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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Peace Child

Peace Child
by Don Richardsons
by by
illustrated by


Religious/Secular Content:- Religious, Christian, missionary biography
Adult Content:- yes
Mature Topics:- yes
Strong/Inappropriate Language:- no
Magic/Witchcraft:- yes (real, demonic)
Disrespect/Rebellion:- no
Drug/Alcohol Use:- no
Violence/Abuse:- yes
Educational Value:- yes
Positive/Negative Message:- Positive

Your text here.Peace Child: An Unforgettable Story of Primitive Jungle Treachery in the 20th Century Don Richardson carries us deep into the jungles to the Sawi tribe and uses words to paint a clear picture of life among them. His story begins long before he even arrived. He begins with the conflict that created the atmosphere of revenge and hostility that he entered unknowingly, and how God moved to bring him there in the midst of it.

The Sawi people exalted treachery. Their highest honor was to befriend someone with what they believed to be genuine friendship only to turn on them after an extended relationship and kill and eat them. The cannibalistic rituals are described in detail in this book that obviously gets somewhat gruesome at times. Other rituals include dancing under a rotting corpse and a rarely used trick involves a woman touching a man's genitals. In reading to my kids, I intentionally skipped portions and summarized, sometimes vaguely the activities of these tribes.

Story after story shows the depravity of these people apart from Christ. Richardson does not dwell on them, but he does not sugarcoat them either. This is a powerful book but not one I would read to children under middle school without lots of omissions. And, even in handing it to a high schooler I would want them to know what they are in for and discuss the events as they unfold.

Despite the gory nature of many of their traditions and the danger and suspense of jungle living, the powerful story of life change left me in tears. Richardson ends up using one of these unbelievable rituals to show the incredible love of Christ. Only He was the eternal Peace Child that they were seeking. It was amazing how God placed this redemptive analogy in this corrupt culture to prepare their hearts for the gospel.

Each chapter ends where you will not want to put it down. Reading a chapter a day was not nearly enough for most of my kids. Life changing and unforgettable.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phillipians 4:8