NEWS

 E-mail This Page 
 Printable Format 
 Download This 
 Feedback 

DEATH AND SORCERY CAPTURE SIAWIS' ATTENTION

October 1, 2004

Mere days away from hearing of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, the Siawis are absorbed in fear that sorcery killed a two-year-old boy. They wonder who will be the next to die.

The actual cause of death ranges from pneumonia to meningitis, but Siawis checked the boy thoroughly to discover where the sorcerer's spears entered the body.

"They have wailed for the boy since his time of death," wrote missionary Danielle Brendle. "They wail because they are grieving but it goes much deeper than that. The wail includes a singsong chant which we have yet to understand."

Yesterday, the boy's family buried him next to their house, taking great care in how the hole was dug. They made a little alcove in the side of the grave where they placed the tiny casket made from scrap pieces of plywood. Careful not to put any dirt in the alcove, they filled up the main burial hole and trampled the dirt so no one could tell there was a grave beneath.

For months, missionaries have anticipated the day they would teach the Gospel. But that day must be put off a little longer.

"We had our schedule all worked out," wrote Danielle. "But God in His sovereignty is allowing situations to be quite different."

They can only be sensitive of the Siawi culture and wait, knowing that in the end God will be glorified among these people.

And yet another event has taken precedence at such a crucial time.

The Siawis heard that a policeman is in Amto to settle the murder case which took place nearly a year ago. Several men have gone to see if this is indeed true.

Pray that Siawi life will quiet down and the people's hearts be made ready to hear the message that will dispel their fears and give them hope.