The Bunama are a small, culturally distinct group in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Traditionally, they have maintained their language and customs despite outside influences. Oral histories recount migration within the region and connections with neighboring groups, shaping their strong sense of identity and community.
Bunama people engage primarily in subsistence farming, cultivating sweet potatoes, taro, and vegetables. Families are extended, often living in clusters of related households. Celebrations mark harvests, marriages, and other life events with feasting and singing. Meals are simple, centered on root crops and occasional meat, and communal work strengthens social bonds.
Spiritual life traditionally includes ancestral worship and local spirits, with rituals guiding daily life and agricultural success. Many Bunama have heard the gospel and the vast majority of the Bunama people claim Christianity. Yet, many maintain beliefs tied to fear of spirits and ritual observances.
Access to the gospel remains limited. Understanding of Christ's love can bring hope and transformation to families and communities. Encouragement and discipleship are needed so that those already following Jesus can become active in sharing faith with neighbors. Resources for education, health, and clean water would improve physical well-being alongside spiritual growth.
Pray that the Bunama will encounter Jesus personally, finding hope beyond fear-based spiritual systems. Pray that Christian believers will rise as witnesses, modeling faith through actions, words, and love.
Pray for provision of health, schooling, and sustainable food sources to strengthen both physical and spiritual life.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, discipleship materials, and evangelism resources in the Bunama language.
Scripture Prayers for the Bunama, Barabara in Papua New Guinea.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
