Missionary Testimony Papua New Guinea Begins
In 1962, Don Richardson, a dedicated missionary, arrived in the dense jungles of Papua New Guinea with his wife, Carol, and their young son. They were drawn to the Sawi tribe, a people known for their violent customs, including cannibalism and headhunting. The Sawi revered deceit and treachery, seeing Judas as a hero for betraying Jesus. For two years, the Richardsons struggled to communicate the message of Jesus in a way that resonated with the Sawi's worldview.
The Peace Child Gospel Breakthrough
Faced with constant tribal warfare and the failure of their efforts to bring peace, Don considered leaving. But then, an unexpected event unfolded before him. During a particularly brutal conflict, a tribal chief offered his own child to the enemy as a gesture of peace. Observing this, Don realized, "If a man would actually give his own son to his enemies, that man could be trusted!" This custom of the "peace child" became a bridge for Don to explain the Gospel. He shared that Jesus was God's ultimate peace child, given to humanity to reconcile us with God.
Sawi Tribe Conversion to Christianity
This revelation opened the Sawi's hearts. They began to understand the gravity of betrayal and the profound love demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice. The tribe's transformation was profound. Violence and headhunting gave way to peace and goodwill. Many Sawi embraced Christianity, and the once-isolated tribe began reaching out to neighboring communities with their newfound faith.
Lives Transformed by Faith
Over the years, the Richardsons witnessed a cultural shift. They provided the Sawi with a written language, translating the New Testament into their tongue, and Carol's medical skills saved countless lives. By 1972, the Sawi had built their own church, and Don's teachings on "redemptive analogies" continued to inspire.
It was Jesus who changed the hearts of the Sawi, bringing light to a place once shrouded in darkness. Through the Richardsons' perseverance and God's intervention, a once-violent people discovered the path to peace and hope.
