As we start our cultural study of the Pnong, we are reviewing the many events we have experienced in this first year of Pnong language learning. We have been to weddings, funerals, healings and other spiritual ceremonies. God has blessed us by opening doors for us to see a variety of different ceremonies even though we are still relatively new to the Pnong people.

Several times, we have “happened” upon ceremonies, and the people have invited us to come and watch. Cara once witnessed a healing ceremony for one of her friends who was being plagued by pain. Kara had heard about the healing ceremony where they use a straw to suck out worms (actually spirit manifestations) from people’s bodies, and she could hardly believe she was getting a chance to witness it firsthand. The healer had never met Kara before but was very open to her watching and happy to answer her questions. It was quite the educational experience. Kara was struck by the dichotomy of the presence of God within her and the presence of evil forces so near in the shamanistic rite. Praise God for His perfect timing in allowing her to see this.

One day at Deu’s house, I learned that his daughter and son-in-law were getting remarried the following day. They had given birth to baby boys three times, but each of the babies had died within a few weeks of birth. Providentially, Braden Pewitt and I were with the family the night their last baby passed away, and the experience had bonded us with them. Whenever there is a death, most people are too afraid of evil spirits to spend the night with the family and the deceased. By staying with the family, Braden and I had demonstrated our care for them and our faith in God’s protection.

Now the couple is expecting again, and the family decided to have a second wedding ceremony to appease the spirits and keep them from taking this baby as well. This was my first invitation to a Pnong wedding, and I was excited to attend. People knew I was studying their culture, and they were more than happy to explain things to me. They treated me like part of the family. It was a thrilling experience, and I learned a lot.

It is important that we continue to get exposure to key information about the Pnong. Please pray that we will have eye-opening experiences with our Pnong friends as we share their experiences and deepen our friendships.

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