Introduction / History

The Piamatsina are an indigenous Melanesian people group who live in the northern region of Espiritu Santo, the largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago. They are part of the Pacific Islander affinity bloc and have a rich heritage of customs, ceremonies, and ancient practices.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Piamatsina engage in slash-and-burn agriculture, as well as canoe fishing along the coast. Their villages are small, isolated, and rural, offering no reliable internet or electricity. With no recorded written language, they depend on dance, song, and storytelling to pass down their culture and history.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Missionaries brought Christianity to the Piamatsina people in the 19th century. Today, most attend church. However, many have never abandoned their traditional animism and ancestor worship.

What Are Their Needs?

The Piamatsina need the Bible in their heart language. The truth of God's word will help them see the dangers of syncretism.

Prayer Items

Pray for visual material and recordings to be developed for the presentation of the gospel.
Pray for the Lord to reveal himself to the Piamatsina and for the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts to receive the truth.
Pray for some to be called and sent to people groups with less of a gospel presence.
Pray for their economy to be developed; it is difficult to get their needs met from a remote island.

References

Scripture Prayers for the Piamatsina in Vanuatu.