The “hausboi” is a Pidgen term, for a men’s house. In Mengen they call it “Giunga.” In our Mengen culture, this is a house only for men. Young boys used to leave their homes and move into the men’s house when they are between 10 – 13 years old and then they get introduces to all that a man needs to know. This is where they learn about hunting and gathering, making gardens, building houses, being a leader and of course everything secret, such as their animistic customs, incantations etc. This next Pic was taken many years ago in on of these houses in our village, where they are performing a custom on a young child.
When the gospel impacted not just the Mengen people but also many other people groups, the men’s house became a place where we would meet and disciple the men into being Godly men. It was also the place to teach and disciple young boy, teenagers, and unmarried men. And so a few years ago a co-worker of ours from another region had the idea to start an event for men and their sons, which we call “Hausboi”. The purpose is to bring these young believers who are engaging with Christ together and see them identify better as a body and develop a Biblical vision for their generation.
The first event was hosted in another province and leaders from New Britain helped teach. Then leaders from New Britain came and hosted a few in New Britain. We are hoping to host a few more in central clusters around New Britain Island this next year or two.
Pray for these leaders in East New Britain as they travel around and equip more leaders to host similar events.
Check out this link to a visit at an event last year.