There is a Gogodala story that tells of a time when they were brothers with white Europeans. The story says there were two brothers; the eldest a dark-skinned Gogodala, and the younger a white-skinned European. Their father gave the older brother a choice of weapons—bows and arrows or guns. Much to the disappointment of his descendents, the older brother chose bows and arrows. The father gave the younger son the guns and took him to the other side of the world for a better life of education and wealth. Today, the Gogodala see their disadvantaged state compared with the developed world and blame it on their ancestor’s bad decision.

The Gogodala also believe that when they die they are taken to a place called Wabila, a place of the dead, where they go through a purification process and become white-skinned. They later return to their people with gifts and assistance to bring them a better life. This notion leads to a feeling that it is the white missionary’s duty to teach their Gogodala brothers how to live like Westerners.
In one sense, their thinking is correct. They truly are disadvantaged because of a decision one of their ancestors made. But that disadvantage applies to us all, and it is much more serious than a lack of modern luxuries. Because of Adam’s disobedience, sin and death became humanity’s lot.

In another sense, the Gogodala are also correct that a missionary will bring a better life. Jesus, the ultimate missionary, will return to this earth and take away sin, sickness and death. Unfortunately, the Gogodala focus on earthly wealth instead of heavenly. Please pray that they will learn to seek first the kingdom of God.

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