Choose a representative passage from this novel that holds particular significence to you.

A representative passage from this novel that holds significance to me is in chapter 11, page 118 when Don and Carol Richardson arrive to their destination and meet the Sawi people for the first time. Naming it the "Baptism of Strangeness," the experience that Don Richardson faces made a powerful impact on me:
"...a Presence stronger than the presence of the multitude enveloped us. The same presenece that had first drawn us to trust in Christ ,and then wooed us across continents and oceans to this very jungle clearing. Before that Presence, every superficial thought and feeling fled away, and I felt a deep probe go through my motives.
"Missionary," he was asking, "why are you here?"
It was a question I had often fielded from the lips of unbelievers. Now my Lord was asking it, and there was no escape from the question...Then I breathed the answer:
"Lord Jesus, it is for You we stand here, immersed not in water but in Sawi humanity. This is our baptism into the work You anticipated for us before creation. Keep us faithful. Empower us with Your Spirit."
"May Your will be done among these people as it is in heaven. And if any good comes to them through us, the honor is Yours!" And He replied,
"The peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall garrison your hearts and minds through Christ." "
This passage holds a significance to my heart because it reminds me that the same power that saved me from my sinful nature lives me right now. Also, as it reminded Don Richardson of his purpose of moving to a Sawi community, the question "Missionary, why are you here?" resonates in my mind as well.

What reflections and connections can you make with this novel?

This novel instigated some thoughts that sank deep into my heart. At many points throughout the novel I felt like I could relate to this book at a very personal level. As I grew up as a missionary kid ever since I was five years old, the concept of evangelism has been a familiar topic for me. However, I did not understand the significance of it until I truly met God. When I met God, I realized that I was not merely a "missionary's kid", but in fact a missionary myself. Wherever I went and whatever I did, I was called to be a witness of Christ, and this was a mission in itself. Obviously in today's community I do not face as severe, life threatening obstacles as Don Richardson and his wife, but turning to God in the midst of all the distress and franticness could be directly applicable in my life. In page 156 of the book, Don Richardson expresses his troubling over the idea that the Sawi may in actual fact "be fattening us friendship for a slaughter," yet his wife Carol reassuringly remarks that "God always has a way." This, it seems, is an utterly hackneyed phrase used in today's time. However, this phrase in fact holds a truth and a promise from God Himself. Don Richardson later claims that they were "reduced to utter dependence upon God" and their only hope for the Sawi were to be found in the promises of God. At times I feel as there is no hope for those in my mission field. But, as Don and Carol Richardson believed, God always does have a way and hope if always found in the promises of His word.