
This is so interesting Anneliese! Thank you for sharing this - we take for granted the freedoms we have!
I remember reading these books years ago. Tremendous stories of God's grace and his faithfulness to those who are faithful to him.
This entire post has given me insights into an area of the world that I had no knowledge of. It has also given me insight into knowing better how to pray for you as parents, and your children who live there. What an amazing God we serve. Only eternity will tell ALL that God did through people called to a ministry like this. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you, Judy. It means a lot to me to hear your honesty and to read your words of understanding.
Isn't it amazing how God sees the entire puzzle? Reminds me of the poem, The Tapestry, that Corrie ten Boon used to quote.....I see the underside but God sees the overside....He knew way back when that your family would be living there...truly amazing!
I'm trying to remember if I ever read the book and I think I probably didn't. I've already learned some things just from your post. How did I not know that Australia was that close to Indonesia?
I've just bought both of these books for my kindle so I can better see your childrens' ministry too.
I remember a post in which you described your granddaughter saying she would "gladly sacrifice" by going so far away from everyone she loved. I pray for your family and their willingness to go where God is sending them.
Blessings,
Helen
Growing up in Victoria, Don Richardson and his family were missionaries in our home church, Central Baptist. We grew up hearing him tell this and many other stories personally. He and his wife were friends of my parents and my brothers hung out with their son. Thanks for sharing this here today, and I'm glad that it has refreshed for me where your kids are serving, and how to pray more effectively for them.
I grew up in the church in Victoria, Central Baptist where Don and his wife were our church sent missionaries. They spent some time at home and my parents and them became good friends. My brothers hung out with their son. I remember Don sharing this and many other stories...it was during those years that this book was published. I need to read it again...and I did not realize that your kids were right there....or if I did I did not put it together. I too did not realize they were so near to Australia. Praying for your family as they serve the Lord over seas.
I recall 'Peace Child'. Most interesting...that Julene lives where that book originated. So glad you included the map! Praying for them and wishing them much joy as they serve in that faraway place.
Hi Aunt Lisa,
I remember the "Peace Child". When we were in Youth Group Wanye had us watch the movie. I remember it being disturbing and yet incredibly impacting. I did not make the connection that this is where Julene and Chris are. Thank-you for posting this and giving us insight on how to pray for them. By the way is this tribal group still prevalent today? If so, are they living near the area where Julene and Chris are?
Thanks,
love, Carolyn
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