Mokilese in United States


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
More extensive map at peoplegroups.info

Introduction / History

The Mokilese people originated in the Mokil Atoll, a part of the Caroline Islands. These islands are found within the Federated States of Micronesia. Because of their location, hunting and fishing were staples of Mokilese culture. Mokilese, the traditional language of the Mokil Atoll, is endangered. A small number of these speakers are located in the United States. Much of the language is spoken solely within the home, with little to no fluency among younger generations.

In 1986, the Compact of Free Association granted residents of the Federal States of Micronesia rights to permanently dwell in the U.S. Since then, a number of Micronesians have immigrated to the United States. Motives for migration are primarily for education and economic opportunity.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mokilese culture is often overlooked. This is due to its diminishing preservation and history of colonization. However, the Mokilese preserve aspects of their heritage through folklore. Myths are passed down from parent to child, with a strong folktale influence. Another notable aspect of Mokilese culture is the sharing of meals. For this people group, sharing food is the confirmation of relationship.

Because the culture is rapidly being absorbed into surrounding influences, the daily lives of the Mokilese are difficult to distinguish from other Micronesian immigrants. Part of the “hidden minority,” Mokilese face a variety of cultural barriers upon entering the states. Economic need can also be a difficulty due to their unique situation under the Compact of Free Association. Many Micronesians are hired for entry-level jobs or serve in the U.S. military.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Today, the majority of Mokilese are Roman Catholic. Before European colonization, Micronesia lacked a unified religious influence. This variety of ethnic beliefs is reflected in Mokilese myth and folktale. Overarching themes of these traditional stories include a spirit realm, magic, supernatural power, polytheistic deities and divination.


What Are Their Needs?

Adaptation to a completely new culture is challenging; even conceptions of time can be cultural barriers. Cultural clashes can be a significant hurdle for immigrants seeking better opportunities within the United States.


Prayer Points

Pray for active discipleship among the Mokilese.

Ask the Lord to call workers to his harvest who can share the gospel in a culturally relevant way.

Additionally, pray for Mokilese believers to grow in their faith, even taking the gospel to unreached peoples in Micronesia.

Pray for protection against false teachings which turn their faith away from Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Mokilese in United States.


References

https://scholarship.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/bitstream/handle/10066/15355/Rizzo-Busack_thesis_2015.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

https://www.peoplegroups.info/site/PeopleGroupHighlight/id/318/name/Mokilese

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJitvR1-Rdo

Also used:

Mokilese language – Wikipedia


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Mokilese
People Name in Country Mokilese
Alternate Names
Population this Country 100
Population all Countries 900
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 3
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 6  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13771
ROP3 Code 106725
Country United States
Region America, North and Caribbean
Continent North America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Country United States
Region America, North and Caribbean
Continent North America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 2.00 %)
60.00 %
Ethnic Religions
25.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
15.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Mokilese (100 speakers)
Language Code mkj   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Mokilese (100 speakers)
Language Code mkj   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Mokilese

Primary Language:  Mokilese

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Text / Printed Matter Download scripture in this language eBible.org
Photo Source Christian Jung 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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