Scenes from a movie bombard us in a torrent of graphic images. Angry faces exuding pain, vengeance, and hatred. Bodies moving in a violent and uncontrolled flow. The full capability of mankind's carnal nature is portrayed in a two-hour glimpse outside our often comfortable and routine lives.

Kathy Vanaria, with her 9 year old son close by her side, walks slowly through her village home in the Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG), dependent on the cane in her hand to support her labored steps. The scene before her swirls amidst screams and shouts: surreal, horrific, unbelievable. Four machete-armed men wield the full force of their strength and brutality on three men, bound and kneeling, accused of the murder of two boys from a neighboring village. Suddenly, simple images take on a new meaning, they have a smell, a taste, the very real presence of danger and the reality of evil is thrust before a woman who is left standing alone to protect her son, and to administer peace.

Kathy Vanaria has lived among the Mesem tribe for 10 years - a people of base understanding, morality and civilization. This is a place steeped in violence with animism dominating the beliefs and ruling most of the day to day life of the villagers. Tradition overrides religion so with the introduction of Christianity alongside that of steel axes, salt and sugar most people profess to be Christians based on their association of the two, rather than a saving faith in Christ. The Mesem are animists and have a strong allegiance to Sankumtalung, an evil spirit whose name they regard as holy. The attraction of spiritual power fuels much interest in the spiritual realm making it is easy to lead many to the Lord. Unfortunately, very little change is evident in the lives of a people who will accept any source of spiritual power. Kathy stated, "It is quite astounding to hear the difference between what they tell you initially and what they actually live and practice on a daily basis."

Recent events have rendered it almost impossible for Kathy and her family to remain in the village. Fear pervades as revenge attacks are constantly threatened. Houses are looted and left burning, livestock is killed and the future remains uncertain. Their presence having been a restraining influence following initial events, the Vanarias are currently residing at the mission station as her husband Neil braves the outcome of these episodes and returns to the village to see what steps can be taken.

In this male dominated society, Neil carries the status of a 'big man' and is the one who carries the full weight of responsibility in times like these. However, Kathy's intervention during the attacks while her husband was out of town was divinely orchestrated. Having no one to stand with her, she proclaimed the authority of Jesus Christ and demanded that they stop. Fear had sent the village men into hiding but Kathy testifies that she never felt alone or helpless. Christ was there.

Kathy has found much relief and encouragement in recent months through her bible study using Global University materials. Now completing her second course since October of last year, she says, "The Global material has been very encouraging to me thus far. I find the materials stimulating and helpful in terms of coming to grips with scripture in a real way with a different perspective."

In times like this when life takes a turn that is totally outside of our control and understanding, it seems that we are thrust into a new level of dependence on God. Do we suddenly learn to prioritize our time, energy and thoughts to fit into survival mode, or is it really God's intention that we all simplify our increasingly complex lives? Through this time, Kathy and Neil's long term vision has grown through a process of simplification. Kathy explained, "Our vision is Christ. The only vision we can have is Christ. If our vision is anything quantitative then we will be disappointed because we are looking to the wrong thing. If we seek to imitate Him we cannot fail and the people will change because He has been in their midst."

As Wycliffe bible translators, the initial purpose of the work that Neil and Kathy have undertaken has been interrupted but not thwarted. As night falls like a blanket around them in the mountains, the darkness looms, and yet there is hope. A people who are unlovely and unlovable are being shown the unequivocal sacrifice of Christ through a family who have persevered through personal devastation and heartache to reach out to those who would otherwise never have known. Christ lives and is glorified, even in the darkest of places and through the darkest of times.