The Onabasulu are a small people group in Papua New Guinea, living in the Southern Highlands Province on the Great Papuan Plateau between Mount Sisa and Mount Bosavi. Their community has long been shaped by village?based life in heavily forested, submontane terrain where kinship and traditional practices sustain local identity. Ethnographic research notes that traditional social structures, family networks, and community rituals are deeply ingrained in their culture and social organization.
They speak the Onobasulu language, a Trans–New?Guinea language of the Bosavi subgroup. This language is used within daily life and has been documented in linguistic sources as the native language of this group.
The Onabasulu live in forested river valleys and plateau foothills where daily life revolves around subsistence activities such as gardening, hunting, fishing, and gathering forest foods. Families cultivate staple crops like root vegetables and bananas and supplement their diet with meat and fish from local waterways and bushland.
Homes are constructed from locally available materials such as timber, thatch, and palms. Extended family and community cooperation are central to daily life, with neighbors and relatives working together for food production, building shelters, and caring for children. Because of their remote location, access to formal services such as healthcare, secondary education, and wider markets generally requires significant travel outside their village. Community life remains closely tied to the rhythms of the land and shared responsibility for meeting practical needs.
The Onabasulu primarily follow ethnic and traditional spiritual systems, with a substantial portion of the population identifying with ethnic religions that involve belief in spiritual forces connected to nature, ancestors, and unseen influences on daily life. About 45?percent identify as Christian, yet only a portion are classified as evangelical believers, indicating a mixed religious landscape where traditional beliefs remain significant.
Scripture in the Onobasulu language is present to some degree: portions of the Bible have been translated and the New Testament is available, offering an initial resource for engagement with God's Word. However, the complete Bible, audio Scriptures, and gospel films are not known to be available in their language.
The Onabasulu need a clear and faithful presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ that leads to personal faith and transformation rather than a blend of traditional spiritual systems and cultural norms. Where Christianity is present, spiritual growth rooted in Scripture is essential for deepening belief and discipleship.
A critical need is the completion and wider distribution of the Bible in the Onobasulu language so that individuals and families can engage with all of Scripture in the language spoken in their daily lives.
There is also a need for trained local leaders who can teach sound doctrine, disciple believers, and help nurture spiritually strong, biblically grounded church communities within the group.
Practically, improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation would support both physical well?being and opportunities for long?term spiritual and community development in their remote region.
Pray that the Onabasulu 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 live out the gospel in daily life.
Pray for the completion and availability of the full Bible in the Onobasulu language so the community can engage directly with all of God's word.
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 that supports community well?being and development.
Scripture Prayers for the Onabasulu in Papua New Guinea.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
