Momole in Papua New Guinea

The Momole have only been reported in Papua New Guinea
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Momole are an indigenous people group of Papua New Guinea, living mainly in the Finschhafen District of Morobe Province, a region characterized by tropical hills, rivers, and scattered rural villages. Their community has been shaped through generations by connection to land, family ties, and local customs rather than written history. They are also known by the alternate name Momare, and their identity has developed in the diverse cultural mosaic of Papua New Guinea.

Their language is Kâte, an Austronesian language used in the area and shared with neighboring communities, reflecting historical networks of trade, communication, and social interaction across parts of Morobe Province.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Momole villages are typically small and rural, where extended family relationships and community cooperation shape daily routines. Subsistence farming provides the core of food production, with gardens yielding sweet potatoes, taro, bananas, and other staple crops suited to the highland and foothill terrain. Fishing and gathering from river systems and nearby forests also contribute to daily food sources.

Homes are often built from local materials, and social life revolves around shared tasks, celebrations, and mutual support among neighbors. The Kâte language is the primary means of communication within families and local gatherings, while Tok Pisin and English may be used for broader interaction, education, or exchange outside the immediate community. Access to infrastructure such as formal health services, secondary education, and reliable transportation is limited, and travel to larger towns often requires significant time and effort.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Momole people identify with Christianity, and church life plays a significant role in community worship and gatherings. Christian teaching and practices are woven into many aspects of social life. However, traditional spiritual beliefs related to ancestors, natural forces, and customary practices continue to influence how some individuals view spiritual realities. These traditional elements may coexist with Christian forms of worship, resulting in a blended spiritual perspective rather than one fully grounded in biblical teaching.

In the Kâte language, significant portions of Scripture have been translated, including the complete Bible, enabling those who use the language to access the full message of God's Word. Translations date back many decades, with the New Testament and full Bible available in Kâte.


What Are Their Needs?

The Momole need continued clear and faithful teaching of the gospel that leads to genuine spiritual transformation and a deep understanding of biblical truth beyond surface or cultural forms of religion.

Although the full Bible is available in Kâte, ongoing Scripture engagement and discipleship are essential so that believers internalize and apply biblical teaching in ways that shape daily life and community values.

There is also a need for biblically grounded local leaders who can disciple others, teach Scripture accurately, and help guide communities toward mature faith grounded in Christ rather than a mix of beliefs.

Practical challenges affect everyday life as well. Limited access to healthcare, quality education, and transportation can hinder both physical well?being and opportunities for sustained church growth and community development.


Prayer Items

Pray that the Momole would come to a clear and saving faith in Jesus Christ, deeply grounded in Scripture and not merely cultural identity.
Pray for continued Scripture engagement and discipleship so that believers grow in understanding and obedience to God's Word.
Pray for the raising up of faithful, Scripture?centered leaders who can teach and nurture others in the community.
Pray that traditional spiritual beliefs would be replaced with a firm trust in Christ and the truth of the Bible.
Pray for improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation that strengthens daily life and community development.
Pray that the gospel would spread throughout homes and villages, bringing lasting transformation among the Momole.


Scripture Prayers for the Momole in Papua New Guinea.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Momole
People Name in Country Momole
Alternate Names Momare
Population this Country 1,300
Population all Countries 1,300
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13781
ROP3 Code 106741
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Morobe province: Finschhafen district.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Morobe province: Finschhafen district..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
95.00 %
Ethnic Religions
5.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Kate (1,300 speakers)
Language Code kmg   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Kate (1,300 speakers)
Language Code kmg   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Kate

Primary Language:  Kate

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1919-1965)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1938-1965)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1978)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App iOS Bible app direct APK download SIL
Text / Printed Matter Download scripture in this language eBible.org
Text / Printed Matter Scripture text - download PNG Bible Translation Association
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.