he met lots of villagers (he couldn't quite comprehend that they were SDA and music was against their religion)
Bit of a long bow to draw isn't it? They may not have heard of Tommy Emmanuel, but music is certainly part of their life.
Great story though. What a claim to fame and a great way to form a friendship! It's a wonder his Dad survived. Imagine if he didn't - we wouldn't have Tommy's great music today... Probably one of the greatest guitar players Australia has produced.