p. 14 | S. W. CARR by S. W. CARR

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 27, 1911

S. W. CARR

By S. W. CARR

British New Guinea—No. 1

S. W. CARR

We feel it a privilege to be called to work in New Guinea for a people who have never heard the gospel, and who have never had any missionaries among them. Mission work is being carried forward on a large part of the coast of British New Guinea by various missionary societies; but inland little has been attempted, and nothing at all where we are working.

Our station is twenty-seven miles inland from Port Moresby, the capital, and we are laboring from there further inland to the main range of mountains, about six days’ journey distant. When we enter a village, the women and children often run into the forest; but as we make ourselves known, they gradually reappear, and a spoonful of salt given to each quickly makes many friends. Our mission is explained, and all are told to come to guriguri (church or worship). What a motley crowd gathers around, all talking at once, wondering what is going to happen. It has to be explained to them what guriguri is, as they do not worship anything, but live in constant dread of sorcerers and evil spirits.

When service begins, all talking stops, so that all may listen. The missionary has come to tell them of the true God, who dwells above; he who made the rivers and trees and great mountains, and who loves them, and desires them to listen to his word. The missionary speaks of Jesus, who left his Father to come to this evil world, that we, through believing on him, might receive his gift of eternal life. The story of his life and cruel death is related amid deep silence; when the facts of the resurrection are told, exclamations of surprise and incredulity are heard. His ascension is described, and the promises of his soon coming are read. It is explained that when he comes, he will take all who love and obey him to a place where there are no tears, no sickness, no death, and where there is abundance of food, clothing, and houses for all. The people are exhorted to listen to the words of the missionary, so that they may know more of the good news he has for them.

All are then shown how to kneel, so we can speak to the Great Spirit above. A few words of prayer for God’s blessing upon the poor, ignorant hearers closes the meeting. Then what a commotion there is! Every one tries to speak at once; some shout, and others laugh. It all seems very strange to them.

This is a description of the usual first effort in a village. The later meetings are followed with less noise and confusion, and gradually the people begin to understand the meaning of it all.

We work with apparently little results, but we are under a Master to whom all power in heaven and earth is given, and we leave ourselves and our work with him.

S. W. CARR.

Port Moresby.