Mesem in Papua New Guinea

Mesem
Photo Source:  Neil & Kathy Vanaria 
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People Name: Mesem
Country: Papua New Guinea
10/40 Window: No
Population: 9,700
World Population: 9,700
Primary Language: Mesem
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 95.00 %
Evangelicals: 28.00 %
Scripture: New Testament
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: No
People Cluster: New Guinea
Affinity Bloc: Pacific Islanders
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Mesem people were first contacted by Papua New Guineans sent out by the Lutheran Mission in Finchafen. Yohanuc Wenge was the first pastor who went and lived among the Mesem. He was from the neighboring Nabak tribe but came to raise his children in the Mesem area.

Where Are they Located?

They are located in the mountains of the Huon Peninsula.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are subsistence farmers who grow coffee and other vegetables as a cash crop. There are Mesem people in leadership in various areas of PNG, but those who remain in the language area maintain a lifestyle much like their ancestors.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditionally they were animistic. Most people profess a form of Christianity though traditional beliefs continue to be maintained by many. An increasing number of people are Bible believing without maintaining traditional animistic traditions.

What Are Their Needs?

Pray for those who were trained in the scriptures to continue to share the gospel with others in their own language. Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit leading to further revival among the Mesem.

Text Source:   Anonymous