When Sikane and Dagruma's child died, missionaries Elias and Jose Struik were able to talk with their friends and learn much about how the Uriai people of Papua New Guinea mourn their loss.
Sikane and Dagruma stopped eating and rubbed their bodies with ashes. They isolated themselves from any interaction with the villagers.
Jose talked with Dagruma and they discussed how she and Sikane mourned the death of their child Yankas. They also discussed what the Uriais believe about death.
The Uriais believe that they can talk with "the spirit" of a dead person and they can hear his voice. They also believe that they see these spirits as they walk along the paths to their gardens.
The Uriais talk to these spirits who help them determine if there are pigs in the area for hunting. They believe that the missionaries are returned spirits of their ancestors who possess a lot of "stuff." They think the missionaries are going to reveal secret knowledge so that these material possessions will be available to the Uriais.
Understanding the Uriais views on death and wealth will help the missionaries teach evangelistic Bible lessons so they can understand eternal life in Jesus. The missionaries need to clearly teach the Uriais what God's Word says about death and wealth.
Pray for the Elias and Jose as they continue to build relationships with the Uriai people and study the culture of the people so they can teach the Gospel in a culturally effective manner. Pray also that the hearts of the Uriai tribal people will be open to the Gospel message.
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