Gogodala

  • Pre-Entry
  • Pre-Evangelism
  • Evangelism
  • Discipleship
  • Phase-Out
  • Completed

About the People

The Gogodala people live deep in the sago swamps of the Western Province of Papua New Guinea. Approximately 25,000 men, women and children live in 30 villages stretched out on ridges of land that rise above large lagoons. They build their homes from split palm branches and cover them with thatched roofs made from sago palm leaves.

Missionaries have worked among the Gogodala for more than 60 years, trying to establish an indigenous church among the people. Yet, Gogodala men and women have shared that they never gave up their spirit traditions when they became “Christians.” Instead, they merged the two belief systems, often asking God to bless them before conducting their spirit ceremonies. Please pray that the Gogodala people will come to a true understanding of God’s love and care for them.

Frontier Stories

Roy Biyama, Gogodala Businessman Used by God

I am thankful for the great hope we have of seeing our brother Roy in heaven very soon.

By: Stephen Erickson
March 01 2022, 8:37 am | Comments 0

And . . . We’re . . . Off!

We are eager to meet our new family there and begin our new lives with them. Despite the challenges we know are ahead, we can rest, knowing that God will continue to take care of us as we go.

By: Jason Sliger
January 01 2022, 3:17 pm | Comments 0

Alphie’s Generous Act

I am proud to be associated with this fellow church member. I pray that Alphie’s thoughtfulness will create ripples of influence that will extend to all the Gogodala people.

By: Stephen Erickson
December 01 2021, 9:11 am | Comments 0

Ready to Launch

We want to thank each of you for making it possible for us to begin this journey with Jesus to the front lines. Your prayers and sacrificial giving have been an immense blessing and have encouraged our family to keep pressing on.

By: Jason Sliger
November 01 2021, 8:36 am | Comments 0

Sudden Acceleration

Thank you for believing God’s calling for our lives, even though this process has taken longer than anyone expected. We wish we could give each of you a hug of thanks, but that will probably have to wait because we will soon be bound for PNG.

By: Jason Sliger
October 01 2021, 3:21 pm | Comments 0

Coming Back

There is One who cares for them even more than we do. Our Heavenly Father longs for them, and us, to miss Him, appreciate Him and ask when He is coming back.

By: Laurie Erickson
September 01 2021, 10:09 am | Comments 0

Namulu

Sometimes Namulu was viewed with suspicion by his fellow tribesmen because they thought he used his cultural art as sorcery against people to cause sickness or death. But his son, Michael, one of the young workers helping me build the training center, was baptized after studying the Bible with us.

By: Stephen Erickson
August 01 2021, 11:34 am | Comments 0

Second Try

We are not worried, though! During the last few months, both Jason and I have felt God’s providence guiding us to divine appointments, new and important ideas, and a sharpening focus. So we are praying that we will accomplish all He intends us to do during this time that, to us, only seems like waiting.

By: Midori Sliger
August 01 2021, 9:40 am | Comments 0

Hidden Potential

Who around you could bring the next gospel breakthrough? Do not try to predict or select the one who looks promising. Have faith in the power of God! Ask Him for the eyes of Jesus and invest in every willing disciple.

By: Midori Sliger
July 01 2021, 7:50 am | Comments 0

Jojo and the Caring Girls

I was happy and hoppy to be their little wallaby. The missionaries took good care of me, and I could tell that they really loved and cared for the Gogodala people, too.

By: Laurie Erickson
June 01 2021, 10:29 am | Comments 0

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