They interview dozens of people, compile word lists and play story tapes to determine people's understanding of neighboring languages. They also use sociolinguistic techniques to gauge the strength of each language they study. But they aren't just trying to discover what languages people speak. The information that surveyors gather lights the path for future Bible translation and shows where translators are most needed. They are an extremely needy group.
Medical help is a two-day trek away.
My heart went out to them. With such a limited understanding of the Gospel, it wasn't surprising that they fear spirits so much. A shooting star is considered a particularly bad spirit, the call of a certain bird is an omen of death, water deeper than one's ankle is feared. Sorcery is considered the cause of death, disease, misfortune. As difficult as it has been this last survey season, God has made it clear that the directions we were taking and the people we were relating to were all part of His plan for our trip.