Dengalu in Papua New Guinea

Introduction / History

The Dengalus live in steep terrain in dispersed hamlets with little outside communication. Their homeland has known human habitation for some 1,5000 years. The area first became known to the outside world thanks to the Germans in the mid-nineteenth century. Subsequently, Papua New Guinea came under Australian control in the twentieth century; and in 1975, Papua New Guinea became a self-governing republic. During that time, however, rural areas such as theirs were not fully integrated into the national fabric. Thus, the clan remains central to their way of life.

Under both Germans and Australians, Christianity was introduced by missionaries. So, too, were schools, Western medicine, and Western political infrastructure, as well as Tok Pison, a pidgin English that serves as a lingua franca throughout New Guinea. For the Dengalu, the German contribution was Lutheranism.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Dengalu houses may be built on the ground or on stilts. The Men's house is very important, especially for male initiation rites of manhood. Subsistence agriculture is very important. They grow sweet potatoes, taro, bananas, and garden vegetables. They also have pigs and chickens. These plus betel nuts are of economic importance, as is wage labor in towns.

The clan is important and shapes social obligations and solves disputes, providing conflict resolution, and directs resource sharing. Leaders negotiate clan alliances. Also of importance are dances and body paint, while story telling preserves and expresses the people's values. Theirs is a collective, not an individualistic culture. Decisions are group decisions.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Dengalu beliefs are of two kinds, indigenous and imported. Indigenous beliefs are centered on nature spirits, which are important for health, agriculture and social harmony. Some people practice traditional religion. However, some of these traditions bleed over into Christianity, especially in the Mokobe area, since 1985.

Christianity is an imported faith. It is primarily Lutheran. They have the New Testament in their language, but they lack the Old Testament. Hence, they lack the full cultural context out of which the church developed in the first century. Church leadership is not well developed.

What Are Their Needs?

The Dengalu need education, especially in rural areas. The need more schools, teachers, and textbooks. They need roads and communication. Youth need engagement. They also need health care, medicines, clinics, and maternal care. In a word, they need development.

Prayer Points

Pray for an Old Testament Bible translation and Biblical discipleship.
Pray also for Bible study guides in their language, especially aural/oral resources.
Pray that Jesus would be Lord of all aspects of their life and culture.
Pray for good schools, teachers, and improved infrastructure.
Pray that leaders promote unity within the church; and that the gospel would grow, especially among those of indigenous faith.
Pray for a missionary spirit among this people group.

Text Source:   Joshua Project