Question #3: What reflections and connections can you make with this novel?

As I read the book, there were a lot of passages that made me think about my past experiences, my life and the society I live in today. Don Richardson worked hard to inspire the Sawi, so the Sawi people would accept God and Jesus Christ. Don Richardson said, “He [God] is everywhere and no one can ever get away from Him … He knows all about everything. He knows what everyone is saying, doing and thinking. We cannot see Him, but He sees us!” (149). When I read this quote, I was able to agree with him because I believe in God. I have Christian perspectives, so I had no problem of understanding the quote. However, I questioned, “Would the Sawi people believe it? Would the words of Don Richardson touch the heart of each Sawi person?” I did not think so. Before Don Richardson came to the village, the Sawi did not know anything about Christianity. Therefore, without the prior knowledge or experience, the Sawi people were not probably able to understand what Don Richardson said at that time. I believe that one has to experience the presence of God in order to become a Christian. No matter how hard his friends or family encourage him to believe in God, it is him who makes the choice. He has to experience and feel it!

I, too, felt the presence of God and became a Christian. I knew who God is and what Christianity is since I was a child. At TCIS, I took Bible classes and heard stories of God from my teachers and speakers in chapel. But I was not a Christian; I did not fully believe in God. Then, hardships came to me. Last year, my life suddenly seemed meaningless. I spent several months, searching for the answers to the questions that I have asked myself. One day, during the summer vacation, I found myself relying on God. Since then, God has given me a new perspective, new hope and new meaning in my life!

So, what if a person decided to believe in God? What is next? I have heard several times that being a Christian is often going against the crowd. Faithful Christians should be brave enough that they follow the words of God even though people around them may say “no.” Don Richardson wrote, “…the real battle here is not between Kamur and Haenam – it is between this savagery and my gospel” (134). I think this quote applies to the modern society, too. Most of times, what the society asks us to do is not in accord with what God tells us to do. I think we always live with the dilemma of whether to follow the society, or to follow God. Even though the answer is obvious for Christians, it is not as easy as we think when we actually have to make the decision and put it into action. When I read the quote, I asked myself. “Between society and gospel, what would win in my battle? Will I be able to turn away from the crowd and follow God?”

Don Richardson is an amazing person. I admire his faith and bravery. It would not be easy for anyone to go to an unknown place where people still practice headhunting and cannibalism and to live among the people. I am not sure if I would be able to make that choice. But at least I would like to try. At some point in my life in the future, I want to dedicate my time and energy to help less fortunate people around the world. The novel taught me the beauty of serving others and delivering God’s words to unprivileged people.