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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

UNDERSTANDING TRIBAL BELIEF SYSTEM CRITICAL

Kobi has tried to commit suicide several times the past couple of weeks.

February 27, 2008

by Dena McMaster

The cultural beliefs of the Uriai people in Papua New Guinea are deeply rooted in their system of ancestor worship. As missionaries Elias and Jose Struik continue to study the culture and language, they begin to understand the fears that control the people.

"Nothing happens without a reason," wrote Elias. "Whether you get ill, step on an ax or a bird flies over your head, there is a very specific spiritual reason for it. Visible and invisible forces play a huge role in everyday life."

Kobi, a witch doctor who recently ran through the village with a bow and arrow when a "spirit" spoke to him, has tried to commit suicide by climbing a coconut tree with a jungle vine around his neck.

He also planted several spears in the ground and attempted to jump on them from his veranda. Suicide seems to be his solution for the trouble he is having making marriage arrangements with Megrin and her family. While some of the Uriais urged Kobi to come down, their motivation surprised the Struiks.

"Kobi," said one of the Uriais, "what does it benefit you if you jump from that coconut tree and die? Megrin will simply marry another man and she will tell her children stories with her husband. Come down, hurry up."

The continuation of oral tradition (stories) and children are valued extremely highly. Elias and Jose ask for prayer to better understand the belief system of the Uriais so that they can present the Gospel in a culturally understandable way.

Pray also that Kobi's threats of suicide and manipulation will not escalate any further and that the missionaries can provide wise counsel to the families.