The Urimo are a small people group of about 1,500 individuals living in Papua New Guinea's East Sepik Province, mainly around villages such as Yaugiba about thirty?five kilometers south of Wewak. Their community is part of the broader New Guinea people cluster, where many small groups have maintained distinct languages and traditions through long?standing village life.
They speak the Urimo language, a Torricelli language spoken in the East Sepik region. It is used locally within daily life, although the number of speakers is small and the language's documentation and resources are limited.
The Urimo live in rural inland villages nestled among forest and riverine landscapes typical of East Sepik Province. Daily life centers on subsistence activities such as gardening staple foods like root crops, bananas, and greens, along with fishing and gathering from the surrounding environment.
Homes are built from locally available materials such as timber and palm thatch. Travel beyond the immediate community generally depends on footpaths and river routes rather than paved roads, and access to formal services such as healthcare or secondary schooling typically requires travel to larger towns or district centers. Extended family networks and cooperation among neighbors are essential in meeting practical needs and sustaining everyday life.
Almost all of the Urimo identify as Christian, with a meaningful portion also considered evangelical believers. This suggests that Christian identity has a significant presence within the community, though the depth of biblical understanding may vary among individuals. Traditional spiritual beliefs involving unseen forces connected to nature, ancestors, and community life can still influence perspectives alongside Christian affiliation.
In the Urimo language, Scripture translation status is unspecified, and there are no reported Bible portions, New Testament, complete Bible, audio Bible recordings, or gospel films in the language. This lack of Scripture resources in their community's language limits opportunities for direct engagement with God's word in the language spoken within daily life.
The Urimo need a clear and faithful presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ that leads to genuine personal faith and ongoing spiritual growth grounded in Scripture rather than mixed with traditional belief systems. Deepening discipleship rooted in biblical teaching is essential for meaningful spiritual maturity among those who identify as Christian.
A significant need is the completion and broad availability of the Bible in the Urimo language, so that individuals and families can engage directly with God's Word in the language used in community life.
There is also a need for trained local leaders who can teach sound doctrine, disciple believers, and help establish strong, biblically grounded church communities that can sustain spiritual growth.
Practically, improved access to healthcare, education, and reliable transportation would support physical well?being and expand opportunities for long?term development in their rural setting.
Pray that the Urimo people would come to a clear and saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that those who identify as Christians would grow in deeper biblical understanding and apply God's word in their daily lives.
Pray for the completion and availability of the Bible in the Urimo language so that the community can engage directly with Scripture.
Pray for faithful local church leaders to be raised up who can teach, disciple, and shepherd others.
Pray that traditional spiritual beliefs would be replaced by confidence in the truth of Scripture.
Pray for improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation to support overall community well?being.
Scripture Prayers for the Urimo in Papua New Guinea.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
