One of the artifacts I use to illustrate the culture and beliefs of the
people of Papua New Guinea is a 56-inch-long arrow. Like most arrows
from the region, it is constructed from two pieces; a shaft made from a
dried reed and a long, pointed head carved from hardwood and inserted
into the shaft. Although it has no fletching, the arrow remains stable
in flight because the light shaft naturally follows the heavier head
allowing the skilled warrior or hunter to kill with accuracy and
precision.
This weapon is remarkable not just for its functionality but also its
artistry. The head is intricately carved and painted with spiritually
significant markings. With these markings, the craftsman calls upon
nature spirits and ancestors to empower the arrow to kill.
The Bible also tells of spiritually significant marks, but how
wonderfully different they are from the marks on my arrow. Instead of
hatred, they communicate love. Instead of death, they bring life. They
were carved into the hands, feet and side of our Savior, and for time
and eternity their beauty will draw us to Him.
Dear friend, won’t you help us explain those marks to our Ama people?
Won’t you help us introduce them to Jesus? Through your prayers and
support, God has already provided more than three quarters of our
launching funds. We thank you for your faithfulness. Our prayer now is
for more Christian brothers and sisters who will begin a monthly
financial commitment to our mission. If God is working on your heart,
let Him guide you. I am confident that, as you listen to Him, God will
provide the remaining funds needed for us to launch to Papua New Guinea
as well as the ongoing support we need to carry His work forward among
the Ama.
—John Lello
