I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “LORD, save me!” Psalm 116:1-4
Martyrs of New Guinea (1942)
Wartime Servants
New Guinea’s 333 missionary martyrs, many of whom lost their lives during the Second World War, are traditionally remembered on 2 September.
Christianity came to the south-east Asian island in the 1860s. When war broke out in 1939, New Guinea became a dangerous place for European missionaries, especially once the Japanese had invaded the island. Despite the danger, Bishop Philip Scott and his mission team chose to stay, and were captured by the Japanese. He, his eight staff and two laymen were executed on 2 September 1942 in a concentration camp. Many other Christians died in these camps during the Japanese occupation, especially in Papua (eastern New Guinea). Here also, numerous Papuan Christians risked their lives to care for those wounded by attacks from the Japanese.
God of mercy,
who brought your holy martyrs of New Guinea
through the great tribulation,
grant us ever to abide in your presence,
that, whatever the calling you give us,
we may be ready for your service
and constant in the truth of your gospel.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
For All the Saints (Canada)