Legacy of songs
November 04, 2014 – Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea – Karen Weaver with Tim Scott “Thank you for translating God’s Word into my language!” Ribert exclaimed as he burst into tears of joy. He had come to Ukarumpa to help Beata Wozna and Theresa Wilson check the accuracy of the book of John. This was the first time he had heard the entire story of Jesus read in his own language. As they read the final verses, he was overcome with emotion. Emotions also ran high as he met with Dr. Neil Coulter, an ethnomusicologist. Having always loved music and singing, Ribert’s sessions with Dr. Coulter flamed his passion and gave him the practical skills he needed to write worship songs. When he returned to his island home of Pihon in the Ninigo Islands, Manus Province, he plunged into song writing. He gathered a singing group and they met weekly to practice the new choruses Ribert had written that week. Afterwards, they often sang the Scripture songs in local churches. One of his favourite stories was from John chapter nine about Jesus healing a blind man. Ribert identified with the blind man because he knew Jesus had taken away his own spiritual blindness. The story became the basis for a song and later a drama. Unfortunately, Ribert’s physical health was slowly declining. In July 2014 Ribert’s body lost its fight for life and he left this earth to go to the Lord for whom he sang. Later that week one of the Seimat Elementary teachers, Stanley, was playing some previously recorded Seimat songs in a community gathering. Without realizing it, he stumbled upon a set of songs sung by their beloved songwriter. Feet were still, voices were silent, and eyes were wet as Ribert’s clear voice sang out across the village from the recording on the day before his burial. Afterwards, people mused, “He was singing about going to Jesus. It was as if he were telling us goodbye.” Ribert left a legacy of writing Seimat Scripture songs. The singing group he formed continues to meet. Because of their example, other music groups on neighbouring islands have been formed. As their voices sing out across the ocean waters, Ribert’s influence still lives on. For more information on this release, contact, The PNG Experience, PO BOX 413, EHP 444, Papua New Guinea Phone: 011 + 675 + 537-4431 or Email:
ThePNGexperience@gmail.com or follow the daily blog at www.thepngexperience.wordpress.com.
Pictures do not always depict actual event, activities or people. Photo 1 by Bob Noble – 2,3 & 4 by Tim Scott use by permission only. “Yumi Stori” is the PNG “Tok Pisin” term for “Let’s talk” or “Let’s have a conversation”