Our Story
Not so long ago we were a stone age, hunter-gatherer, monolingual society, living deep in the mosquito infested sago swamps at the far southern edge of the Mamberamo river basin in Papua, Indonesia.
Our way of life in the old days was violent and revenge centered. Early death was common as a result of birth complications, disease, the dangers of jungle life and constant inter-tribal warfare. Our parents and grandparents and ancestors as far back as anyone can go, grew up and lived in constant fear of reprisals and sorcery. Adultery and stealing –wives as well as food and goods, was a way of life. When travelling, the women carried the heavy loads so the the men would have their hands free and bows ready to defend themselves and their families. It was common to use friendship as a means to eventually get revenge. There was no one we could really trust.
Into this painful and horrific situation came the gospel, brought to our parents and grandparents by some evangelists from another language group.