Witness Men: True Stories of God at Work in Papua, Indonesia (Hidden Heroes)
#3 in Hidden Heroes Series
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
Witness Men: True Stories of God at Work in Papua, Indonesia (Hidden Heroes) by Rebecca Henry Davis is a collection of inspiring stories that showcase the transformative power of faith and missionary work in Papua, Indonesia. The book highlights the lives and ministries of various Christian missionaries who dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel and serving the indigenous people of Papua. Through their commitment, these 'witness men' and women faced numerous challenges, including cultural barriers, language differences, and hostile environments. Despite these obstacles, they persevered and had a profound impact on the communities they served. The book aims to encourage and motivate readers by demonstrating how faith and determination can lead to remarkable changes in the lives of individuals and societies. In 1938, in the remote highlands of a mountainous island, explorers discovered thousands of tribal people. Missionaries began to come, to bring the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Little did they know that many of the people of the tribes were waiting for someone to come and help them out of the darkness of their old way of life. Fifteen chapters recount the true missionary stories of the gospel spreading throughout the highlands of Papua, Indonesia, from 1955 to 2010, when one of the tribes received their first New Testaments. Third in the Hidden Heroes series of true missionary stories for children. The stories are inspirational for preteens (ages 9-12) and suitable for read-alouds for younger children. Evangelical Protestant Christian missionaries, including women, take the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who then take it to their own people. Biographical true accounts bring the miraculous work of the gospel to life through personal testimonies of historical figures.
Discussion points
What challenges did the missionaries face in Papua, Indonesia and how did they overcome them?
How do you think the people of Papua felt when they encountered the missionaries?
What can we learn from the bravery and faith shown by the characters in the book?
In what ways did the missionaries’ work change the lives of the Papua community?
What does this story teach us about the importance of helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
To help your child connect with the book, encourage them to think about what bravery means to them personally. Ask them to share a time when they needed to be brave. Relate the missionaries' experiences to everyday challenges and teamwork. Highlight the transformational power of kindness and understanding, showing similarities with situations in their own life. Encourage them to imagine the cultural differences and discuss the importance of respecting and learning from other cultures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book highlights the missionaries' efforts to understand and connect with the local tribes in Papua. Their actions demonstrate the importance of empathy in overcoming cultural barriers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and viewpoints in their daily interactions with peers from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book exhibit bravery as they navigate challenges in a new and unfamiliar environment, showing the importance of courage when facing difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own challenges, whether it be trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or coping with changes in their lives.
Example Lesson: The power of faith and perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the missionaries rely on their faith to persevere through trials and continue their work, underscoring the strength that can come from deep convictions and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain their beliefs and continue striving towards their goals, even when faced with obstacles.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The missionaries work together with the local communities to achieve common goals, illustrating the effectiveness of teamwork and cooperative efforts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in teamwork in group projects or sports, understanding that collaboration can lead to achieving great results.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and the environment
Explanation: Set in the lush landscapes of Papua, Indonesia, the book educates about the importance of respecting and preserving natural surroundings through the stories of interaction between the missionaries and the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to take actions that contribute to environmental conservation, such as recycling, conserving water, and participating in community clean-up programs.