01 Mar 2007

March 2007-The People Called Ibans

This is part of a longer report on a Family Missions Trip to Rumah Tuan, an Iban longhouse, in October 2006.

The Ibans are the largest ethnic group (604,000) in Sarawak. They make up 29% of the total 2.1 million population in the State. According to Benedict Sadin, it is commonly believed that they can trace their origin from the Kapuas River basin in Western Kalimantan. Today, they are found mostly along the Saribas, Batang Lupar and Rejang River basins in Sarawak.

 

The life of the Ibans was based on fruit gathering, hunting and shifting cultivation. The quest for more new fertile land, coupled with their adventurous and courageous nature caused them to always move from one place to another. According to Derek Freeman, their shifting cultivation is one of the best hill-farming societies in the world. Farming is the activity that integrates and unites the society economically, culturally and religiously. The rise of education levels among the community in the context of national modernization, industrialization and social and economic development has caused a steady stream of rural to urban migration since the 70's. As a result, only the young and the old are found in the rural longhouses. 


The Ibans live in longhouses under the leadership of a Tuai Rumah (Headman). The longhouses normally consist of 10 or more Pintu (family) where the Tuai Bilik (Heads of the family) are inter-related with each other and with their Tuai Rumah. However, it would be wrong to perceive them as a communal community because they are autonomous in regards to the needs of the respective household. The Ruai (veranda) that runs through the longhouse is the hall where social, religious and political activities take place. In fact, the veranda could symbolize the heart of the entire longhouse. 

The Ibans are generally very warm, open and religious people. Their belief system is very much derived from the daily life that evolves around rice cultivation and the jungle activities. Haddon said: "It is characteristic of Iban … that the whole of their life is permeated with religious conceptions and indeed no distinction can be drawn in their life between technical and religious operations." Jensen also states that religion is almost synonymous with their life. An old Iban man confirms this by saying, "Our worship goes with our work. We don't worship unless it has something to do with our work…" Yet interestingly, there is no temple or holy images in their midst. Their religious leaders are the Tuai Burong, Tuai Rumah, Lemambang or the Manang-shaman. The Gawai Festival, Gawai Kenyalang, and Gawai antu are some of the major festivals in the community.
 
The Call to Reach-out
Statistically, 69% of the Ibans claim to be Christians. Yet, there are many unreached-longhouses in the neighborhood. For example, on the way back from Rumah Tuan, we were told by an Iban man in the car that there are more than 20 longhouses in his area. At this moment, the church reaches only 3 of them. In other words, there are plenty of opportunities for the church to do outreach in the same area. As the 3 longhouses are now excited with their new found faith, the church must seize the opportunity to mobilize them in our joint-outreach efforts.
 
Personally, I always dread facing the parting hour at the end of each trip. The question of "When will you come again?" would definitely be raised. Be it a courteous or sincere invitation, their active and attentive participation in the programs shows that they are sincere and genuine.
 
Will you go to reach one of the longhouses? In fact, we do not have to go far to meet them. They are right in our neighborhood. The rapid rural-urban migration has brought a large crowd of the Ibans to work and live in the towns. Today, they can be found at the supermarkets, offices, factories, plantations, schools and construction sites. You will see them everywhere you look. As a matter of fact, you could be greeted by them at the coffee shop or receptionist counters in Mandarin. The Lord has miraculously removed the language barrier between us. Therefore, don't wait for a thunder voice from heaven to send us forth. 
 
The Call to Nurture
The issue of Christian education is a severe problem that posts a great challenge to the Christian community. The low pastor-believer ratio, long distance between longhouses, and low literacy rate among the older generation are hindering the nurturing process. This is reflected in the poorly maintained longhouse chapels, low number of full time Iban theological students and low giving in the church. 

It is ambitious for an Iban pastor to look after 20-40 longhouses. Practically, it is impossible; financially, it is over burdensome for the pastor without generous support from the church. When there are no worship services in the community, the faith of the believers will not grow. This is even more real when the literacy rate among the elderly is low. 

However, their simple faith has been courageous and contagious. Soon after Rumah Siba was evangelized by Wesley Methodist Church, the believers shared their faith with the neighboring longhouse, Rumah Tuan. Last April, the folks from the latter longhouse brought the church team to go to Rumah Selaban. The act of sharing had opened doors for the church to reach one longhouse after another. 

Today, the ultimate challenge for the church is go and nurture them in their faith so that they can become a self-propagating, self-governing and self-supporting Christian community in the interior. 

The Call to Answer the Call
Firstly, make yourself available for the next trip to the longhouse. In the past, it was a dreadful thought to go to the remote longhouses. Today, the scenario has changed. If my children enjoyed their trip so much, there is no excuse that you will not like it. Furthermore, the longhouse could be just 1-2 hours drive away from home. You do not even have to stay over night in the longhouse. So what is hindering you from going? 

Secondly, pray and ask God for a group of likeminded team to go with you. It could even be your small group project where all of you can be part of it. Basically, a team of 5-6 persons that cover the ministry of worship, teaching and children is ideal. The team must also arm themselves for spiritual warfare because of the religious allegiance of the Iban. They invoke the spirits for healing, protection, defense, blessing and many other purposes in their lives. So, clothe yourselves with the full armor of God (Eph. 6) so that you can minister powerfully.


Thirdly, possess a culturally sensitive attitude. The key to reach the longhouse is friendship. The best way to bridge the gap is through friendship with the Tuai Rumah. If you can evangelize him, you can win the entire community for the Lord. This also explains why the team needs recommendations from a Christian longhouse. Despite cultural differences, they are basically open and receptive people. And our multi-racial society has prepared us for cross-cultural ministry. 
  

Finally, anticipate surprises and remarkable results from the trip. Our God is a God of surprises. Just exercise your faith and open your eyes to see what He has in store for you. Since it will be a journey of faith, do ask God for a strong heart for the many shocking encounters. My prayer for you is that both the longhouse folks and you would be blessed to the honour and glory of our God.



Rev. Hii Kong Ching
Emmanuel Methodist Church
Bintulu