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Daily Scripture
 
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

WEDDING BELLS

Remarriages provide some cultural insights for missionaries.

August 6, 2007

by Jackie Fallis

Last week two remarriage proposals among the Uriai people of Papua New Guinea surprised missionaries Elias and Jose Struik.

Remarrying, or marrying a second wife, is common with the Uriai's life expectancy of 40-45 years.

About two weeks ago, with national and local elections coming to an end, everyone returned to the village. This influx of activity meant more joy, but also meant more arguments. A big meeting was called, and the two main topics were marriages.

Tadidi, a widow, "bluntly expressed in the meeting she had set her mind on marrying Balus," wrote Elias.

Balus was a widower, and was taken by surprise by the announcement. He was also dismayed at the amount of money the brothers of Aleks, Tadidi's deceased husband, demanded for the care and help Aleks provided while he was alive, approximately $100. Other than that, the arrangement went smoothly.

Wobro, another widower, decided he wanted to marry Maria, another widow. The two parties involved, Wobro and Maria's family, tried to decide if a sister-exchange was possible or if Wobro would have to pay money.

A sister-exchange "is the most common way of marriages [in Papua New Guinea], this means that my sister comes your way (as your future spouse) and your sister (or cousin) becomes my wife," wrote Elias.

There were threats thrown between the parties, and it became a tense situation.

Neither ceremony has taken place yet, and the Struiks are looking forward to learning more about Uriai culture as this develops.

Please pray that these couples will grow together, and that after they've heard God's Word will grow close to Him as well.