A group that wraps themselves in various religious and ancestral beliefs, with teachings that appeal deeply to man's human nature, is gaining strength and followers in Papua New Guinea to the point where they are drawing in Siawi believers.
"The basic premise [of their teaching] is this," wrote missionary Linda Krieg, "Jesus was really born right after World War II, not in Israel, but … just a few miles away. He was crucified on a mountain not far from here. If you do your meetings just right, with the right decorations, songs, dances, and such, then your eyes will be opened, and you will be able to see Jesus and to see Heaven.
"If you do things right, which includes meeting twice a day, seven days a week, doing the chants and dancing, then you will be able to do miracles, and be able to get the dead to start sending you possessions, so you can be rich. Also, you will be able to do miracles, and be able to make food just appear out of thin air. For a society longing to have what the modern world offers, it is a perfect religion."
A month ago Linda only saw hints of these beliefs among the Siawis. Today she knows the people were observing many of their practices when they knew she wouldn't be present. She recently attended a meeting where the people's attire and actions began raising red flags in her mind. She told the people she could no longer meet with them since they were leaving God's truth for Satan's lies.
A few of the believers have come to talk to Linda, asking questions about some of the teachings. Linda has answered their questions with "What does the Bible say?" and has pointed them to various scriptures.
The false teaching is dividing families. Kwaelom, who has faithfully worked with the missionaries to translate Scripture, and his wife, Mese, are not in agreement with the teaching, but three of their four children are very active in it. Someliae sees the teaching for the lie it is, but his wife, Aiwau, is under its influence. So far, the believers who are not following the false teaching have been afraid to meet at a separate time, to read Scripture and pray.
A mass meeting with the false teachers is scheduled in a neighboring village this weekend, Sept. 1-3, with people coming from many different language groups. Almost all of the Siawi people are planning to go, with only a few hold outs.
"Three of my main translation helpers [Imen, Oba and Yeneb] are planning to attend," wrote Linda. "These are all people who have a good understanding of God's Word, so seeing them make the decision to turn their backs on God's Word and follow this new [group] is heartbreaking."
Please pray that the Lord will use this meeting to open the eyes of those who are true believers, but just weak in their faith and understanding of the truth.
Missionaries Tom and Danielle Brendle are scheduled to return to Papua New Guinea in October from their current home assignment. "Pray that we will be able to return in God's timing," they wrote, "to be a part of teaching those who desire to know the truth in God's Word."
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