The Land Before Time in Transition

By Bill and Lori Smith

Many Westerners picture Papua New Guinea as a place where naked savages seek to satisfy their cannibalistic cravings by inviting unsuspecting foreigners to dinner. Most National Geographic specials focus on the cultural traditions of ancestral worship and traditional dances with less than modest clothing. This is not the real PNG.

On the main street of Goroka, the fifth-largest town in PNG, which is becoming one of the main educational centers, it is not uncommon to see extremes: a man dressed in the traditional pulpul (string apron) with his body covered in the bright paint applied for warfare or celebrations called "sing sings". A man with bird of paradise feathers and animal skins adorning his hair was seen in line at the ATM machine!

I recently saw a man in a business suit carrying a leather brief case with his face covered in mud to evidence his mourning the death of a loved one. Externally there is much evidence of the advancement of PNG from the Stone Age into the age of technology. This transition has occurred relatively quickly and has brought changes to Goroka. But what are the ramifications of this change in regard to people's needs and our ministry? Only time will answer this question. For now, the influx of technology with all its gadgets, forms of entertainment, and modern dress seem to be just a facade.

Underneath all the glitz and modernism lurk the same basic fears that enslaved their ancestors centuries ago.

Fear of the spirits of their ancestors and the powers of the "poison man" (witch doctor).
Fear of the enemy and of death, as inner tribal warfare continues.
Fear of the future with economic instability and corruption evident in the governing bodies of PNG.

Fear is the powerful tool Satan uses to tightly grip the souls of so many wandering the streets of Goroka.

We pray that as we spread the gospel message through campus ministries, training PNG pastors and Christian leaders at Goroka Baptist Bible College, and through nationalized churches throughout Goroka, true inner change will begin to be evident. Only through the life-changing power of Christ can man be released from the bondage of fear.

Yes, PNG is in transition. Old ways are being replaced by new. Our hearts' desire is that we can see change not only on the outside but change from within, and as Paul proclaimed, "Old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." This happens as Christ, not technological advances, becomes the reason for changed hearts.