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After twenty-five hours in flight, you are close to exhaustion! But the scene
unfolding beneath the wings of the small plane during the final leg of your
journey makes your heart pound and your breathing accelerate as you descend
through scattered clouds to land uphill (yes, uphill) on an airstrip perched on
a narrow spine ridge in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. As the plane comes to
a stop at the top of the airstrip, it is surrounded by Folopa warriors
brandishing spears and axes, bodies painted yellow and red, animal bones
protruding from various body piercings, and cassowary feather headdresses
flowing as they march. The sound of their chant fills the air. You cautiously
step out of the plane and back in time a thousand years. The warriors sweep you
into their parade, bodies pressing you on all sides. They have a plan for you
that you cannot begin to imagine. Your heart rate and breathing continue at an
unnatural pace.
The mass of people grows as Folopa women and children join the parade. More strangers than you can count now occupy your “personal space.” The trail, just a dozen feet wide in places, winds down the ridge. Women and children balance along the edge of the muddy trail just inches from precipices dropping a thousand feet. As the chanting continues, the path ahead forces you toward a gate of woven bark, guarded by a PYTHON! Not just any snake (as if any other snake would be more welcoming), but a 12-foot long, several-inch thick, PYTHON! Welcome to Fukutao village! As you pass through the python-guarded gate, you emerge into the heart of the village. A large open space, where the Folopa church previously stood, is being readied for the New Testament dedication and celebration to take place the following day. Rough-hewn wood and metal roofing from the church building have been reconfigured into a new “men’s house” to house the out-of-town male guests. The women will stay in the house that has been the home of the translators, Neil and Carol Anderson, for most of the past 35 years. After a somewhat restful night, the day dawns (early) to a full celebration planned and produced by the Folopa community. The day is filled with singing, dancing, drama, speeches, prayer, and the ceremonial arrival of the New Testaments tied to tall vertical poles. Tropical sunshine and rain color the day, but the joy of having the Scriptures, both personal and accessible, reigns supreme. The Folopa people have heard Scripture for years. They have had passages and individual books of Scripture as well. Now they have the whole New Covenant within reach, day and night, in their homes and around the cooking fires. God’s Word is now personal for them. Thank you for sharing in making this day possible for the Folopa. Together we can make God’s Word personal for every nation, tribe, and tongue. Remember, there are still 380 million people without God’s Word in their language. There is lots of work yet to be done! Bruce Smith
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