Watiwa in Papua New Guinea

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

Introduction / History

The Watiwa people witnessed World War II firsthand. Their village of Dumpu was a military base for the Australian army and was connected to the outside world by an airfield.
God longs for the Watiwa people to connect with him, to be blessed by his word in a language they understand. The Watiwa language is still used by all generations, but it is becoming increasingly popular to speak Tok Pisin. Watiwa is the preferred language when the people are travelling to Madang town, and they don't want others to overhear their conversation. In all other contexts, it is normal to mix Tok Pisin and Watiwa. The growing familiarity of the Watiwa people with Tok Pisin opens up access to Tok Pisin scriptures, including audio recordings. Thank God for this possibility and pray that the Watiwa people will hunger for God's word and be satisfied.


What Are Their Lives Like?

There is no airfield today, but the Ramu Highway runs right through Watiwa land, providing them with ready access to markets for the sale of food crops, betelnut and livestock. The highway also connects them to the Ramu Sugar refinery, just 20 kilometers (12 miles) down the road. Anyone who works at Ramu Sugar earns a high income by local standards.


What Are Their Beliefs?

A high percentage of the Watiwa people profess Christ.


What Are Their Needs?

The Watiwa people need their own Bible and audio scriptures.


Prayer Points

Some Watiwa won't understand the Tok Pisin Bible. Pray that Watiwa believers and believers from neighboring groups with access to God's word will share God's love and God's word with all Watiwa people.


Scripture Prayers for the Watiwa in Papua New Guinea.


References

Wycliffe Bible Translators


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Watiwa
People Name in Country Watiwa
Alternate Names Watifa
Population this Country 900
Population all Countries 900
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 15889
ROP3 Code 110719
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Madang province: Bebei and Dumpu villages.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Madang province: Bebei and Dumpu villages..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 17.00 %)
88.00 %
Ethnic Religions
12.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Watiwa (900 speakers)
Language Code wtf   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Watiwa (900 speakers)
Language Code wtf   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Watiwa

Primary Language:  Watiwa

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

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


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