Apr-Jul: I'll be in the South Pacific.
Wuvulu voyagers return
The Wuvulu dedication went well and was attended by Papua New Guinea’s prime minister, who helped hand out New Testaments at the end of the dedication. To see the head of government handing out Bibles was quite a thrill, and I wondered how many other places in the world it would be possible. Another highlight was a moving speech by Charlie Benjamin, the open member of parliament for Manus Province. He spoke eloquently of the importance of vernacular Scripture in human development and thanked the translators for their work and sacrifice to make it possible. “I hope you find Christ and make Him your Lord and Savior as I have,” he concluded.
Sir Michael Somare hands a man his New Testament near the end of the dedication ceremony.
The Scripture-use course (SALT) that followed the dedication was well-attended and seemed to go well overall. The SALT program is a new initiative here, and it is really taking off. The course teaches core biblical truths using outlines, illustrations, and verses from the vernacular New Testament. The idea is to get people introduced to and reading their new Bibles instead of just dropping them off and departing. It was encouraging to see people — from young children to grandparents — reading from their Wuvulu New Testaments and participating in the course in various ways.
A woman reads a passage of Scripture during the SALT course.
Two elderly women, who were probably born before the Gospel came to Wuvulu, study their Bible together.
In the end, 187 people received course-completion certificates, and many more attended at least some of the sessions. For the sake of comparison, the entire population of the island is 1500-2000 people.
SALT course participants of all ages proudly display their certificates and New Testaments after the graduation ceremony.
Living on a tiny Pacific island for nine days was a very interesting and informative experience.
Little Wuvulu from the air.
I stayed in a home with the SALT project coordinator, Mick Bandy. Our hosts, Rias and Betty, were very generous and gracious. They spoke Wuvulu almost entirely when speaking among themselves, and they spoke pidgin with us, so sometimes I struggled to figure out what exactly was going on. But it was certainly a good language-learning experience. They introduced us to various island foods, crafts, and pastimes. Ethnically and culturally, the people show ties to Micronesia, making them unique in Papua New Guinea. They are fishermen, gardeners, and wood carvers, among other things. Many have traveled to other parts of the country and know some English. They were happy to help us to explore the extensive and spectacular reef that surrounds the island, taking care to point out sea turtles, sharks, giant clams, stingrays, lionfish, and many other beautiful and fascinating denizens of the underwater world.
An incredible world of life lies just beneath the surface of the sea.
This man was sanding a dolphin carving when his daughter climbed up into his lap.
“Hello,” she chirped. At two, this beautiful little girl is already learning Wuvulu and Tok Pisin — and apparently a smattering of English too.
An elderly man, his wife, and their son work together on a traditional weapon — now sold as a curiosity to the whiteskins.
The war club is edged with real shark teeth. Ouch!
Young men hunt fish with spears at sunset.
We have just over a week left in the country, and there is so much I want to accomplish before we go. I can’t believe the summer is almost over. It will be hard to leave the communications office with so much undone. When we go, Carle will be alone again without anyone to do the many projects that would be so beneficial to the PNG branch.
Thank the Lord for safe travels (despite delays and last-minute changes) and for a good dedication and SALT course. SIL’s planes and pilots do an incredible job here, but sometimes weather and logistics play their tricks on the best-laid plans. Nevertheless, it is evident that the Lord has everything under control.
Please pray that we’ll use time well over the next few days. As I’ve said, there’s a lot to do before we go.
Please pray for me as I talk with people here about what could be next for me.
Please pray for safe travels as we begin to head out and eventually go our separate ways.
Please pray for the Wuvulu people to be transformed by the power of God’s Word. Despite half a century of Christian influence, some people on the island apparently still practice polygamy, polyandry, and black magic, and many others do not appear to understand what being a Christian really means. Pray that God’s Word will illumine and transform their hearts.
categories papua new guinea
Comments
Comment from Sarah Jo
Time: August 18, 2005, 8:47 am
wow. you went to papua new guinea? all my old-school LU hoomies were from there. i can pronounce but i can’t spell: lukei-mu-beind.
:)
Comment from abu
Time: August 20, 2005, 12:44 am
I liked the three pictures you had up for a little bit. It is good to see that the sun has treated you well over the last few months.
Comment from djr
Time: August 20, 2005, 1:11 am
Well hi, Sarah Jo. I think you mean, “Lukim yu bihain” — “See you later.” Thanks for stopping by.
Abu, you caught me in the middle of some site construction. Look at all the pictures now that I’m finished!
Comment from Anonymous
Time: November 21, 2006, 5:29 am
Great stuff here, Im from Wuvulu Island living in Melbourne Australia, and would love to hear more about my home..Its good to see the people still embrace christianity..(ninoraven@hotmail.com)
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