Canoes, Crocodiles and Christ

“Hariva!” she screamed. There was a loud splash, then silence..."

That was the last Haru ever heard from his mother. Unable to cope with his loss, Haru’s father left him with relatives, returning years later to prepare Haru to become the next chief and initiate him into the world of puri puri magic. But Haru wanted to go to school, determined to learn how to make sense of the strange marks the other boys scratched in the dirt.
Haru learnt to read and write, but most importantly, he discovered the God who created the world—a God stronger than puri puri, stronger than the fiercest cannibals, a God he would serve for the rest of his life.

This is the true story of Haru Hariva, who pioneered God’s message, bringing the light of Jesus and His love to many remote villages in Papua New Guinea. Facing challenges and dangers, he witnessed miracles as God made hidden crocodiles visible, sent His angel to prepare the hearts of remote villagers, and fulfilled His promise that “when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you” (Isaiah 43:2).