Penan in Brunei

Introduction / History

This is the name of a language associated with one of the Punan peoples. There are at least 20 different Punan subgroups, one of which is Punan-Nibong.

Where Are they Located?

Most Punan-Nibong people lives in Sarawak, Malaysia's northern portion of the island of Borneo. Other Punan peoples live in Brunei, Indonesia or other parts of Malaysia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

This is a hunting-gathering culture. They rely on what they find in the tropical forests for their survival. As outsiders enter their homeland with advanced tools, the Punan peoples stand little chance of finding enough food to meet their needs, so they will probably begin the process of dying out in the decades to come. They live in longhouses.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion practiced by Punan groups is ethnic religion. Ethnic religion is deeply rooted in a people's ethnic identity and conversion essentially equates to cultural assimilation. This is a barrier to the gospel; anyone who shares the gospel with them is suspected of undermining their cultural ways.

What Are Their Needs?

The Punan-Nibong people need believers who will go as Christ's ambassadors, and teach them marketable skills that they can use in Brunei.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Punan-Nibong people will have dreams and visions of the Risen Christ that will lead them on a spiritual quest to find the Savior.
Pray for spiritual openness and opportunities to hear the gospel.
Pray for a Punan-Nibong church that is defined by love and obedience to Christ.

Text Source:   Keith Carey