The
Folopa people are nestled in small villages along ridges, mountains
and valleys in the dense jungle of Papua New Guinea. Located in
the Southern Highlands, these indigenous people share a common
language that sets them apart from other tribes of New Guinea.
The Folopa speaking people are known for their unique language
and culture, which undoubtedly has been shaped by the unique place
in which they live. Surrounding their thatched roof houses is
some of the most rich and untouched rain forest in the world.
Filled with wild animals, including the beautiful bird of paradise.
The
rain forests of Papua New Guinea are not called rain forests for
no reason, these tropical jungles can receive over 480 inches
of rain in a single year! This tropical environment is perfect
for it's rich habitat of wild animals and plants, but not so friendly
for humans. In truth, it is a harsh place for humans to dwell.
Not only is their environment hostile, the Folopas were constantly
at war with surrounding villages. They lived in fear of enemies
and evil spells or spirits that the enemy might be casting on
them. One such enemy they called "The Stone Man", which
appeared out of the bush (jungle) if you were alone. The Stone
Man would hit you with his stone axe, knocking you unconscious.
Then he would cut open your chest and insert a small bone, wave
his magical wand over you to heal up the wound and then disappear
back into the bush. Three days later you would die, or so they
believed. They lived in darkness and constant aggression, not
to mention suffering from many kinds of diseases and wounds received
from the Jungle.
When
a New Guinean missionary visited the village to share the Good
News of the Bible, the Folopas welcomed the message and some believed
and put their faith in Christ. Those that believed, prayed and
asked God to send a missionary to live in their village. So God
sent Neil and Carol Anderson to Fukutau village, which is in the
heart of the Folopa speaking region. Before the Andersons came,
there had never been white people that lived in that area of New
guinea, and when they came the people where delighted.
click
here to learn more about the Folopas
