Ponam in Papua New Guinea

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

Introduction / History

The Ponam-speaking people number about 560 with just over 300 residing on the three kilometre-long island of Ponam, off the north coast of Manus Island. The remainder are scattered across Papua New Guinea.
Ponam Island was of strategic importance during World War II, which left its mark on the environment and on the people. Much of the reef was destroyed to construct a naval base and the people have retained a high awareness of the outside world.
The Ponam language, also known as Rahau, is used by all inhabitants of the island. They can also speak English, Tok Pisin and the traditional language of their neighbors, Kurti.


What Are Their Lives Like?

We know little about the daily lives of the Ponam people.


What Are Their Beliefs?

There is a very high percentage of Christians among the Ponam. Among these are a high percentage of Evangelicals.


What Are Their Needs?

There is no scripture available in the Ponam language but thank God that a few books have been translated into the Kurti language of their neighbors.


Prayer Points

Pray that the Ponam islanders will take to heart all that they know of God's word and will follow Jesus faithfully.
Ask God for workers to provide Ponam scriptures, which will speak more readily to the heart of the Ponam people.


Scripture Prayers for the Ponam in Papua New Guinea.


References

Wycliffe Bible Translators


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Ponam
People Name in Country Ponam
Alternate Names
Population this Country 1,400
Population all Countries 1,400
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 14438
ROP3 Code 108107
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Manus province: Ponam island.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Manus province: Ponam island..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 16.00 %)
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 Ponam (1,400 speakers)
Language Code ncc   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Ponam (1,400 speakers)
Language Code ncc   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Ponam

Primary Language:  Ponam

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Anonymous 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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