Introduction / History

Ataliklikun Bay is the colourful geographic centre of the Lungalunga community. Not far to the east and easily accessible by road lies the socioeconomic hub formed by Kokopo and Rabaul towns. Many ethnolinguistic groups mix in this wider area, yet the Lungalunga community maintains strong internal solidarity. The community originated in New Ireland
Province, migrating to East New Britain reportedly in the 1700s. The nickname Lungalunga, given to the community by outsiders who could not understand their language, migrated with them. The name means crazy, community members say with a laugh, explaining that it's too ingrained to change.

While many ethnic Lungalungas have married into communities that don't speak the traditional Lungalunga language, there
are villages (green areas on map) where Lungalunga is the language known best. SIL seeks to come alongside the Lungalunga
community through a programme called the New Britain Initiative (NBI). If developed, this programme would focus on training Papua New Guineans in translation practices and then mentor teams of national translators as they work on the New Testament. The Lungalunga people want to read God's word in their own tongue and are enthusiastic about the prospect of being involved in this programme.

Prayer Points

Pray for pastors of churches in the Lungalunga area to understand and teach the Word of God well.
Pray for SIL leadership to have wisdom in planning the NBI.
Pray for the Lungalunga people to grow in their understanding of God.
Pray for God to make a way, through the NBI or another method, to provide His Word in the Lungalunga language.

Scripture Prayers for the Lungalunga in Papua New Guinea.