Youth Ministry In Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is experiencing changes that grow in significance and accelerate in pace. Although the majority of its population are still subsistence farmers, the postmodern world is fast making an impact. That means that, at the same time, they are strongly influenced by firmly ingrained tradition where animism is binding and a pervasive element as well as Western media with its consumerism and worldview. The most impacted are youth who are caught between the traditional and postmodern culture. In a country that is Christian by constitution, pastors are looked upon with high esteem. They need to find a way to bridge the gap, to make sense of the world youth are living in, and find a meaningful way forward. Although this book is aimed at pastors and youth workers in PNG, other sectors can benefit from the research--politicians, educators, health workers, clergy--especially if they are coming from a different culture, be that from PNG or another country.

Publisher's description: Presence-Centered Youth Ministry shows how classic disciplines, symbols and practices that have sustained the church over the centuries can shape the worldviews, virtues and habits of young people today. Come explore the deeper terrain of an ancient faith; your students are sure to follow.

Tips and tricks for working with young people. A must have for every youth pastor or youth leader.

The Southern Highlands is one of Papua New Guinea's most resource-rich provinces, but for a number of years the province has been riven by conflict. Longstanding inter-group rivalries, briefly set aside during the colonial period, have been compounded by competition for the benefits provided by the modern state and by fighting over the distribution of returns from the several big mining and petroleum projects located within the province or impinging upon it. Deaths from the various conflicts over the past decade number in the hundreds. As a result of inter-group fighting, criminal activity and vandalism, a number of businesses have withdrawn from the province. Roadblocks and ambushes have made travel dangerous in many parts and expatriate missionaries and aid workers have left. Many public servants have abandoned their posts with the result that state services are not provided. Corruption is rife. Police are often reluctant to act because they are outnumbered and outgunned. This volume brings together a number of authors with deep experience of the Southern Highlands to examine the underlying dynamics of resource development and conflict in the province. Its primary purpose is to provide some background to recent events, but the authors also explore possible approaches to limiting the human and economic costs of the ongoing conflict and breakdown of governance.