The Wayana people were first contacted by missionaries in the early 1960s in Suriname. Now, one of those missionary children is partnering with TWR to bring the gospel to the jungle.
A Wayana man fashions an arrow by hand. / Photo: TWR
In the expansive realm of missionary work, the clarion call to Reach the Last resonates with a significance that transcends time and distance.
Inspired by the challenge issued by Canadian evangelist Oswald J. Smith in 1948, the biblical mandate to fulfill Christ Great Commission continues to ignite the hearts of believers and organizations like TWR with fervent passion
Perhaps no greater challenge exists than to venture int potentially hostile territory and boldly endeavor to share the good news of Jesus.
[destacate]Perhaps no greater challenge exists than to venture into potentially hostile territory and boldly endeavor to share the good news of Jesus [/destacate]Consider, for example, the dense jungles of Suriname, South America, where indigenous people live.Steeped in long-standing animistic beliefs and motivated by fear of evil spirits,these individuals are among the world toughest to evangelize and win to Jesus.
But, as you will read below,lasting;hope and peace are reaching their ears and hearts.
What would ultimately become a tale of selflessness and sold-out obedience to God began nearly seven decades ago following a critical momen in modern missionary history.
In 1956, the brutal murder of five Christian missionaries by the Auca people in Ecuador shook the foundations of the global missionary community.
Among those deeply moved was Ivan Schoen, a humble carpenter from Florida. Upon reading the tragic news in the pages of the St. Petersburg (Florida) Times, Schoen felt an irresistible call in his heart.
Moved by the unwavering conviction of the Holy Spirit, he decided to venture to the ends of the earth;to reachunreached tribes for Christ.
After years of meticulous preparation,including biblical studies plus medical and dental training, in 1961 ;Ivan and his wife,Doris,along with their three young children, embarked to Suriname, then known as Dutch Guiana.
Their mission was to bring the gospel message to the indigenous Wayana people. At that time, the Wayana stood as an indigenous group completely isolated from any evangelical influence.
[destacate]Their mission was to bring the gospel messagebn to the indigenous Wayana people. At that time, the Wayana stood as an indigenous group completely isolated from any evangelical influence[/destacate]According to a feature article;published on ttb.org, the online portal for longtime TWR ministry partner Thru the Bible,the Schoens set up a primitive camp along a river in the jungle, living in tents and eating whatever wild animals and fish God provided each day.
Ultimately,they established contact with the Wayana people, believed by many to be a fierce tribal society.
Over time, Ivan made friends with the tribal chief, the shamans, and others from the tribe the article revealed.
He learned their language. He learned about their beliefs in evil spirits and the creator spirit. Eventually Ivan was able to share about the great Spirit, Jesus, and His gift to the world.
As the Wayana began coming to Christ, Ivan started translating the Bible into the tribe’s native tongue. The New Testament was finished in the late 1960s, but it took decades longer before the entire Bible was completed.
Eventually, it was bound into a single volume and presented to the tribal chief just prior to his death.
Much like his father, Ivan, Tom Schoen received God’s call to serve in full-time ministry a relatively young age. Following his high-school years, Tom returned to the United States to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and a master’s in world missions and intercultural studies.
Tom then served as a pastor in the United States for 20 years all the while maintaining missions involvement among the indigenous people he grew up with in Suriname.
Interestingly, Tom speaks the Wayana, Trio and Sranan Tongo languages of Suriname fluently.
[destacate]TWR has captured the incredible story of how the Schoen family brought the gospel to the deepest reaches of the Suriname jungle in the forthcoming film, Lifted: A Dying Tribe Encounters New Life [/destacate]Speaking of Trio, the Wayana people, along with the efforts of the Schoens, helped bring the gospel to this neighboring unreached people group. Tom estimates approximately 95% of Trios ended up professing faith in Christ.
TWR has captured the incredible story of how the Schoen family brought the gospel to the deepest reaches of the Suriname jungle in the forthcoming film, Lifted: A Dying Tribe Encounters New Life.
Secure your spot for early access to the premiere event of Lifted on November 4, 2024, a full four days ahead of its release to the public.
Nowadays, Tom, as a TWR missionary, leads the development of a radio ministry to the indigenous people of Suriname as the on-the-ground liaison between the country’s government and the Wayana and Trio church elders.
Sadly, these elders are losing contact with their next generation as people are spreading out deeper into the jungle in search for new sources of food and fertile land for planting.
Others are searching for work in the gold mines, lumber industry, and elsewhere to provide basic necessities for their families.
[photo_footer] A group from the Wayana and Trio tribes help unload materials for the Jungle Radio Stations project. / Photo: TWR [/photo_footer]
Thanks to Tom’s instrumental work, TWR is embarking on a transformative project to establish a radio ministry among far-flung indigenous people in the remotest parts of Suriname.
In addition, a portable-radio distribution effort by the Triana Foundation, a project funded by the Schoen family and TWR, will allow the indigenous people to listen to TWR programs in their own language.
[destacate]The rich history of missionary work with theWayana and Trio is evidence of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ[/destacate]This project represents more than just the installation of a radio station; it is the culmination of decades of dedication and service, a living testimony to the perseverance and commitment of those who answered the missionary call.
The rich history of missionary work with the Wayana and Trio is evidence of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.
As these indigenous people continue their missionary journeys, even venturing beyond borders into Brazil, the radio project emerges as a vital tool to sustain and strengthen their spiritual communities for years to come.
Maralina Alfonso is TWR's marketing director for Latin America and the Caribbean. She has a background in ministry programs and previously served as executive director at RTM Paraguay.
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