Sewa Bay, Duau Pwata in Papua New Guinea

Introduction / History

The Sewa Bay people are a small indigenous group living in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG). They live in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands off the eastern coast of the PNG mainland. The Sewa Bay, also known as Duau Pwata, are primarily hunter-gatherers who rely on the forest and river systems for their sustenance. Their traditional homeland is located in the Sewa Bay area, which is a low-lying coastal region that is prone to flooding during the rainy season.

The history of the Sewa Bay people is shrouded in mystery due to the lack of written records. However, according to oral traditions, they have lived in the region for generations. The Sewa Bay people have a deep spiritual connection to their land and consider themselves to be the guardians of the forest and river systems that sustain them.

There currently only audio recordings in the Sewa Bay language. They need a Bible translation in the Sewa language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Sewa Bay people are known for their unique lifestyle that is closely tied to the natural environment. They live in small, scattered communities that are often difficult to access due to the rugged terrain of the region.

The people of Sewa Bay and other inhabitants of the D'Entrecasteaux Islands are subsistence farmers and fishers. They have occasionally had to defend their fishing waters from foreign poachers harvesting in Milne Bay.

The traditional Sewa Bay dwelling is a thatched-roof hut built on stilts to protect it from flooding during the rainy season. The mainstay of their diet is fish, sago (a starch made from palm branches), and wild game, which they hunt and gather from the forest and river systems.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Sewa Bay people claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. Their traditional belief system is deeply rooted in animism and ancestor veneration. They believe that all living things have a spiritual essence, and that the natural world is populated by a wide range of spirits, some of which are benevolent and some of which are malevolent. They also believe that their ancestors continue to watch over and protect them from the afterlife.

The Sewa Bay people practice a number of rituals and ceremonies that are designed to honor their ancestors and appease the spirits of the natural world. One of their most important ceremonies is the initiation ceremony for young men. This ceremony is designed to mark the transition from boyhood to manhood and involves a series of tests and challenges that are meant to demonstrate the initiate's strength and courage.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sewa Bay people have many needs. They need teachers to help them learn literacy skills. They would benefit by access to modern medicine. Most of all, they need to be taught in the ways of the Lord in their own tongue.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to raise up mature pastors and Bible teachers to help the Sewa Bay grow in their spiritual lives.

Pray the Lord delivers the Sewa Bay from their fear of evil spirits.

Pray the Lord protects them from exploitation from the nickel mining found in their area.

Pray that the members of the Sewa Bay church would be willing to share their faith with other people in PNG.

Text Source:   Joshua Project