Samo, Supai in Papua New Guinea

Introduction / History

The Sama people live on the southern slopes of the Saruwaged mountain range in Morobe province. The seven Sama villages are situated on level areas of the mountains.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The people live off the produce from their gardens: taro, sweet potato, greens, coconuts, bananas and other kinds of fruit. The Sama people also plant betelnut, tobacco and coffee for cash crops.
The Sama villages are between 700 and 1300 meters above sea level. Roads are just starting to be built and three villages can now be reached by road. Houses are built on posts one to one and half meters off the ground. The walls are constructed with either woven bamboo or handmade planks. The roofs are thatched with broad bamboo leaves or grass.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Lutheran church entered the area in the 1930s and since then has established a congregation in every village. When the church came in the people left behind their old ways of fighting. The Lutheran mission set up schools that taught Kâte, a language from the eastern coast, to the children until the 1960s. The Bible and liturgy books are available in Kâte and are still used in the church along with Tok Pisin, the trade language. The younger generation doesn't understand Kâte, the older generation has low proficiency in Tok Pisin and there are no scriptures or liturgy available in Sama, so all three languages are used during church services.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sama people are dissatisfied with their situation but as they don't have the scripture in their own language they don't gain an understanding of God's promises for the believer's everyday life.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to drive this people group to love and obey the ways of Christ.
Pray for them to have a willingness to be wronged if that is what it takes to follow Christ.
Pray for a complete and accurate Bible.

Text Source:   Joshua Project