I first read this book several years ago having picked it up in a used bookstore in the Philippines. I loved it then and having re-read it believe it is probably one of my favourite books.

Marilyn Laszlo is a reluctant missionary but God persists and eventually she responds leaving her career and potential husband behind. She is devastated on being handed an assignment to Papua New Guinea believing God had called her elsewhere. However, she manages to put her sudden change of direction out of mind and heads for the jungle field with a female companion. The Sepik Iwam people are illiterate which makes her task--producing a New Testament in their language--seem impossible.

Events within a month of her arrival understandably have her rushing for the exit. Debriefing she comments,

We've heard, 'relate to the people, eat their food, live in a house similar to theirs, learn their language.' But watching someone buried alive, that's not in the book!

First trauma over, she hesitantly returns and, although her companions come and go, Marilyn remains in Hauna with the people group for 23 years fulfilling the translation task assigned by an associate of Wycliffe Bible Translators.

There are so many great stories in this book, from the language difficulties and resultant humour, to the tribal men visiting the USA for a speaking tour. The stories are told in everyday language and often from the perspective of the Sepik Iwam people themselves which always makes these types of tales more real.

A few highlights--this conversation took place when Marilyn visited a neighbouring tribe;

However, at the far edge of the clearing was a sturdy, newly built building on the ground. 'What is that building?' Marilyn asked. Oh that is our sois.' The village leader proudly told her. 'Your church? Do you have a missionary here?' 'No' he answered sadly.' We don't have a missionary yet.' 'Has a national pastor come to teach you?' 'No, we don't have any pastor; we have no books. We have no one to teach us.' the headman told her. 'Then why do you have a sios?' 'When we visited Hauna, we saw everyone going to church. We saw people learning to read God's talk and singing songs about God and Jesus. When we came back here, we told our people all about your church. We decided we needed to build a church so Papa God will see we're ready. We're just waiting now.

The perspective of a tribal man after visiting the USA

Your country is great, but it moves too fast and has too much stuff. And lots of the stuff doesn't even have any function. Knowing Jesus is not about having stuff. There are three things that seem to control most Americans lives--their watch, stoplights and money.

Although lesser known and somewhat dated, this is a must read for all those interested in missions. Marilyn successfully keeps the focus on bringing the Gospel to the people--help ministries (medicine, food, material provisions) are a side issue and only offered for the furtherance of the real Kingdom work.

I highly recommend this book. ( )

Inspiring story of Marilyn Laszlo's mission service in a remote area of Papa New Guinea working with Wycliffe translators. A 25 year mission to translate the new testament into the native unwritten tongue in a remote village, Hauna.
Co-authored. I wish Marilyn had written it in her own words. ( )