Arrival to Umoufia

We have finally arrived in Umoufia, but even days into our arrival in these mysterious and uncharted lands, we have already come to a firm conclusion; these lands are filled with barbaric and savage beliefs. The religious rituals and beliefs of these native clans are beyond abysmal, and it has become clear that we must go a long way to correct and rectify their wrong beliefs.

On the first day of our time in Umoufia, we were struck with the absurdity and preposterousness of their religious rituals and beliefs. Our group of missionaries was strolling through the village, and we witnessed the native methods of funerals and burial methods. We discovered that there were several religious methods of burial, some more disturbing than others, but we found all of them to be alien and bizarre. We saw the most prestigious of the Umoufian burials, with the deceased given a proper and traditional ceremony, which included dances, singing, and offerings to their gods. I have begun to think that the Umoufians celebrate the death of their loved ones rather than mourn of their loss. My fellow missionaries were repelled at their belief that the dead join the spirits of their ancestors, when is it a fact that the dead either go to heaven or hell, and not to their ancestors. However, we intend to correct and set their beliefs right during our time here.

The worst of all these early discoveries of their religious practices and traditional beliefs is their inhumane, ruthless and savage treatment to twins and mortality among infants. Less than two days into our arrival of this native land, we have seen the worst of their cruel and barbaric ways. We watched helplessly as twin infants were thrust into earthenware pots by their own parents, and tossed into what they believe as the ‘Evil Forest’ and left to die. Several of my fellow missionaries screamed with despair and began to cry as we watched the villagers throw away their children as part of their religious beliefs. It gets worse. As we continued our initial tour and exploration of the village, we were speechless, horrified and outraged as a ‘medicine man’ brought out a sharp razor from his satchel and began to mutilate a dead child. He the dragged the corpse on the dirt ground by its ankle and buried it in the ‘Evil Forest’. I have travelled the world, and seen and experienced many things, but I have never seen vicious and merciless acts of such gravity. How could they treat God’s children and creation with such violence and ruthlessness? After that day, I couldn't help but begin to ponder whether this appalling society is beyond cure.

We have only been in Umoufia for less than a week, but I have already seen enough to eternally scar my memories. However, seeing these absurd religious rituals of the natives has kindled a new fire and desire to help and correct them.