CHILDREN OF PEACE: THE STORY OF MISSIONARY DON RICHARDSON IN PAPUA

Don Richardson, a Canadian missionary, left the comforts of his country to serve in Papua, then still called West Irian, between 1962 and 1977. Together with his wife, Carol, and their seven-month-old little boy, they embark on a challenging journey into the hinterland, untouched by the outside world. Papua in 1962 was a completely different world, where isolation and conflict between tribes were still part of everyday life. Their arrival in the Sawi tribe opened up the isolation of the region but also presented various challenges. Not only did they have to build runways for their own planes, but they also had to adapt to the harsh environment and learn the complex language of mustard. Not only that, but they also have to deal with various tropical diseases such as malaria, dysentery, and hepatitis, while conflicts between mustard tribes often occur around them. As a missionary, Don's primary task was to introduce the teachings of the gospel and the way of salvation through Jesus Christ. However, the Sawi had a different view of power and victory, making the missionary challenge even greater. For them, what is respected is a shrewd and cunning person in the face of conflict, not a loving figure like Jesus Christ. However, Don Richardson did not give up. He found a bridge to introduce the gospel to the Sawi tribe through a unique local tradition. When there is an inter-tribal war, the tradition of the Sawi tribe states that to prevent the conflict from continuing, one of the warring parties must hand over a child to the opposing party as a "child of peace." If the child dies, the peace will be broken. It was through this concept of the Son of Peace that Don managed to convey the teachings of salvation by Jesus Christ. The story of Don and Carol Richardson's struggle and success in Papua was later immortalized in a book and film entitled "Peace Child" in 1972, which inspired many people in his time to get involved in ecclesiastical services. But the fundamental question that arises is: What drives Don and Carol to serve others so tenaciously? The answer lies in the basic principles of love and peace taught by Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasized the importance of loving one's neighbor, avoiding evil, doing good, and being an agent of peace in this world. Don and his family are living examples of the children of peace, who offered Christ's love to the savior through sacrifice, fortitude, and a willingness to face challenges. They brought tremendous changes to the Savages, transforming them from admirers of conflict into followers of the love of Christ. Have we become children of peace in our time? Are we willing to sacrifice ourselves to serve others and bring the peace and love of Christ to those who need it? That's the question we need to ponder as we think of the inspiring legacy of Don and Carol Richardson, tireless missionaries who offered the love of Christ to a world in need.