Introduction / History

Kuruti-Pare is an indigenous people group living along the north-central coast of Manus Province in Papua New Guinea. They belong to the wider New Guinea cultural cluster and speak the Kurti language. Little published history exists, but like many coastal PNG groups, their identity is shaped by clan ties and interaction with neighboring island communities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Life is typically village-based, with fishing, gardening, and small-scale trade forming the economic foundation. Families are extended and community-oriented, with strong kinship obligations. Traditional foods include fish, root crops, and tropical fruits. Celebrations often combine customary feasts with church gatherings, reflecting both heritage and Christian influence.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most identify as Christian, with a significant minority holding traditional ethnic beliefs involving ancestral spirits and customary practices. Christianity is established but not always deeply rooted, and syncretism can occur. Scripture portions are available in their language, though a complete Bible is not yet finished.

What Are Their Needs?

Deeper discipleship is needed so that Christian faith transforms daily life and replaces lingering traditional spiritual fears. Access to the full Bible in their language would strengthen understanding and maturity. Leadership development and local church growth would help sustain long-term spiritual health. Broader development challenges such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure also affect community stability.

Prayer Items

Pray for strong, biblically grounded leaders to arise.
Pray that nominal faith becomes genuine discipleship.
Pray asking God to bless families with unity and provision.
Pray for improved access to education, healthcare, and clean resources.
Pray that the Kuruti-Pare Christians would preach the gospel to their own people and beyond.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, evangelism materials, and discipleship resources in the Kurti language.

Scripture Prayers for the Kuruti-Pare in Papua New Guinea.

References

Kuruti-Pare of Papua New Guinea (PGID: PG010106) - PeopleGroups.org
Kurti Language (KTM) – Ethnologue