What could they do? July 08, 2014 – Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea – Written by Catherine Rivard with Tim Scott What could they do? Sören and Britten Årsjö looked in amazement at the young woman lying on their porch, as Albert, one of Ama translators, pleaded with them. “Please, you must do something!” When the Årsjös first arrived in 1973, there were no Christians among the 380 Ama speakers hidden deep in the jungle. It wasn’t until seven years later, five spent in translating, that Albert became one of the first Ama to give his life to Christ. Soon, the other translators followed, and God’s love began to spread. But, before the Ama could fully accept this new God, they needed to know—what about sorcery? In traditional Papua New Guinean beliefs, the practice of sorcery and fear of the spirits govern daily life. The Ama word popuwa meant “evil spirit”; there was no such thing as a “good spirit”. A cursed person was doomed to die within three days—and if he or she told anyone, death would be immediate. So, when Albert’s cousin courageously told him she’d been cursed, he acted immediately. Soren, Britten and Albert gathered around the girl and began praying fervently, and administered antibiotics to help counteract any potential infection caused by the custom of inserting bone fragments into the sorcery victim’s body. They waited and prayed and waited, the whole village watching. Would she die? Or would this God be more powerful than sorcery and spirits? The girl lived! The Ama people looked on in awe. This Bible that was being translated—it was relevant! This God who spoke these words was there for them too. They no longer had to be afraid. The Ama New Testament was dedicated in 1990 and a revision was completed in 2010. Before the Gospel arrived, it wasn’t uncommon for only one or two out of ten children in a family to survive to adulthood, due to sorcery killings and poor health care. Today, the Ama population is more than 500 strong! The Ama have truly found new life in Christ—both physical and spiritual. For more information on this release, contact ThePNGexperience, PO BOX 413, Ukarumpa, EHP 444, Papua New Guinea Phone: 011 + 675 + 537-3544 ext. 4431 or Email: thePNGexperience@gmail.com
Pictures do not always depict actual event, activities or people. Photos by Tim Scott use by permission only. “Yumi stori” is the PNG “Tok Pisin” term for announcement or “Let’s tell a story” or “Let’s talk”. The English spelling conforms to Commonwealth English spelling.