Aldergrove-based Bibles for the Poor was formed out of concern  for the natives of the Pacific nation of Vanuatu – a chain of islands which is home to the Jon Frum Cargo Cult.

“This group,” ministry co-founder Dave Dever wrote, “originated during World War II, when U.S. Marines came to the island. These materially poor natives saw the great wealth of the West, and coveted it for themselves.

“They believe their hero, Jon Frum, will return one day with cargo for them. It is unclear who he actually was. The people believe Jon Frum's spirit lives in a live volcano . . . with thousands of other spirit followers.”

Dever’s organization spearheaded an initiative to have the Bible translated into Bislama, the language of Vanuatu. The ministry has distributed 2,450 Bibles on this island over the past five years.

Ministry director Phil Enarson offers these highlights of their most recent trip.

WE ARRIVED at Chief Isaac Wan’s Port Vila compound, Bislama bibles and outboard motor in hand.

The chief was waiting with a number of his immediate family.

Quickly, the large box with the motor inside and the smaller box of Bibles were unloaded from the pick-up truck and laid on the ground.

The top of the box was turned into a table and hospitality items of food and drink were placed on it.

Dave Dever, speaking in Bislama, declared that both the motor and the Bislama bibles were gifts from many people, young and old, back in North America who cared for and loved Chief Isaac and his people.

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The gifts were given with the intent not only to improve their lives here on earth but, more importantly – especially in the case of the Bibles – to give them knowledge of how to attain eternal life in the hereafter.

Towards the end of his speech, Dave drew attention to the reality that unfortunately there are many pretenders in the church – with the implication that this fact should not prevent one from sincerely following Jesus Christ.

In Vanuatu, protocol in these types of gift-giving ceremonies calls for a formal response from the recipient.

 Even though an elaborate ceremony was reserved for the next day, when we actually were to deliver the motor and the Bislama Bibles to the entire village on island of Tanna, Chief Isaac felt compelled to respond with a few words.

With great anticipation, we waited to hear from the leader of the local Cargo Cult. As the old chief rose to speak, we were all struck with surprise by the simplicity, sincerity and power of his first words.

He said, “Me no pretender. Me have Jesus in my heart.”

The words had the trademark of a simple ‘confession of faith,’ similar to the early church’s confession, ‘Jesus is Lord.’

However one interprets them, the words went deep into the hearts of all who heard them – giving rise to the conviction that Chief Isaac Wan, leader of the Jon Frum Cargo Cult, has placed personal faith in Jesus.

As scripture attests: ‘With the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

Bibles for the Poor is planning to deliver another shipment of Bible this fall. To support them or for more information, go to biblesforthepoor.org.

August 2007