The Majukayang people live in scattered village communities in the hills of Kalinga and Mountain Provinces on the northern Philippine island of Luzon. The majority of the Majukayang people are small-scale farmers who cultivate dry, hillside rice and use a slash-and-burn method to clear their upland garden plots. These hospitable, peace-loving farmers become fierce fighters when provoked. Revenge is an important cultural value. Inability to exercise revenge for offenses, or to avenge a loved-one's death, brings humiliation and shame.
For many years, the Anglican Church has had some influence among the Majukayang. But many clergy members were from outside the area and neither spoke the language nor understood the culture. So the Christian message has been unclear to Majukayang speakers. Unclear messaging has resulted in a syncretism of "Christian" ritual and animism.
People attend whichever church is holding services. People take mass when the Catholic priest comes to town. If the Anglican cleric is more available, they follow that system. Their valiant efforts to exploit every system available demonstrate sincere interest in pleasing God. Being able to understand the Scripture in their own language is needed in order for them to develop a deeper, closer, more personal relationship with God.
Penetration of the Gospel into Majukayang culture will bring an end to the generations-old curse of revenge killing. And believers desire to understand God's Word for themselves, rather than relying on visiting clergy to interpret Scripture from another language. The freedom Christ offers will liberate them from legalistic rituals and the fear that motivates animistic practices.
Scripture Prayers for the Kalinga, Madukayang in Philippines.
| Profile Source: Anonymous |
