Much of the records have been lost, or were damaged during the arduous journeys that Michael had to endure. One surviving excerpt comes from just one day prior to his arrival in Mashakina.

July 19, Anno Domini 1638

I am certain that God is now my only source of strength, for my body has exhausted it's last humor. One has to wonder why we search for more souls to save when the word of God seems so alien among the ranks of the soldiers who are with us. Surely we could have gone on a mission to the nearest military academy, instead of traversing what must have been all seven seas, and getting lost in wilderness indescribable to a civilized man, to find people who most likely will not even have heard of a bible. In my prayers I ask to be reminded of the cause to reunite all people with the Lord. Even those not far removed from the animals of the jungle.

The next few pages are indecipherable due to water damage, so there is no actual record of his very first contact with the natives. But we are offered some clues as to his first impressions when the text does continue a few days later.

July 23, Anno Domini 1638

I have yet to be able to explain to the natives the importance of covering their bodies. They seem too primitive to grasp the concept of shame. Barely more than the midsection of their physical appearances are draped with cloth. My neck is sore from looking skyward or down at the ground so as not to have to see all the half naked bodies. The soldiers do seem to like it however.

July 25, Anno Domini 1638

My prayers have been answered in the most heinous of ways. I understand now how imperative it is to spread the word to all corners of the world. For where news of our Lord does not reach, the Devil will twist and turn the heads of men. The savages here engage in primitive rituals with dancing and chanting and act as though possessed by demons. They even don masks to resemble and invoke their demon masters. I pray for protection against the evil forces that have corrupted this village. I dare hardly sleep at night now that I know what darkness resides here. As for the education of these simple people I am making no progress with the grown men, as they seem too stupid to be able to understand even the simplest words. I have instead turned my attention towards some of the more intelligent children, who seem curious and whose minds are more malleable. I have taught several of them to count to ten, and shall soon have them recount the commandments by heart.