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A Journey of Faith: Venturing into the Jungles of Suriname

31 October 2024

In the expansive realm of missionary work, the clarion call to Reach the Last resonates with a significance that transcends time and distance. Inspired by the challenge issued by Canadian evangelist Oswald J. Smith in 1948, the biblical mandate to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission continues to ignite the hearts of believers – and organisations like TWR – with fervent passion.

Perhaps no greater challenge exists than to venture into potentially hostile territory and boldly endeavor to share the good news of Jesus. Consider for example the dense jungles of Suriname, South America, where indigenous people live. Steeped in longstanding animistic beliefs and motivated by fear of evil spirits, these individuals are among the world’s toughest to evangelise and win to Jesus.

Nevertheless lasting hope and peace are reaching their ears and hearts.

From Tragedy to Triumph

What would ultimately become a tale of selflessness and sold-out obedience to God began nearly seven decades ago following a critical moment in modern missionary history. In 1956, the brutal murder of five Christian missionaries by the Auca people in Ecuador shook the foundations of the global missionary community.

Among those deeply moved was Ivan Schoen, a humble carpenter from Florida. Upon reading the tragic news in the pages of the New York Times, Schoen felt an irresistible call in his heart. Moved by the unwavering conviction of the Holy Spirit, he decided to venture to the ends of the earth to reach unreached tribes for Christ.

In 1961, after years of meticulous preparation, including biblical studies plus medical and dental training, Ivan and his wife Doris along with their three young children, embarked to Suriname. Their mission was clear: to bring the Gospel message into the depths of the jungle and reach the indigenous Wayana people’s hearts.

At that time the Wayana stood as an indigenous group completely isolated from any evangelical influence, classified as an Unengaged and Unreached People Group. This added a unique dimension of challenge and urgency to the task at hand.

According to a feature article published on www.ttb.org, the online portal for longtime TWR ministry partner Thru the Bible, the Schoens set up a primitive camp along a river in the jungle, living in tents and eating whatever wild animals and fish God provided each day. Ultimately they established contact with the Wayana people, believed by many to be a fierce tribal society.

“Over time, Ivan made friends with the tribal chief, the shamans and others from the tribe” the article revealed. “He learned their language. He learned about their beliefs in evil spirits and the creator spirit. Eventually Ivan was able to share about the great Spirit, Jesus and His gift to the world.”

As the Wayana began coming to Christ, Ivan started translating the Bible into the tribe’s native tongue. The New Testament was finished in the late 1960s, but it took decades longer before the entire Bible was completed. Eventually it was bound into a single volume and presented to the tribal chief just prior to his death.

Like Father, Like Son

Much like his father Ivan, Tom Schoen received God’s call to serve in full-time ministry at a relatively young age. Following his high-school years, Tom returned to the United States to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity College and a master’s in World Missions and Intercultural Studies from Biola University.

Tom then served as a pastor in the United States for 20 years all the while maintaining missions involvement among the indigenous people he grew up with in Suriname. Interestingly, Tom speaks the Wayana, Trio and Sranan Tongo languages of Suriname fluently.

Speaking of Trio, the Wayana people, along with the efforts of the Schoens helped bring the Gospel to this neighbouring unreached people group. Tom estimates approximately 95% of Trios ended up professing faith in Christ.

A New Project

As a TWR missionary, Tom now leads the development of a radio ministry to the indigenous people of Suriname as the on-the-ground liaison between the country’s government and the Wayana and Trio church elders. Sadly these elders are losing contact with their next generation as people are spreading out deeper into the jungle in search for new sources of food and fertile land for planting. Others are searching for work in the gold mines, lumber industry, and elsewhere to provide basic necessities for their families.

Thanks to Tom’s instrumental work, TWR is embarking on a transformative project: to establish a radio ministry among far-flung indigenous people in the remotest parts of Suriname. TWR believes radio will provide ongoing evangelism and discipleship and help unite, encourage and minister to others all the while spreading the Gospel to even more unreached people groups.

In addition, a portable radio distribution effort by the Triana Foundation, a project funded by the Schoen family and TWR, will allow the indigenous people to listen to TWR programmes in their own language.

This project represents more than just the installation of a radio station; it is the culmination of decades of dedication and service, a living testimony to the perseverance and commitment of those who answered the missionary call. It also is a reminder that missionary work is a collective effort, uniting people from different cultures and disciplines toward a common goal of bringing the light of the Gospel to the most remote places on earth.

The rich history of missionary work with the Wayana and Trio provides evidence of the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. As these indigenous people continue their missionary journeys, even venturing beyond borders into Brazil, the radio project emerges as a vital tool to sustain and strengthen their spiritual communities for years to come.

Coming Soon: A Redemptive Film

Discover more about the story of the Schoen family, called by God to share the Gospel with an indigenous people who had never heard the name of Jesus. It’s all chronicled in a compelling new TWR-produced documentary titled Lifted: A Dying Tribe Encounters New Life coming soon.

Mission