Aruek, Djang in Papua New Guinea
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| People Name: | Aruek, Djang |
| Country: | Papua New Guinea |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,400 |
| World Population: | 1,400 |
| Primary Language: | Aruek |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 85.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 27.00 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Needed |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | New Guinea |
| Affinity Bloc: | Pacific Islanders |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Aruek people are an indigenous group that reside in the East Sepik Province of north central Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Aruek people have a rich history that dates back several centuries and is deeply rooted in their customs and beliefs. The Aruek people were believed to have migrated from Indonesia to PNG thousands of years ago. They settled in the mountainous regions of the East Sepik Province, where they have lived ever since.
The Aruek speak their own language of Aruek. The Aruek need the Scriptures in their language. Aruek is considered an endangered language. An epidemic could wipe out the small number of people who speak Aruek. There are currently no Christian resources available in Aruek.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Aruek people are known for their artistic skills, including their intricate carvings and paintings, which are highly valued by collectors around the world.
The Aruek people have a traditional lifestyle that revolves around their customs and beliefs. They live in small, close-knit communities and rely on subsistence farming and fishing for their livelihood. The Aruek people are skilled farmers and grow a variety of crops, including yams, taro and cassava. They also hunt and fish for food and use traditional methods to catch fish in the rivers and streams.
Only one adult Aruek in five can read and write. This problem keeps them from benefiting from modern PNG society. Also, the area of PNG where the Aruek is isolated and has few roads. The only reliable transportation is by water.
The Aruek people have faced many challenges over the years, including the impact of colonization and modernization on their traditional way of life.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Religion plays a significant role in the Aruek people's lives. On paper the large majority are Protestant Christians. Their Christianity is mixed with animism and ancestor veneration. The Aruek have a deep respect for nature and believe that spirits reside in everything, including trees, rocks and animals. The Aruek people practice a form of animism, which involves offering sacrifices to appease the spirits and ensure good fortune. They also have a complex system of taboos and rituals that govern their daily lives, including restrictions on certain foods and behaviors.
What Are Their Needs?
The Aruek have both spiritual and physical needs. They need the benefits of modern medicine. Solar cells can bring electricity to their villages. They need teachers who can help them learn literacy skills. The Aruek need pastors and Bible teachers who can train them in the ways of the Lord.
Prayer Points
Pray that soon the Aruek would have the Bible in their language.
Ask the Lord to establish schools in the region where the Aruek live.
Pray that the Aruek would be able to provide for their children.
Ask the Lord to provide Aruek pastors who know and can teach the word of God.