They dug the hole deep. In the bottom a cave was dug to place the body protecting it from the spear of the evil spirit that would come looking later. Even in death they still are haunted by the spirits of the dark side of life.
This was 1977 early years for this young new missionary to the field. After checking out the grave my eyes focused on the box and the body lying in the sun light, eyes wide open looking into the unknown that we all dread so much, death.
It looked as though this man was going on a trip, a fish hook, ear of dried corn and a few things belonging to the man lay at his side just to make sure he could have something on the way where ever that might be.
I have seen death raw, really raw and as I watched the flies settle in around his eyes, the cries of his family could be heard, not just a cry but something much more, wailing that only those that have heard it can understand. Death does not come easy in PNG.
The call is “come over and help us” not just come over and then walk away. Seeing death in the raw opens my eyes to see life in salvation when it is presented to these people that have never heard the gospel. Please pray that the Lord of the harvest would send more men and women to the unreached people groups around the world, Matt.28:18-20. Jack