|
|
South East
Asia Mission Teams
"Preach the Gospel,
Plant the Church, In South East Asia!" |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wewewa |
| People Group: |
Wewewa |
 |
| Location: |
Indonesia |
| Population: |
26,000 |
| Religion: |
Ethnic |
| % Christian: |
26.0% |
| % Evangelical: |
90.0% |
| Ministry
Resources: |
Unknown |
|
|
Total People Group
Population: |
26,000 |
Other countries People
Group Linked to: |
None |
____________________________________________________________ |
|
Additional Information:
The Wewewa live on the western part of Sumba (formerly
Sandlewood Island). Sumba, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is located
in eastern Indonesia, northwest of Australia.
Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation and has one of the most
ethnically diverse cultures in the world. The Wewewa are one of over
300 distinct people groups living there. The Indonesian islands act as
vital sea routes between Asia, Europe, and Australia. They are also
the principle link between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The Wewewa are distinguished from the people on the eastern part of
the island (the Kambera) primarily by language, although there are
some cultural differences as well.
Sumba's mainland consists of plateaus with scattered, irregular hills.
Since the climate is hot and dry, most people live on the plateaus,
where extensive grasslands support grazing and small scale
agriculture.
What Are Their Lives Like?
 Sacred
myths that describe the origin of the Wewewa mention ancient places
such as "Mecca" and "Djawa." However, documented records of their
history only go back as far as the fourteenth century. By the
seventeenth century, the island of Sumba was well known for its
sandlewood and horses. Even today large herds of wild horses are used
for export as well as for riding.
Most of the Wewewa are small scale farmers. Income is also generated
by the raising of animals and bartering of goods. Rice and maize are
grown in season, in addition to year-round gardens and tree crops.
Water buffalo are eaten as ceremonial food on very special occasions.
Fine fabrics that have been woven from locally grown cotton are famous
throughout Sumba. This also plays an important role in the economy of
the people.
A large bartering system exists on island of Sumba. Labor, services,
ceremonial foods, and goods are all commonly traded among groups of
relatives and friends.
Marriages are arranged by the Wewewa elders. In the case of first
marriages of aristocrats, considerable negotiations are commonly made
prior to the wedding. Cross cousin marriages are preferred.
Indonesia was formerly governed by princes and local rulers. Nobility
consisted of those whose family lines were closest in decent to the
founding ancestors. Today, however, the authority of these rulers is
not recognized.
Traditionally, the Wewewa culture recognized two classes of people:
the tau kabihu (humans), and the tauata (slaves). The tau ata were
either prisoners of war or law breakers. Class distinctions are still
recognized today, and are heredity, based on the status of both
parents.
What are their beliefs?
While nearly 10% of the Wewewa are practicing Muslims, the remaining
90% worship a variety of gods and "animistic spirits." (Animism is the
belief that non-human objects have spirits.) Their legends tell of the
creation of the world, of man's descent from the upper world to the
mythical mountain top, and of the origin of man. These stories also
include details about the adventures and travels of their ancestors.
Such tales have become, over time, a sacred oral tradition of the
Wewewa.
The Wewewa regularly hold religious ceremonies in hopes of maintaining
harmony between man and the spirit world. Local priests officiate at
all religious ceremonies and funerals of clan members.
Communication with the spirit world is primarily done through blood
sacrifices, food offerings, and prayers to the spirits. Sacred altars
are a common sight, and are located in houses, villages, fields, and
even in the bush.
What are their needs?
There are only a few known Christians among the Wewewa. Currently,
there are no Christian radio or television broadcasts available in
their native language, but the New Testament has been translated.
Prayer Points
Pray against the spirit of animism and ethnic religions that have
blinded the eyes of the Wewewa and kept them bound for many
generations.
Pray that Christian literature, radio broadcasts, and television
programs will soon be made available in their language.
Ask God to provide contacts, strategies, and wisdom for mission
agencies trying to reach the Wewewa.
Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to complete
translation of the Bible into the Wewewa language.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Wewewa towards
Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
Pray that God will open the hearts of Wewewa's governmental leaders to
the Gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up a strong local church among the Wewewa.
Back to People
Group Listing
|
|
 |
|
Copyright © 2008 South East Asia Mission Teams &
World Visions Internet
Services all rights reserved |
|
