Until the 1970s New Guinea was a colony, first of the Germans, then Australia. However, the island of Papua New Guinea had been inhabited for millennia prior to European presence. The Aimele are a small group who live at the base of a volcanic mountain in the Lake Campbell region. They are primarily known to the outside world from linguistic studies of their language, one of some 800 languages in PNG. Such linguistic diversity is primarily due to the island's mountainous geography, so that practically every valley has its own language. Consequently, Tok Pisin is a common lingua franca. Their language, Eibela, is an endangered language because so few speak it and it lacks literature.
The Aimele live in communal long houses made of thatching. They wear elaborate headdresses during sing sing ceremonials. It is likely they wear nose plugs and body paint and make painted bark cloth. They live by slash-and-burn swidden gardening, harvesting wild sago palms, and game hunting. They are governed by clan leaders who interface with the outside world, attempting to preserve territorial integrity in the face of logging. They also adjudicate problems within the Aimele world and regulate access to resources. Shamans communicate with the spirit world.
Most of the Aimela practice their indigenous traditional religion. They are animists, for whom nature is spirit-filled; and for whom ancestors are important. Indeed, bird songs and chirping are interpreted as coming from deceased ancestors.
About thirty of them are Christians due to missionary linguists. However, they lack Scripture, Bible translation being in progress. However, Gospel Recording Network and Scripture Earth play some role in taking them the gospel.
They need territorial integrity in the face of logging. They need access to modern medicine and hygiene; maternal and childcare. They also need literacy and sustainable development that does not erode their cultural integrity. They need preservation of their oral culture.
Pray for continued territorial integrity and sustainable development that does not erode cultural integrity. Pray for their health and education needs.
Pray for Bible translation and literacy so they can read the Bible in their language. Pray that Gospel Recording Network can make accessible oral/audio Scriptures.
Pray for long-term missionary presence.
Pray for discipleship, spiritual growth, and witness.
Pray for a people movement to Christ that will lead them to a healthy faith in the Lord of lords.
Scripture Prayers for the Aimele in Papua New Guinea.
Edward L. Schieffelin and Robert Crittenden, "Like People You See in a Dream": First Contact in Six Papuan Societies, Stanford University Press, 1991.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
