Buffalo Jump | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Buffalo Jump | Previous Challenge Entry
By linda simpson
11/23/17
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BUFFALO JUMP
Drumming hooves shake the ground as the buffalo herd draws closer. Great clouds of dust blow before them dimming their vision. They don't know where they are going only that they need to flee the enemy. There are nearly 700 animals. The males over 1 1/2 meters at the shoulder weigh around 600kg, females slightly smaller with their young form, a thundering mass. Steered into 'drive channels' by trained 'buffalo runners' dressed in coyote or wolf skins, they stampede over the cliff, creating what has been described as 'a brown waterfall of fur'. With loud bellows they fall, breaking necks and legs, one on top of the other, on top of the other. Those not dead, are killed by hunters waiting at the base 10 meters below. None will survive. The tribe believe any left alive can pass on information to other buffalo so the next 'hunt' won't be as successful. A camp is set up a short distance away to process the carcasses for their living requirements. Skins become shelter, clothing and footwear. Meat is for immediate consumption or dried for later. Tools are created from bones, even hair is made into ropes. No part of the animal is wasted. This method was used for over 5,000 years.

I learned this at 'Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump', a World Heritage Site. One of the largest and best preserved 'jumps' in North America, it was established to perpetuate knowledge and culture of the Blackfoot tribe of Indians. We had returned to Canada to celebrate my
parents 50th wedding anniversary. While staying with my brother in Calgary, he took us to visit this interesting attraction at the foothills of the Rockies. I had no idea my learning about life in the wilderness of Canada would have an effect on the other side of the world.

Approximately seven years later, I am in India on a three week mission trip. Organized by a Christian ministry there are 35 of us, from different churches, divided into 6 groups each visiting a
different state. Descriptions beforehand didn't really prepare us for what we encountered. In the city many people live in dreadful conditions. Horrible dark 'thatch huts' among dingy high rise apartments. Cows roam free and even sleep across the road. The traffic is a nightmare. It seems there are no road rules. Everyone drives fast and, honking their horn, trust the on-coming vehicles will give way.

Our team is headed for Kakinada. As we arrive at the train station a woman approaches, begging for food. We are instructed to ignore her. People are sleeping on the station floor. Men haggle over the cost of taking our luggage on the train. Finally, we find our compartment and settle down. I am grateful our team leader has been here before and knows what to expect. During the team worship and prayer time we received encouragement that the Lord had gone before us we and we would be safe. This was very comforting for our 32 hour 670 km journey ahead.

Tired and glad to be off the train, we received a warm, friendly welcome with gifts of lei's, and a delicious meal. In spite of poverty, Indian people are very generous, always putting visitors' needs first and they are open to the gospel. There is a strong caste system. The highest Brahmin, the lowest Dalit (untouchables). The main religion is Hindu and followers believe in numerous gods. Travelling around the pleasant country side with thatched roofed villages among rice paddies, we were able to share on numerous occasions about Jesus and see set people free and healed.

My highlight of the trip took place at an evening meeting. About 250 mostly Hindu's, attended. It was my turn to present the message. Asking for the Lord's help, I described what happened at a buffalo jump. The animals didn't know where they were going. They had no leader and plunged over the cliff to their death. Then I explained about Jesus, 'Son of the one true God', how He will lead us on a safe path. His path will give us life not death. Following Him we are safe in His care and have eternal life. Afterwards, about 50 responded, mostly young men, but the first to respond was a Brahmin priest and 2 village elders. How amazing! God used a story of wild animals to draw people into His kingdom. It was a memorable trip and the Lord did keep us safe.

Fact

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