Introduction / History

The Dem are sometimes known as the Lem, Ndem people. They prefer to be called Dem or Lem. Dem speakers have a legend that says they come from a "hole in the ground".

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Dem are primarily subsistence farmers in their mountainous homeland in the Bina Valley of central Papua. They can best be accessed by airplane.They enjoy unique songs and dances. The Dem men will often pay a bride price to obtain a wife. Upon death, a body is often cremated instead of buried.
The women work primarily in the home or as gardeners and some still wear grass skirts. Sweet potatoes are a diet staple. The Dem folk have and use knives and axes. Dem houses are built similar to Dani homes.
Dem people identify themselves by tribe and clan. The Dem people look up to their chief, their pastor, and their village leader.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Evangelical Christian Church of Indonesia has churches in the language area and about two-thirds identify as Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

The Dem people have no gospel films or videos in their heart language.

Prayer Items

Pray for their medical and educational needs to be met in abundance.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to send a powerful revival to Demisa homes and churches.
Pray for Dem Christians to be filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Pray for Dem Christians to excel in love, joy, and peace as they take Christ to others.
Pray for them to have patience and kindness as they minister the gospel.

Scripture Prayers for the Dem in Indonesia.

References

GMI Papua