My heart beat like a hammer in my chest. Sweat poured down my face in the humid heat. Still, I raced on like a cat chasing a mouse, trying to keep my bare feet from sliding out at every turn. Getting closer! I thought to myself. Oh, he turned another corner—can’t let him get away!

This past spring, I had the opportunity to go with my family on an awesome adventure to the country of Papua New Guinea. Located north of Australia, Papua New Guinea remains one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world with 841 native languages. We were in PNG to visit my uncle and aunt, Stephen and Laurie Erickson, and my cousins, Karin and Johanna. They have been serving as missionaries to the Gogodala people for about six years.

When we arrived in Kewa village, the hospitality and friendliness of the Gogodala people amazed me. They gave us leis they had made from local flowers. I had a blast with the village children. We played games, swam in the river and taught each other many things. Since I love to swim, I got along quite well with all my new friends, as being in or around the water is very much a part of their lifestyle. I taught them how to swim the butterfly stroke, and they taught me how to make many things, such as a bow and arrows and grass darts.

I’ve almost got him! I thought to myself. Cheers from Gogodala children around me helped me muster my strength. We were playing games at a big feast in Kewa village, celebrating the second birthday of one of the kids in the village, and I was trying to tag my brother. He swerved to the left. I cut the corner and nearly tackled him as I touched him in triumph. More than a hundred kids cheered.

The simple lives of the Gogodala people demonstrated to me that true happiness is not found in money or possessions, but in relationships—most importantly, a relationship with God. My brother, an avid amateur radio operator, brought a load of radio gear and antennas and talked to people all over the world from our remote location. Unlike radio or cell phone or even email, it is simple to talk to God. The creator of the universe is always just a prayer away.

“Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection” (Prayer, EGW, p. 35).

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