In the dense jungles of Papua New Guinea, a life-altering encounter unfolded. Don Richardson, a Canadian missionary, arrived in 1962 with his wife Carol and their young son. They were sent to live among the Sawi, a tribe known for cannibalism and violence, isolated from the modern world. Their journey was fraught with danger, illness, and a profound cultural divide.
Missionary Testimony Papua New Guinea Challenge
The Sawi valued treachery and betrayal, making it difficult for the Richardsons to share the Gospel. In their eyes, Judas, not Jesus, was the hero of the Gospels. As Don once noted, "In their eyes, Judas, not Jesus, was the hero of the Gospels; Jesus was just the dupe to be laughed at."
The Peace Child Revelation
A crisis erupted when war broke out among rival tribes, threatening the Richardsons' mission. Don declared that he would leave if the fighting did not cease, prompting the Sawi to act. In a gesture of desperation and hope, a tribal chief offered his own son as a "peace child" to the enemy tribe. This act was their ancient custom of ensuring peace, provided the child lived.
Don recognized this as a "redemptive analogy"—a cultural practice that mirrored the Gospel message. He explained that Jesus was God's "Peace Child," sent to reconcile humanity with God. The Sawi's understanding of the peace child tradition opened their hearts to the message of Jesus. Betraying a "peace child" was unthinkable, and this understanding helped many Sawi turn from violence to embrace Christianity.
Tribal Transformation Through Gospel
Through God's intervention, the Sawi experienced a profound transformation. Many left behind witchcraft and violence to follow Jesus. Don and Carol's efforts also led to remarkable advances in literacy and health among the tribe. Carol's nursing skills saved countless lives, earning her the title "the woman who makes everyone well."
The Sawi, once isolated and feared, became beacons of peace, even sending missionaries to neighboring tribes. Fifty years later, when Don returned, he found the Sawi still faithful to Christ. Don Richardson's life and work among the Sawi is a testament to the power of Jesus to transform even the most resistant hearts through love and understanding.
