Jungle Church
This I know, that God is for me.
-Psalm 56:9
What I remember most about church was that the split log benches had no backs, and so it was really hard to fall asleep during the sermon.
The Shuar who came loved to sing, and they especially loved to learn songs in English. They sang loudly, enthusiastically, and always off key. It was wonderful! My dad played the trumpet, my mom played the accordion, and there was an old pump organ that she also played.
Dogs, chickens, children, everyone came to church. One Sunday, someone saw a wild pig, and that was the end of the service. Everyone jumped up and ran out to try to catch it.
After church, my mom would open the clinic, and we’d share homemade bread, meat, and whatever else we had with all those who wanted to stay after.
There were no roads, no cars, everyone who came to church walked through the jungle. For some the walk could be as long as a couple of hours, maybe longer. So, every effort was made to care not just for the spiritual needs of those who came, but for their physical needs as well.
About This Photo
Church built by believers. Unknown location, possibly the Philippines. 1946. Photograph by Bill Gibson.
Go Exploring
John D Pruden: 
Amelia: 
A WordPress Commenter: Visit Our Store
Many of the images and inspirational messages have been made available at our Cafe Press Store. We’d love it if you would visit and have a look around.
About Bill and Gladis
In 1949, Bill and Gladis Gibson left family and friends behind and began their lives together as missionaries to the Jivaro (Shuar) Indians in Ecuador South America.
.
This took an incredible amount of courage and faith because at that time, the Shuar were fierce indigenous people living in the Amazon rainforest, actively engaging in feuds, vendettas, witchcraft, and violence.
Be Merry
I think it's time to go shopping... maybe even buy some really cool stuff at my online shops!!
You Matter!
We love our visitors!
Leave a Reply