A Spark of Life in a Hidden World

Lords of the Earth is a gripping account of Christian missionaries, Stanley Dale and Bruno de Leeuw, and their first contact with the Yali tribes-people of the high mountains of Irian Jaya (Dutch New Guinea). The Yali were a hard-edged warrior dominated society that eked out a primitive existence in the steep walled valleys that protected them from civilization. These occasional cannibals had their world and cosmology utter shaken by the appearance of the two RBMU (Regions Beyond Missionary Union) missionaries and native guides that trekked into their valleys in 1961. Over the next decade, these people saw their warring sectarianism replaced by a loving peace taught by the Christian gospel.

Stan Dale is the main protagonist of this hard-to-believe true story. Starting from very humble beginnings in Australia, he fought his way into becoming a smart, strong, but often equally brash soldier. His conversion to Christianity was followed shortly by a call to the mission fields of Papua New Guinea. However, his sternness and treatment of others led him to being let go from not one but two different missionary societies. But when in his third stint on the island he went to the Yali people, he finally found the field God had prepared him for.

This account is filled with some absolutely cringe-filled moments as Stan charges into situations that he had no understanding of the underlying context. The greatest lesson this book imparts is that God can use anyone and their foibles for His work. Richardson’s portrayal of him – drawn from many firsthand accounts and his own acquaintance – paint a fair picture of the man. Sometimes this is to his detriment, but also the reader sees how he was uniquely suited for this challenging assignment. His supporting cast of missionaries and native tribesmen are impressive in their resolve to break the power of spirit worship. I don’t want to spoil the story, but it truly is amazing from where it starts to where it ends.

The thing I loved most was the view into this primitive people’s lives. Their beliefs, their thoughts, the way the villages are arranged appeal deeply to my anthropological curiosities. These black pygmy cliff dwellers reveal their humanity even in the most uncivilized ways. The reader feels drawn to them in the same way the missionaries were.

The book on a whole isn’t as strong as Richardson’s autobiographical account in his book Peace Child, but those who love to read compelling stories of Christ’s work will enjoy this. The events in this story are barely fifty years old. They should be an inspiration to many.

7 stars out of 10

7 people found this helpful

iNTENSE AND EXCITING

Would you consider the audio edition of Lords of the Earth to be better than the print version?

i HAVE NOT READ THE PRINT VERSION, BUT THE READER IS VERY GOOD, SO FOR ME, I WOULD CONSIDER THE AUDIBLE BETTER

What does Raymond Todd bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

HE OPENS YOUR IMAGINATION TO A NEW WORLD WHICH YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES

Any additional comments?

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK

5 people found this helpful

Not a fan of how it was read.

I loved this book, such an awesome story of faith and sacrifice. I was not a fan of the reader because he read it without much emotion and it really felt like a documentary than a harrowing adventure of faith that these missionaries embarked on. Overall, I loved it regardless of the that one point.

3 people found this helpful

Every Bit Amazing

I confess that I was a little disappointed to find out that the narrator of this story was different than the one who narrated "Peace Child". However...I soon forgot that disappointment as I was drawn into the story.

The description of the Yali people is graphic, including the use of the term "penis sheath" more times than I would have preferred, but does portray these primitive people accurately. As with "Peace Child", once the missionary part of the story begins, the tone of the book changes.

This book would be difficult for more sensitive readers, or younger children, as murder and death are described in some detail, including the killing and maiming of victims. As difficult as it is, in my opinion this only adds to the wonder of transformation brought about by the gospel.

I am in awe of the sacrifice made by the missionaries in this story. It challenges and inspires me in my own relationship with Christ.

I highly recommend this book!

2 people found this helpful

awesome read

when I first read this book about 35yrs ago I had a somewhat judgemental view of Stan Dale. I'm very glad I listened to it again. Now I believe Stan Dale to be God's prepared man for this mission.
This book brings you right into the middle of this missionary story and it was worth the time and money to hear it again.
Highly recommended.

1 person found this helpful

A story of bravery and persistence

I was inspired by the focus of the missionaries in an extreme land. It amazes me as to how recent this history is.

1 person found this helpful

Great Testimony

What did you love best about Lords of the Earth?

It is so cool getting a glimpse into the culture before Christ and after Christ.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes I was definitely excited to hear each next chapter

What about Raymond Todd’s performance did you like?

He held my interest pretty well

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

No one is beyond the Lord’s reach

1 person found this helpful

Amazing Story!

Well written account of an amazing work of God. The performance was also very good.

1 person found this helpful

If this doesn’t challenge you I don’t know what will.

A very good account of the story of the missionaries that entered the Heluk and Seng valley.
It’s amazing to see how God used this story to reach the Yali people.

The narrator could have gave done a little bit of research on how to pronounce the local words correctly.

Excellent!

This is an incredible account of the pioneers who brought the Gospel to unreached people!