Good News for the Waunana

Abstract

If the church of Christ is to take root and grow indigenously, it is indispensable that the gospel be presented in a manner relevant to this indigenous environment and world view. Recognizing this, the ambassadors to the Waunana tried to find in the Waunana world view some indigenous points of departure on which to anchor the message. The following is a brief resume of the historical, geographical, and cultural setting which provided the framework within which the gospel message to the Waunana was delivered. As will be seen, contact with the Waunana was brief and inconclusive. Many questions are tantalizingly unanswered. What created the feeling of guilt which gave rise to the beseeching ceremony? What elements in the missionary message struck such a responsive chord? Nevertheless this account is presented with hope that it will stimulate search for the most effective methods of presenting God's good news.