This summer, our church family is journeying together through an extraordinary, true missions story about Don and Carol Richardson’s time among the Sawi people of Papua told across three different reading levels so that everyone can participate!

All ages will be exploring the same powerful narrative of cross‑cultural friendship, sacrificial love, and the transforming hope of the gospel!

All three books tell the remarkable, true account of Don and Carol Richardson’s time among the Sawi people of Papua (formerly Irian Jaya). The Sawi were known for their complex tribal alliances, cycles of revenge, and a cultural value system that honored treachery as a virtue. When the Richardsons arrived, they found themselves in the middle of escalating conflict between villages. Yet in the midst of this turmoil, the Sawi practiced a profound ritual: to establish peace, one tribe would offer a newborn child to the other, a “peace child”, whose life guaranteed reconciliation. Don recognized in this tradition a powerful bridge to the gospel. Just as the Sawi entrusted peace to the life of a child, God offers peace to humanity through His own Son. When the Sawi heard this connection, their understanding of Christ and their entire culture began to change.

Each book tells this same story in an age‑appropriate way:

• Adult | Peace Child by Don Richardson – The full missionary memoir, rich in cultural detail, tension, and spiritual insight.
• Middle Grades |Treachery on the Twisted River* by Don Richardson  – A fast‑paced, accessible retelling that highlights adventure, danger, and the discovery of the peace child ritual.  Includes family discussion questions!
• Picture Book | Perfect Peace Child  by Don Richardson – A beautifully illustrated version for young children, focusing on friendship, trust, and the meaning of true peace.

*We do want to note that for sensitive readers, the Sawi tribe practiced cannibalism before embracing the gospel.  While we do not think the books indulge in unnecessary description and instead provide an opportunity for family discussion, please note that it is a part of the story. This content can be skipped in the middle grade book by beginning the story in Chapter 6.

Purchase your book via the link below:

We’re inviting the entire church—kids, teens, adults, and families—to read your selected book by August 15th.

Once you finish your book:

1. Complete the Read‑Along Feedback & Completion Form. This helps us celebrate what you learned and how the story encouraged you!
2. Be entered into the Summer Raffle!  Every completed form counts as one raffle entry. The prize for the adult and middle grade categories will be the winner's choice of one piece of Veritas Apparel. The picture book prize will be a family gift card to Graeter’s Ice Cream!